Mettlem is a quarterly men’s journal that publishes gay-themed literary fiction and non-fiction, poetry, opinion, comics and art by emerging and established writers and artists. It also includes visual art features, book reviews, exhibition previews and interviews. Diverse in style and subject, Mettlem canvases the varied and changing expressions of gay life through quality visual art, prose and poetry.
With its fresh design and high quality presentation, Mettlem is something meant to be collected. All the freshest stories and images, Mettlem is the definitive, on-going survey of gay visual and written culture.
Mettlem is compiled by a passionate group of writers, artists and designers keen to preserve and promote the rich artistic expressions of fellow men of mettle.
See below for more detail and check out our website: http://www.mettlem.com/
What does MettleM publish?
In addition to its regular features, reviews and previews, Mettlem publishes quality gay-themed fiction, poetry, nonfiction, opinion/essays and art/comics for a discerning gay male audience. Submissions must not have been previously published (in any form, online or in print) or be currently under consideration with another publisher. Only well-drafted, polished and original writing will be successful, in which event authors should be prepared to work with the editor on their copy to shape it ready for publication. All submissions will be reviewed with authors/artists being advised on the status of their submission within three months of receipt; we will occasionally hold copy over as some pieces may be better suited to a later issue.
We accept submissions for all areas of the magazine at all times, however please read carefully all of the submission guidelines.
Successful entrants receive a modest fee (AUST $100) on publication along with a copy of the magazine.
About ‘Gay’
In adopting the word ‘gay’ we do so without intending on limiting its scope. Many may prefer the term ‘queer’ as it is often unaligned with any specific identity category, it therefore has the potential to work as an umbrella term for a range of culturally marginal sexual self-identifications. While with our use of gay we do not exclude discussions or experiences of identity politics and the ‘gay rights movement’, we also look to include those not comfortable with identity politics. In short, whether you personally consider yourself gay, queer, questioning, curious, bisexual or prefer adopting a non-identity status instead — and hate labels as much as we do — you’re more than welcome to submit work. In fact, even if you are female — or are male but consider yourself heterosexual — and are in search of a home for your gay-themed work, we’d love to hear from you.
A note about theme
As a magazine for gay men, Mettlem seeks to publish fiction, nonfiction and art works that canvas the varied experiences and perspectives of the gay male. How do you know if your work qualifies? Of course we consider work on a case-by-case basis; however providing the central character(s) or the overall feel of the work is personally related to our primary readership, send it to us (in some cases this could include homoerotic or ‘buddy’ narratives that have more wide-reaching appeal). No homophobic, racist, sexist or derogatory material will be published, unless it is pertinent to the story — we won’t shy away from difficult material if it seeks to tackle difficult issues, such as drug addiction or sex crimes (that is, if you’re including offensive material there should be a good reason why).
In short, we want to cover it all, whether it be a personal account of coming out (or not coming out) or a glimpse into a rip-roarious fantasy adventure, don’t take ‘gay-themed’ as a label or limit or excuse to submit poorly developed stories — so common in M/M erotica. We want you to take the gay-themed mould, knead it, change it (even smash it if you must) to create the most honest and original writing and art that you can. We want to hear your stories, all of them, and we want to publish them — alongside other stories that compliment and differ with yours — in the spirit of exploring the complexity of the gay male’s life (not just a history of representing a gay male lifestyle, if you recognise the difference, you’re on the right track).
“I can't say that”: Publishing anonymously
If, for whatever reason, you’ve created something that is really good, but could never see the light of day with your name on it, send it with a pseudonym or even as ‘Anonymous’. While we need your real name on our end, that information can remain confidential. Whether it’s an inside look at the closest or an experience too painful to share with colleagues or those you know, whether you’re a husband, father, religious leader, politician … if you have something fresh and insightful and original you’d like to share (or simply long for the catharsis that comes with publishing), send it to us.
Category detail
Fiction/Poetry. Can be anything
Nonfiction. We accept literary and gonzo journalism, memoir, interviews and reviews, we also accept pitches, if you have a nonfiction idea you think would be perfect for Mettlem but are not sure whether to write it, submit a 250 word summary (with ‘nf idea’ in the subject line) instead and we can advise you on whether it’s worth pursuing
Art. We accept illustrations, photography, mixed media, sculpture, anything really provided you send us a digital version of the work between 300 and 600 dpi (600 preferred). If you’re interested in being paired on the page with a writer, email the editor.
Length
Mettlem is a measured publication, for fiction, nonfiction and opinion/essay pieces, no more than 4000 words each. For poetry, no more than 100 lines. For comics, no more than five pages.
Formatting
Should be minimal, with your text an appropriate size (11–16 point), double-spaced in an easy-to-read font (such as Times New Roman). Printed submissions should be single-sided with all pages numbered and named (author and title).
Author biography
Must be no more than 50 words and accompany each piece. They can be quirky or serious. If you wish to send additional information you may (but make sure you provide the 50 words that will accompany your piece should it be published).
Multiple submissions
Are encouraged and there’s no limit, although only pieces that meet the submission guidelines will be considered. We also suggest only sending your best work; volume won’t assist your submission if we need to search for a gem in your rough.
Previously published work
Can’t be considered.
What we can’t accept
Previously published works or any works that use existing characters or quote excessively from existing writing, this includes fan fiction. That being said, allegory, allusion and parody are more than welcome.
Payment
Entry is free. On publication contributors are provided with a copy of Mettlem and AUST $100 per published item.
How to submit
We accept submissions both via email and in hard copy.
If you’d like to submit via email, submissions should be sent to:
submissions@MettleM.com
Please attach the piece(s) you’re submitting as a Word file (not pasted into the body of the email). In the body of the email should be your full name (with your pseudonym clearly identified if you wish to use one), age, email and postal addresses, phone number and a bio of no more than 50 words.
Please also advise how you heard about the magazine.
If you’d prefer to submit via post so your work can be read in hard copy, submissions should be sent to:
Mettlem
PO Box 400
Rozelle NSW 2039
Australia
Please include a cover letter with your full name (with your pseudonym clearly identified if you wish to use one), age, email and postal addresses, phone number and a bio of no more than 50 words. Please also advise how you heard about the magazine.
Overseas submissions
Can be posted or emailed (see How To submit).
Response time
Within three months of receipt of your submission. If you haven’t heard from us at the end of that three month period, make contact, it’s possible your work never reached us.
Terms of publication
Chewable Prose publishes work in Mettlem on a non-exclusive, irrevocable and royalty-free basis. We require writers who will be published in Mettlem to sign a licence deed granting us permission to publish their work in the printed Mettlem magazine, on the Chewable Prose and Mettlem websites, and for use in promoting our magazine. Writers retain copyright of their work and are free to use in whatever way they’d like in the future. Please only submit your work if you are satisfied with these terms.
Parting words
Happy writing and art making and we look forward to receiving your submissions.