Expression Literary and Arts Magazine

When to submit

Submissions for each publication year must be submitted before February 28 to be considered for publication in that spring’s issue, i.e., submissions for the 2023 edition are accepted from March 1, 2022, until February 28, 2023. Anything submitted after the submission deadline will be entered into consideration for the following year’s publication.

What we are looking for

We welcome student submissions of original work from a variety of genres, including but not limited to stories, essays, poems, screenplays, paintings, drawings, graphic designs, sculpture, jewelry design, costume design, architecture design, musical scores, and musical recordings. If the work is creative and original, we’d like to see it for consideration in the magazine.

All submissions require a title. Submissions without a title are subject to being given titles by the Expression team or withdrawn from consideration. Please ensure that the title of your documents is your intended artwork’s title, i.e. AllTheRoses.jpeg NOT untitled.jpeg.

Literary Submissions

Manuscripts must be typed, Times New Roman, 12-pt., double spaced, titled, and a maximum of 3,000 words.
Save submissions as a *.docx or *.rtf file. In the “Save as Type” box, scroll down to “.docx” “.rtf” and click. No .pdf submissions will be accepted.
Submissions must contain a header with the title and page number in the upper right-hand corner only; do not put your name anywhere on the submission.
Essay submissions should be fitting for a literary and arts magazine. As we are not an academic press, essays submitted to Expression should thematically fit our book by discussing ideas around art, culture, literature, or society.

Visual Art Submissions

Artwork and photography saved as a *.jpeg, *.tiff, or *.png may be submitted.
All photographs of artwork should be submitted at 300dpi high-resolution for print.
Graphic design pieces will be counted as one submission per one page or one singular two-page spread.
For assistance with photographing physical artwork, please contact us as expression@caspercollege.edu to arrange a time to meet us to take high-quality photographs of your artwork prior to

Music Submissions

Submissions may be for solo instrument, voice, or ensemble.
Sheet music must be submitted in *.jpeg or *.png format.
Original performance pieces may be sent via YouTube links or must be saved as *.wav, *.mp3, or *.flac files.

Other Submissions

The Expression staff welcomes submissions in other categories displaying student creativity, including architectural design, computer animation, short films, costume and make-up design, and comics. For more information about how to submit alternative forms of art, follow the above applicable submission information or please contact us as expression@caspercollege.edu.

Expression Staff

The magazine relies on a dedicated staff of student workers. If you would like to help out, see the job descriptions below and apply at Expression staff application (Google form).

Editor-in Chief (Leads staff in pursuit of mission)

Assumes leadership role by assigning, coordinating, and directing staff duties
Prepares written agenda for & chairs weekly staff meetings & special work sessions
Ensures schedules, deadlines, staff, and publication obligations are met
Represents the magazine on the CC Publications Board
Along with the production editor, serves as primary contact with printer
Oversees promotional efforts, submission process, judging sessions, magazine design, production, unveiling reception, and campus-wide distribution
Maintains assigned office hours
Directly responsible to faculty sponsor
Is responsible for delegating or handling duties of roles not filled

Production Editor (Prepares promotional materials and magazine for publishing)

Generates and graphs design concept for the magazine and any promotional materials on the computer, working closely with the art editor, and securing input from the staff
Maintains a close working relationship with the publisher
Prepares lay-outs for the publisher, carefully checking all proofs with input from staff
Ensures that all publication deadlines are met

Online Content Editor

Maintains Expression’s professional presence on Facebook and any other designated and approved (by both chief editor and faculty sponsor) websites by making weekly content
Ensures link remains viable to updated submission packet material
Assumes other electronic duties as needed

Literary Editor

Actively solicits literary submissions through correspondence with faculty, students, and literary conference participants – arranging as many classroom visitations as possible
Organizes literary judging session; once judges are selected by staff, secures judges, explains duties
Sends thank-you notes to literary judges, along with an invitation to the reception
Sends rejection or acceptance letters (accompanied by invitation to spring reception) to all who submit literature
Adheres to scheduled deadlines
Designates responsibilities to assistant, as deemed appropriate

Art Editor (Responsible for art components of magazine)

Creates cover design mock-ups based on staff input and finalizes magazine cover
Designs artwork for promotional materials (posters, flyers, t-shirts, etc.)
Actively solicits student art submissions through correspondence with art, theatre, and architecture faculty and students – arranging as many classroom visits as possible
Organizes art judging session; once judges are selected by staff, secures judges and explains duties
Promptly arranges for scanning/photographing all artwork selected for magazine
Sends thank-you notes to art judges, along with an invitation to the reception
Sends rejection or acceptance letters (along with invitations to spring reception) to all who submit art
Designates responsibilities to assistant, as deemed appropriate

Music Editor (Responsible for music components of magazine)

Actively solicits music submissions through correspondence with faculty and students – arranging as many classroom visits as possible
Organizes music judging session; once judges are selected by staff, secures judges and explains duties
Sends thank-you notes to music judges, along with an invitation to the reception
Sends rejection or acceptance letters (accompanied by invitation to spring reception) to all who submit music

Managing Editor (Manages office, submissions, and distribution)

Tracks expenses and maintains financial records
Organizes and supplies office and resolves problems with equipment and/or supplies
Trains all staff in regard to phone and office equipment protocol
Coordinates staff office hours
Oversees submission logs
Records, distributes for approval, and files minutes for all meetings
Plans and implements magazine distribution

Staff Assistants

Fulfills duties as designated by editor-in-chief
Helps out where needed

All Positions

Adheres to scheduled deadlines
Attends weekly meetings, special work sessions, and judging session
Maintains assigned office hours
Directly responsible to editor-in-chief