Call for Submissions: March 2026 Issue
Theme: Padayon
Deadline: March 15, 2026

Padayon is a gentle call to keep going, especially when the way forward feels uncertain. Rooted in Filipino language and culture, the word is often used to offer encouragement and support. For our inaugural issue, we welcome works that reflect on moving forward in different ways, through resilience, memory, personal and shared histories, ongoing challenges, and creative work, capturing the steady determination that continues to shape our lives.

Writers are encouraged to engage the theme with nuance, whether through personal narrative, imaginative literature, or reflective commentary.

Accepted Genres

✔ Poetry
✔ Essays & Creative Nonfiction
✔ Short Stories & Flash Fiction
✔ Biographical Writing
✔ Reviews (books, arts & culture)
✔ Cultural Commentary

Both emerging and established writers are welcome to submit.

Guidelines for Contributors

Formatting Requirements

• Submit the file as .doc or .docx

• Download the template here.

Word Count

• Short Story: 1,000–5,000 words

• Flash Fiction: up to 1,000 words

• Essays / CNF: 800–2,500 words

• Biographical: 800–2,500 words

• Reviews: 800–1,500 words

• Poetry: up to 5 poems

Submission

Contributors should submit their work using this form: https://forms.gle/MScB1zsgS2KwkFVP6

Originality and Plagiarism

Wise Pages Magazine publishes original, unpublished work. Plagiarism, appropriation without acknowledgment, or AI-generated content submitted as solely authored without disclosure are not permitted. Writers retain copyright; Wise Pages requests first publication rights and archival rights.

Language

We accept submissions in English, Filipino, Cebuano, and other Philippine languages. Translations or contextual cues may be requested at editorial discretion.

Citation and Attribution

For fiction and reviews:

• Parenthetical, footnote, or endnote systems are acceptable. 

• Citation style may follow APA, Chicago, MLA, or other scholarly formats, as long as it is internally consistent.

• Source titles, authors, and publication details must be verified whenever possible.

Direct quotations, paraphrases, or specific cultural references should be properly acknowledged.

Use of Images and Media

If a submission includes archival materials, photographs, or excerpts from copyrighted works, contributors must:

• secure permissions in advance, or

• demonstrate that materials are in the public domain or fair use.

Wise Pages may request proof of permissions if necessary.

Ethics & Community Conduct

Wise Pages supports a literary community grounded in respect. We do not publish material that promotes:

• Discrimination

• Explicit hate

• Harassment

• Defamation

• Targeted harm

Submissions depicting violence, trauma, or sensitive themes are not automatically disqualified but should exhibit literary intent and thoughtful framing.

Previously Published Work & Reprints

Wise Pages does not publish reprints or previously published material, including works that appeared on personal blogs, public forums, or social platforms, unless explicitly negotiated with the editorial team.

Withdrawal & Rights

Contributors may withdraw their submissions prior to acceptance. After acceptance, withdrawal may occur only by written notice and with editorial confirmation, as production may already be underway.

Upon publication:

• Authors retain copyright.

• Wise Pages retains archival rights for digital and print records.

AI and Digital Tools Policy

We do not accept work generated entirely by AI.

Authors may use digital tools for:

• grammar correction,

• formatting,

• research assistance, and

• drafting support.

However, authors must disclose meaningful AI involvement. Undisclosed AI-generated work may result in disqualification from current and future submissions.

Confidentiality

Submissions are treated as confidential. Editorial deliberations are not made public.

Editorial Process

All submissions undergo a multi-stage editorial workflow:

1. Submission. Authors submit their manuscripts through our official Google Form.

2. Editorial Screening (within 1 week). An editor conducts a review of the submitted work. Authors are notified of the result—Accepted, Revise, or Declined—within one week of submission.

3. Acceptance Notification. For accepted works, the editorial staff provides instructions for final submission and collects the required documents.

4. Copyediting & Author Consultation. The editorial team prepares the accepted work for publication, which may include edits and coordination with the author as needed.

5. Proofreading & Final Approval. Authors receive electronic proofs for review prior to final publication.

6. Publication & Release of Documents. Upon publication, authors receive:

   • e-copy of the certificate of authorship
   • e-copy of the certificate of publication
   • editorial evaluation and review certification
   • e-copy of full issue (once completed)
   

Edits will be discussed with contributors when they meaningfully alter structure, tone, or meaning. Minor copyedits (spelling, grammar, formatting) may be performed without extensive correspondence.

Rights, Fees, and Privileges

Authors retain copyright. Wise Pages Magazine requests first publication rights and archival rights.

To cover administrative costs for reviewing, editing, layout, and platform fees, we collect a Php 500 payment per author for accepted literary works.

Authors will receive e-copies of the certificate of authorship, certificate of publication, editorial evaluation and review certification, and full issue (once complete).

Authors may also order the physical copy of the full issue.