Top-Shelf Literary Magazine — Inaugural Issue, Fall 2026
Top-Shelf Literary Magazine is seeking original artwork for the cover of our inaugural Fall 2026 issue.
This first issue is a beginning, and we want a cover that feels like one. Autumn and early-winter palettes are welcome but not required — what matters is mood, atmosphere, and resonance. We’re less interested in literal interpretations of “fall” or “literature” than in work that draws the reader in, that lingers, that has something to say beneath its surface.
The Prize Package
- Your artwork featured on the cover of our inaugural issue
- Complimentary contributor copy of the magazine
- Full artist feature inside the magazine (artwork, bio, statement)
- Featured artist spotlight on the CopperMoon Productions website
- $50 honorarium
What We’re Looking For
All mediums welcome: digital illustration, painting, photography, mixed media, collage, drawing. Original, unpublished work only. AI-generated work is not eligible.
Specifications
- Orientation: Portrait
- Resolution: Minimum 2625 × 3375 pixels at 300 DPI (includes bleed)
- File format: High-res PNG, TIFF, or JPEG
- Composition: Should accommodate masthead placement in the top third
- Visual impact: Should hold up at thumbnail size as well as full scale
Rights
Artist retains full copyright. Top-Shelf acquires first-use rights for the cover and non-exclusive rights for promotional use. All other rights remain with the artist.
Honorarium & Payment
The $50 honorarium will be paid to the winning artist within 30 days of the winner notification (by August 31, 2026). Payment will be issued via PayPal (preferred for both U.S. and international artists). Payment will be issued in U.S. dollars. The winning artist will be contacted directly to confirm and provide payment details.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be reviewed by our editorial team, led by Art Curator Pete Finch, based on:
- Artistic quality and technical execution
- Resonance with our literary sensibility
- Cover viability and composition
- Originality of vision
Eligibility
- Open internationally
- Artists 18 and over
- One submission per artist
How to Submit
Email your submission to [email protected] with the subject line:
COVER ART SUBMISSION – [Your Last Name] – [Artwork Title]
Include in your email:
- Your artwork file attached (for files over 20MB, share via Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer link in the email body)
- Title of the piece
- Artist statement (100–200 words)
- Artist bio (75 words)
- Portfolio link or 2–3 additional sample works
- Confirmation that the work is original and unpublished
- Confirmation that you’ve read and agree to the rights terms above
Timeline
- Submissions open: Today
- Submissions close: June 30, 2026
- Winner notified: by August 1, 2026
- Public announcement: First week of August 2026
- Issue launch: September/October 2026
We can’t wait to see what you make.
— The Editors of Top-Shelf Literary Magazine