Emerald Coast Writers (ECW) has published the voices of regional writers in poetry collections, chapbooks, books and anthologies for more than 35 years. Located in Pensacola, Florida, with offices in the Pensacola Cultural Center, ECW is a 501 (c) 3 Not for Profit, all-volunteer organization. ECW biennially publishes Emerald Coast Review, a regional anthology, and sponsors poetry, student poetry and creative nonfiction contests throughout the year. In addition, they offer workshops with guest authors and poets, critique groups, webinars and open mics. The membership includes Floridians as well as writers living as far away as North Carolina and Kentucky. Formerly known as West Florida Literary Federation, in 2022 ECW changed its organizational name.
1. Emerald Coast Review is a regional publication that only accepts submissions from authors/writers/poets and visual artists residing in the following counties in Florida and Alabama: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay (Florida) and Escambia, Mobile, Baldwin (Alabama) as well as current ECW members residing elsewhere.
2. The Emerald Coast Review invites submissions of nonfiction (including hybrids of memoir and essay, flash nonfiction, creative nonfiction, and journalistic feature writing). In the area of fiction, we are eager to receive short stories, short plays, flash fiction, and micro-fiction. We welcome all forms of poetry (including experimental poems). Artistically, we welcome digital photography and digital photographs of original works such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, collage, mixed media, etchings, silk screen, lithographs, etc.
3. All submissions must be in electronic format and uploaded to the appropriate category on the Submittable page for Emerald Coast Review.
4. ECR accepts only original work. AI generated work is not being considered at this time.
5. A brief third-person biography (75 words maximum) is required. College students should indicate school attending. If your work is selected, the bio will appear in the publication. Students must be at least 16 years old to submit.
6. Submissions are read with "concealed identity.” Do not place your name on the manuscript. Labeling instructions are specified in each genre.
7. Fee: $10 per submission, per category, except for visual arts which is $3 per file. College students receive a 50% discount but must email emeraldcoastreview@gmail.com for a direct link to receive the discount.
8. Submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 PM CST, 15 July 2025.
9. ECW accepts only original, unpublished work that has not previously appeared in any publicly accessible form, including online. We request First North American serial rights to work accepted for publication in the Emerald Coast Review. After publication, rights revert to the author, artist, or photographer. Simultaneous submissions are accepted but must be withdrawn by the author if accepted elsewhere.
10. All submissions are final. We will not consider rewritten submissions, though the editors reserve the right to request minor revisions. Editors will proofread and make corrections in grammar, spelling, and punctuation; however, please ensure you have checked your work carefully for such errors before submitting. Proof copies of any changes will be supplied to authors by email.
11. All selected contributors will receive one free contributor’s copy of the Emerald Coast Review.
12. Multiple submissions are accepted from writers and artists with a submission fee for each group.