Women of Ohio

Women of Ohio invites submissions of poetry, prose, and visual art for an online archive celebrating the women of the city of Columbus and state of Ohio. We seek work inspired by women who have shaped our communities, histories, and imaginations. Your subject may be a well-known historical figure, an overlooked local leader, a family member, a friend, an artist, activist, educator, scientist, athlete, or someone whose story has yet to be fully told. Through creative work, we hope to preserve, recover, honor, and reimagine the stories of Ohio women, past and present.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome original creative work in the following genres:

• Poetry;
• Creative nonfiction;
• Short prose;
• Hybrid and experimental writing;
• Visual art, including painting, drawing, photography, collage, textile art, digital art, and mixed media.

Submission Guidelines

Writing (submit in Word or Google doc):
• Up to 3 poems (maximum 5 pages total), OR
• One prose submission of up to 1,500 words.

Artwork:
• Up to 3 images;
• Submit as JPEG or PNG files;
• Please include title, medium, and dimensions where applicable.

Please include a brief biographical note (50–100 words) with your submission.

Eligibility

We welcome submissions from writers and artists everywhere whose work engages with women connected to Ohio. However, as a community-based Ohio project, priority will be given to Ohio residents and those with strong ties to Ohio and the city of Columbus. Contributors of all genders are welcome to submit.

AI Policy

Women of Ohio values human creativity and artistic expression. We do not accept work generated wholly or partially by artificial intelligence. All submissions must be the original work of the contributor.

Compensation

At present, Women of Ohio does not have funding to pay contributors for online publication. We recognize the value of artists’ and writers’ labour and are actively seeking funding opportunities to support the project.

As a volunteer-led initiative, our goal is to direct any funding we secure back into the creative community through contributor payments, commissions, exhibitions, workshops, public events, and other opportunities that support Ohio artists and writers. We are committed to building a sustainable platform that celebrates and invests in women’s voices across Ohio.

By submitting however, contributors acknowledge that publication is currently unpaid.

Rights

Authors and artists retain copyright of their work. By submitting, contributors grant Women of Ohio permission to publish selected work online, and in promotional materials related to the project. Copyright remains with the creator.

How to Submit

Please send submissions to womenofohio@gmail.com

Subject Line: Women of Ohio Submission

Deadline: Ongoing