Read more to learn information about The Hellebore Press.


What type of work should I send?

The Hellebore welcomes unpublished and/or previously published creative nonfiction, fiction, prose poetry, poetry, flash fiction/nonfiction, hybrid, and visual art submissions. We want to read about your gothic wardrobe and teenage crushes. Send us that amazing arroz con leche recipe your grandmother taught you. Share your portraits in the morning light.

We want it all.

Our tips? Captivate us. Move us. Grip us with your magnetic verse and bold brushstrokes. Lure us into the depths of your soul and all that consumes you. Liberate us with your truth.

Themes and topics that especially speak to us include: family, identity, race, culture, love, mental health, spirituality, immigration, perseverance, survival, belonging, discovery, renewal, strength, and empowerment.

Be sure to review past issues to get an idea of what we publish. The Hellebore has some serious range. We feature incredibly dynamic and eclectic work since we want to create a canon of literature and art that transforms the publishing landscape.


Is there anything you won’t accept?

We do not accept submissions that contain excessive or unwarranted violence, ableist language, racism and discrimination, or anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments. Gratuitous cursing and obscene/graphic language is not our cup of tea. Any work that includes hate slurs or hate speech will be automatically declined. Plagiarized work doesn’t fly either. Forreal! Don’t try us!

We also reserve the right to refuse and remove work from individuals who use their position to harass, abuse, or otherwise endanger members of our community.  We believe survivors. If any work that appears on the site is authored by an individual who violates the trust and safety of someone else, notify us immediately. We will respect your privacy and honor your requests to ensure that The Hellebore Press remains a safe refuge for creative expression.


When and where can I send submissions?

General Submissions are closed until June 10, 2022. Please review our Submit page to review upcoming reading periods. Also, remember to greet the editor, Denise Nichole. A friendly or warm hello, truly goes a long way. A greeting to the staff, Rachel Andrews & Angel Camarena is also appreciated. When in doubt, use The Hellebore Editorial Team or The Hellebore Staff.

All submissions can be sent to thehellebore[@]outlook.com. Just remember to include the information that is requested. By the way don’t worry if you forget to include an attachment or bio, we will remind you and still consider your work.


Do you respond back to submissions?

We absolutely do. We respond to submissions within 2-4 weeks. Sometimes sooner! Please allow more time for responses when new issues and chapbooks are released.

Additionally, candidates for the HUES Fellowship & Hellebore Poetry Scholarship Award will be notified of the status of their submission within 3 months to ensure the utmost care and consideration of their applications and manuscripts. This gives us time to raise funds, organize additional resources, discuss the work, and when applicable, provide feedback.

We aim to review HUES Scholar applications within 1-2 weeks after the application was submitted.

Thank you for your patience as we work diligently to review your work.


After publishing do I retain the rights to my work?

Absolutely. We retain first time publishing rights upon acceptance and publication of your work. After that, rights revert back to you. If your work is published anywhere else, we humbly ask for an acknowledgement and/or citation. Please note that rights that relate to the publication of a chapbook or anthology are negotiated with each author.