the TONIC is an independent literary journal.

We publish a wide range of prose, poetry, and text-based art and are drawn to provocative, innovative, and experimental writing.

We’re interested in previously unpublished work in the following categories - simultaneous genre submissions are welcome:

  • Fiction, including excerpts from larger pieces (up to 5,000 words)

  • Poetry (up to 5 poems)

  • Literary Non-fiction (up to 5,000 words)

  • Critical Essays (up to 5,000 words)

  • Stage and screen (up to 6,000 words)

  • Text-based art (up to 4 pdf pages)

  • Young Adult Fiction (up to 5,000 words)

Submissions are closed until further notice. Please check back soon.

Submit via Submittable

  • (Someoneschild) is a self-taught Nigerian photographer and fine artist whose work challenges the boundaries of photographic form. His breakout piece, Scarred, debuted in a 2018 group show and was later exhibited at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Kamal’s images span portraiture, nature, and documentary, each inviting viewers to pause, look closer, and find beauty in overlooked places. Rooted in curiosity and experimentation, his evolving practice reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, transformation, and reimagining the familiar. Check out some of his work here: Kamal Obat