elementia is a literary arts magazine published by the Johnson County Library to represent and uplift young adults. Submissions must be original work. We welcome simultaneous submissions (things that you're sending elsewhere for consideration) and pieces that have been previously published (as long as you hold the publication rights).
Issue XXIII Theme: Legacy
What is Legacy?
It is what connects all parts of time: the past into the present and onward, extending through the future. It is an essential component of what we remember from the past, and of what continues to shape the events of history long after we are gone.
Concerning the past, how have lasting traditions impacted you? What ideas have been passed down through the ages, and how will these influences continue to persist into the time ahead? The concept of the future also arrives hand in hand with impermanence. What will remain of us? Will our actions leave a lasting impact on the world?
However, most of all, Legacy is a mark of the individual, YOU, who can choose how you want your legacy to be, as Legacy is also the bringer of choice and change. Instead of defining what legacy is, it matters more what it can be, what it has the potential to grow into, and that is a power that remains with you, our powerful teen voices.
Tell us your stories, bring us your visions, and share your Legacy with us.
Poetry, Short Story and Essay Submission Guidelines Each piece of writing or art should be submitted as an individual entry. There aren't any word count limitations, but we encourage submitters to pick their best excerpts from pieces that are too long for publication in a magazine. Please send us your most final draft, as our editing stage only allows for minimal adjustments.
A glimpse behind the scenes: Many writing contests limit submissions to 1000 words, and elementia has never published a piece longer than 2000 words. Editorial staff retain the right to publish excerpts in print. Our editors appreciate contributors' curation of submissions to five pieces or fewer.
Johnson County Library invites teens from Spring Hill and De Soto to participate in a poetry contest for the opportunity to have their work prominently displayed at their local branch. This contest aligns with the elementia theme of Legacy, and submissions will be considered for inclusion in the upcoming issue of elementia.
Eligibility:
Open to residents all Johnson County Residents (with priority given to Spring Hill and De Soto), ages 12–19.
Submission Guidelines:
- Poem Length: Maximum of 20 lines
Contest Dates: May 19 – November 1, 2025
Prizes and Recognition:
- One winner from each community will be selected by the end of 2025.
- Each winner will receive a $500 award.
- Winning poems will be featured in a long-term display at the newly remodeled Spring Hill and De Soto Library branches.
- Note: While not a permanent installation, the display will remain up for several years.
Poetry, Short Story and Essay Submission Guidelines Each piece of writing or art should be submitted as an individual entry. Word count limit is 20 lines. Please send us your most final draft, as our editing stage only allows for minimal adjustments.
Poetry, Short Story and Essay Submission Guidelines Each piece of writing or art should be submitted as an individual entry. There aren't any word count limitations, but we encourage submitters to pick their best excerpts from pieces that are too long for publication in a magazine. Please send us your most final draft, as our editing stage only allows for minimal adjustments.
A glimpse behind the scenes: Many writing contests limit submissions to 1000 words, and elementia has never published a piece longer than 2000 words. Editorial staff retain the right to publish excerpts in print. Our editors appreciate contributors' curation of submissions to five pieces or fewer.
Art Guidelines Please submit the highest resolution image you can, if we accept your piece for publication we will need a 300dpi image for printing purposes. If you don't have the ability to submit a high resolution image, submit what you have and if accepted for publication, we may reach out to you and help scan a higher resolution version. Visual art submissions will be treated as graphics may be subject to alteration (including, but not limited to: cropping, flipping, and other changes).