The physicality of print remains the most effective medium for deep emotional and intellectual connections with literary art in 2026. Collecting excellent work as a real object anchors creative community building, and encourages the dispersal of literature in physical settings.
On these grounds, thrilled, we are opening submissions for the inaugural print edition of Varnish. In line with our mission, the print journal seeks to expand the professional writing landscape in Australia; unlike with Varnish Online, we are able to compensate all artists for their work, offering payment for chosen fiction, essays, and poems.
Works are to be selected purely for artistic merit, stylistic ingenuity, and complex examinations of lived experience. For this edition, only one submission in total is allowed per person, and we do not accept pitches.
Important information:
We’re only able to consider the first 500 submissions, so don’t delay
Please send all submissions to: varnishsubmissions@gmail.com
When submitting, please add “Print Submission” to your email subject-line. Submissions not marked as “Print Submission” will automatically be redirected to Varnish Online
