Mission Statement

Chapter House Journal (formerly Mud City Journal) is an online literary journal promoting the ideals and vision of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) Low Residency MFA Program. We publish new work on a biannual basis. 

While Chapter House is rooted in an Indigenous-centered program, we look to publish writers from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, styles, and aesthetics. That said, we strongly encourage submissions from Native American, First Nation, and Indigenous people, Black and Brown people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, neurodivergent individuals,   individuals with disabilities, and all members of historically marginalized, communities.

We publish fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and (sometimes) screenwriting. All submissions, including solicitations, are read by a dedicated staff of IAIA MFA students and faculty advisors. The staff also manages submissions, solicitations, publication decisions, website design, and blog content. 

Through the CH Blog we publish original content including reviews, interviews, video footage of craft talks, and readings from faculty members and visiting writers. Blog contributors are solicited through our student body.

Submission Guidelines

Simultaneous submissions are welcome. Please withdraw your submission promptly using our online system should your work be accepted elsewhere.

 We do not accept previously published material. This includes personal blogs and websites.

POETRY

3-5 poems, not to exceed 5 pages total. Begin each poem on a separate page. 

FICTION

Submit one piece, or up to 3 shorter pieces, of up to 5000 words.

NONFICTION

Submit one piece, or up to 3 shorter pieces, of up to 5000 words.

RIGHTS

We ask for first North American serial rights and non-exclusive electronic rights for our website. Chapter House Journal does not accept work that has been previously published in print or online. Rights revert to the author upon publication. We ask that Chapter House Journal, be attributed as the first publisher of your work should it reappear in print or digitally in another journal, anthology or collection.