Q: My whole submission has been accepted elsewhere. How do I withdraw my submission?
Congratulations! To withdraw, go into the submission on Submittable. You will find the “Withdraw“ button on the top right corner. Please only choose this option if you are withdrawing your whole submission from consideration.
Q: Only part of my submission was accepted elsewhere. Can I withdraw part of my submission?
You sure can! If you would like to withdraw partially, you don’t need to use the “Withdraw“ button. Simply go into your Touchstone submission on Submittable, select the “Messages“ tab, and send us a note about which piece you’d like to withdraw.
Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or a student at Kansas State University in order to submit?
Touchstone is proudly open for all submitters—student or non-student, nationally and internationally.
Q: I am from a minority background; would it hurt my chances?
We are dedicated to creating a safe platform for publication for our new writers & artists. BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, diversely-abled, international writers, and other underrepresented voices are cordially welcome to find a home for your work with us!
Q: I have never been published before; would it hurt my chances?
Nope! Touchstone has been the first home for countless new and emerging writers since 1975. We pride ourselves for amplifying the voices of never-published writers and underrepresented voices. All that matters is the strength of your work.
Q: How long does it take before I hear back from Touchstone?
Our readers and editors read new submissions carefully every week. Unless otherwise noted, it usually takes 3-4 months for us to get back to you, although we try to respond faster than that if we can. All of our staff are full-time graduate & undergraduate students, and we appreciate your patience with our review process.
Q: Who owns the rights to my work after publication?
You do! Touchstone only asks for first publication rights. All rights revert back to its original author after our publication online. We ask, however, that you credit us as the first publisher in acknowledgements when you publish the same work again.