Submission Guidelines

(as of December 2025)

For any questions or further information, reach out to us at inkdrop@uni-bielefeld.de

Eligibility:

  • Ink Drop is open to anyone who studies or works at Bielefeld University or Hochschule Bielefeld (HSBI). 
  • Any texts or artwork submitted must be the original work of the author (with the exception of translations). 
  • All works must have been fully generated by human beings:  we are not interested in AI-generated or AI-modified texts.
  • Texts by more than one author are welcome, as long as all authors are named and agree to have their work published.
  • You are welcome to use a pen name or pseudonym: please let us know what name you’d like to be published under.

We accept:

  • Short stories, poems, non-fiction essays, and other artwork.  
  • All work must be original work by the author/artist.
  • You are welcome to include photos or drawings to accompany your text, as long as they are originals.   Please limit to 2-3 illustrations, and keep them to a small size.  (email us for specifics)
  • Translations of published works are welcome, as long as the original author is clearly cited.

Language

  • While English is the predominant language of Ink Drop, we will publish texts in any language. 
  • You are welcome to include a translation of your text into English, or a summary in English, but this is not required.
  • If your text in in a language that does not use the Latin Alphabet (Arabic, Japanese, Russian, etc.) you will be asked to approve a draft of your text before it is published, to address any formatting issues.

Formatting

  • When submitting, let us know of any special formatting requests you have (especially with poetry).

Theme

  • From time to time Ink Drop may put out a special call for texts on a specific theme.  Other than those times, texts on any theme are welcome.
  • We will not publish:  any overtly political material, extreme horror/violence, graphic sexual content, and so on.   If you’re not sure about your text, email us.
  • Please include a short bio with your text: this should be written in the third person, and can include any information you’d like to share.