SUBMIT
Each month, Second Shift publishes one artist and one writer in the online journal. Once a year, it publishes a thematic print journal. The theme of the 2026 print journal is GLASS.
General Guidelines
We accept nonfiction, fiction, poetry, art, and anything else that can be reproduced as an image. Your content of your work may, but does not need to, reflect on labor or your occupation. Simultaneous submissions are welcome. The maximum word limit is 4500–this can comprise one or multiple pieces in the same document.
In general, Second Shift only accepts writing that has not been previously published, but in rare cases we are willing to make exceptions—please let us know in the submission notes if this is the case.
With your submission, please include a brief bio stating your name, age, occupation, and general area of residence (country, state, city). We do not publish bios that include prior publications, awards, or institutional affiliations, but welcome personal information of all kinds (e.g., "I love taking long walks on the beach").
The cost to submit is free and always will be.
Print Journal
Once a year, second shift publishes a thematic print journal that aims to interrogate and reframe our relationship to labor. The theme of the 2026 print journal is GLASS.
If you work with GLASS (window-washing, bartending, optometry, etc.): submit!
If you are uncertain whether or not you "work with glass": still submit!
Online Journal
Each month, second shift publishes one artist and one writer in the online journal. The online issue is unthemed.
Once a year, second shift publishes a thematic print journal that aims to interrogate and reframe our relationship to labor. The theme of the 2026 print journal is GLASS.
If you work with GLASS (window-washing, bartending, optometry, etc.): submit!
If you are uncertain whether or not you "work with glass": still submit!
Online Journal
Each month, second shift publishes one artist and one writer in the online journal. The online issue is unthemed.
Second Shift is a literary journal about art and work located in Chicago, IL, founded in spring 2026. Each month, Second Shift publishes one artist and one writer in the online journal. Once a year, it publishes a thematic print issue.
MASTHEAD
Sam Grenier, Editor
N.C. Happe, Editor
Jackson McGrath, Editor
Title
Piece.