The Penmen Review is Southern New Hampshire University’s online journal for creative writers, featuring resource articles, spotlight interviews and writing in all genres, selected by our editorial board from submitted work. The editors of The Review post new selections weekly.
We accept submissions year-round. Submissions are reviewed on a quarterly basis, with review periods beginning after each quarter closes (March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31). Authors can expect a response approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the close of the quarter in which their work was submitted. Simultaneous submissions are accepted and writers retain all rights to their work. There are no submission fees for writers for submissions nor are fees paid.
Submit work and review our guidelines here.
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12th Annual Fall Fiction Contest
October 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is excited to announce its 12th Annual Fall Fiction Contest, inviting writers across the continental U.S. to showcase their original short stories. Submissions will be accepted from Oct. 1-31. By entering, you’ll have the opportunity to win up to $3,000 in SNHU scholarships, have your short story featured in The Penmen Review and more.
Review the submission guidelines for more information.
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The Penmen Review is proud to share the winners and runner-up comics in Southern New Hampshire University’s Graphic Storytelling Challenge! In this experiential learning activity, teams of undergraduate graphic design and creative writing students from SNHU’s Global Campus were tasked with creating a 4-page comic book, with cover, in just eight weeks.
You can read the winning comics here!
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SNHU also hosts writing-related events year-round in the form of author readings, Q&As and discussions. Access recordings from Word for Word, SNHU’s online literary series, and catch up on the Online MFA program’s Wireside Chats.
You can also listen to the creative writing episodes in Passion and Practicality: A Liberal Arts Podcast.
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Visit the Southern New Hampshire University website for more information about online creative writing programs: