Get involved
As we wrap up over six years of focused interrogation of literary rhetoric across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, we welcome contributions from writers, translators, and scholars who write about literature and language anywhere in the world to our publication, Global Literary Theory (ISSN: 3049-8724).
This online space will make room for a wider application of the role of poetry and other literatures in discourses such as beauty, aesthetics, and knowledge-making. We welcome commentary on literature in all its emanating forms, such as sound and visual art.
Your contributions may take the form of book reviews, working papers, translations related to literary culture, or reflections on the literary world – through your own view or the views of creatives across time. You may wish to contribute in an alternative way. We encourage a pluralistic approach to literary knowledge, exploring meaning across historical and cultural contexts, especially bringing into new light non-European and or pre-modern literary theories and their relevance to the public sphere today.
We welcome the following types of writing (the list is not exhaustive):
- translation from any language of writing related to literature and literary culture anywhere in the world.
- reviews of recent books or old classics relating to literature and culture.
- reflections on why a particular literature matters today and should be better known to the world.
- unexpected juxtapositions and comparative analyses of diverse literary texts (Swahili and Urdu, for example, or Finnish and Georgian).
- reflections on the life of a translator or scholar or lover of world literatures.
- reports on travels to literary sites: a writer’s house, a museum, a literary pilgrimage.
Who writes for Global Literary Theory?
Our authors tend to know a great deal about the literatures about which they write, but we are open to contributions from anyone who cares about quality writing and fostering a diverse literary culture. We welcome pieces from postgraduate students (Master’s, Doctoral) and scholars of all disciplines, as well as those who may possess non-’academic’ expertise. We also encourage authors to use this opportunity as an occasion to submit substantial revisions of already-published work, in the spirit of giving past work a second life for a new audience.
Why should you contribute to Global Literary Theory?
We are Medium’s only publication that centres literature in translation. We utilise this position to foreground innovative and unexpected analyses of diverse literary texts. You may use this opportunity to develop new creative theories, revisit previous translations or theories, or simply respond to your own experience of living and reading within the topography of contemporary literary criticism.
In an effort to make this invitation accessible to as many as possible, Global Literary Theory offers a modest compensation for successful contributions. The project team will also provide editorial support by way of review, feedback, and editing.
Where to start?
Step 1. Request to be a GLT Writer
If you would like to write stories for GLT, we ask that you fill out the following form with your Medium user information and an example of your work.
If you don’t have a Medium account, use these instructions to get started. You do not need a Medium membership (paid) to be a writer! The free account is sufficient to write and submit stories. You can find your handle/username under Settings in your profile.
Step 2. Submit your Story
Once our team has reviewed your submission and think your story is a good fit, we will add you as a writer to the publication.
We have prepared guidelines for GLT writers on Medium. If you are unfamiliar with the platform, it may be useful to read over these guidelines to get to know the Story Editor and Medium guidelines. These instructions also include information on how to submit to GLT and how to respond to feedback.