Write for Us

Polity is a left space. It is independent but not impartial. Our values are social justice, social change, and solidarity. Consider our worldview and yours, to decide whether to write for us. We publish original content only (except for translations into English and collective statements), in the form of essays, commentaries, interviews, reviews, short stories, poems, art, photography, diaries, and other forms of expression. There is no payment. Neither is there a fee for editorial labour; nor the costs of online and print publication. 

Your submission must include a declaration that it is exclusive to Polity, and not published nor on offer elsewhere. It may be declined on first review for reasons ranging from the choice of topic, the point of view, the structure and argument, to the style and quality of prose. If accepted, the author is expected to revise it following editorial comment. There may be multiple rounds of review and revision, until a satisfactory version is received. Publication is usually online first, followed by print in due course.

Essays are to be between 4000 and 6000 words. Opinion or commentary pieces, photo-journalism, and field notes, should be between 2200 and 3600 words. Reviews are to be between 1800 and 2800 words. ‘Interventions’ in current controversies should aim to be under 2000 words. 

Please click here for a simple style sheet.

A citation guide is available here.

Submissions in MS word format (TNR 12, 1.5 spacing) are to be sent to the editors at polity@ssalanka.org