Our Digital Literary Magazine, Annual Writing Prize & Creative Discovery Hub
Literesque is Pennacle's literary imprint: a bi-annual digital magazine + annual writing prize. This corner of Pennacle is dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing new and emerging African writers.
It serves as a home for bold, boundary-pushing creativity: a space where writers can publish, compete, grow, and connect with a community committed to craft, depth, and artistic integrity.
Whether you are submitting to the magazine, entering the Prize, or hoping to be featured in our Editor's Picks, Literesque is built to spotlight your voice.
About Literesque
We publish poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, flash pieces, and interviews with new writers.
Our mission is to champion outstanding artistry and socially conscious writing by emerging African voices.
We seek bold, [positively] triggering, pieces that demonstrate craftsmanship, emotional depth, and a mastery of language.
We value works that explore diverse African perspectives, challenge dominant narratives and amplify underrepresented ideals, and provoke deeper thought, reflection, and empathy.
Important: Literesque considers unpublished work only, and welcomes submissions from writers across Africa whose works feature African themes, characters, perspectives, or concerns.
What We Value
Note: We do not solicit funds or apply for grants. Literesque is currently not a paying publication, but we award cash and other prizes to winners of the Literesque Prize contest and our Editor's Monthly Picks.
Submission Opportunities
Explore the three ways to be featured in Literesque
The Literesque Magazine
High-quality creative work from African writers, published twice a year
First Issue
Second Issue
No Entry Fee • All submissions reviewed in the month following the close of each reading period
Categories
Poetry
Up to 5 poems, no length limit
Fiction
Up to 2 pieces (3,000 - 5,000 words)
Creative Nonfiction
Up to 2 pieces (3,000 - 5,000 words)
Flash Fiction
Up to 3 pieces (max 1,000 words)
Reviews & Commentary
Up to 3 pieces (1,000 - 2,000 words)
Submission Format
- Submit all pieces for the period in one document (.doc, .docx, or .pdf)
- Double-spaced (except poetry)
- Standard 12-pt font (Times New Roman, Arial, etc.)
- No identifying information in the file
- Include page numbers
General Guidelines
- Submit only during reading periods
- Only one submission per period, for one category
- No simultaneous submissions
- No previously published work
- No drama or film scripts
- No revised resubmissions unless requested
- AI-generated or AI-assisted writing is not accepted
Eligibility
Ready to Submit?
Email your submissions to submissions@thepennacle.com during any reading period. Include a short cover letter and third-person bio in the email body.
Read Current IssueEditor's Monthly Picks
A Spotlight for Outstanding pieces of Literature
Each month, our editors select one exceptional piece from the pool of all eligible submissions. This allows us to celebrate more writers beyond the bi-annual issue and promote consistent discovery throughout the year. The selected writer receives a cash reward, feature spotlight, and editorial commentary on why their work stood out.
The Literesque Prize
Pennacle's Annual Prize for Short Fiction, Poetry and Creative Nonfiction
The Literesque Prize is an annual submission-based contest for emerging writers. Winning entries are published in our January - June magazine issue, and spotlighted across Pennacle platform.
Each category is based on a theme, which writers are free to interpret from any angle.
Categories: Poetry, Short Fiction, Creative Nonfiction.
Contest Guidelines
- You may enter multiple categories (one piece per category)
- Each category requires a separate entry fee
- Provide a unique, creative title
- Include a 300-word bio or less
- Submit in PDF only
- No personal details inside the file
- 12-pt font, double-spaced
- Creative Nonfiction entries may include a brief outline
Prizes
Eligibility
Be 15 or older, Nigerian, and not have previously won a Pennacle contest.
Judging Process
Entries are reviewed anonymously by a panel of writers, editors, and literary professionals, and judged according to originality, craftsmanship, emotional impact, and thematic relevance.
Ready to Enter?
Visit the Registration Page for specific instructions and details
Visit Registration PageGeneral Policies for all Submissions
- Only previously unpublished work is accepted
- Writers retain full rights; Pennacle claims first publication rights only
- Submissions must comply with age, location, and eligibility rules per contest or magazine category
FAQs
Can I enter multiple categories?
Yes, but only one entry per category.
Is there an entry fee and do I need to pay separate fees for each category?
Yes. Each category requires its own entry payment.
Can I send a work previously published elsewhere?
No. We only accept previously unpublished work.
Do I keep the rights to my work?
Yes. Pennacle only requests first publication rights for the contest anthology and magazine.
Can I submit work for consideration in Editor's Picks?
Yes, but only during the reading periods. All eligible magazine submissions are automatically considered. Entries from the Literesque Prize are also eligible, even if not selected as a winner.
Do you provide feedback on submissions?
Due to the volume of entries, we do not provide individual feedback. Selection is based on editorial judgment.