OTHER MAPS publishes curated work from diverse genres to encourage cross-regional and cross-genre dialogue.
We welcome innovative creative and critical writing that, through form, focus, or theme, expands the boundaries of global literary culture. We seek work that is thoughtful, nuanced, formally accomplished, and engaging, based on theme.
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We invite submissions of literary works originally written in Indonesian, whether unpublished or recently published.
We accept Indonesian-language submissions in the following categories:
1. Unpublished works
2. Previously published works, provided that
– no official English translation has been published elsewhere.
Eligible submissions include:
1. Standalone pieces,
2. Excerpts from longer works, such as novels,
3. Self-contained chapters or sections from collections, for example, an independent chapter from a short story collection.
All excerpts must be self-contained and readable independently.
Submissions may be:
- Already translated into English by a translator selected by the author (translations must not have been previously published, although the source text may have been),
or - Submitted in Indonesian to be translated by OTHER MAPS’ independent translators following the curation process.
Translation is an integral part of our editorial process. Selected works will be developed collaboratively with authors, editors, and translators to ensure accuracy, literary quality, and contextual integrity.
Articles / Essays: 6,000–9,000 words
We invite longform essays that thoughtfully examine world literature in connection with the chosen theme. Instead of conventional book reviews, we are interested in writing that reflects on a work’s literary or cultural importance—for example, by reading it through its historical moment, developing critical interpretation, or offering a creative-critical response shaped by close engagement with a writer or body of work.
Fiction: 3,000–5,000 words
Submissions may consist of one or several short stories, or a self-contained excerpt from a longer manuscript. We value fiction that shows sensitivity to language and form, with a distinct voice and an imaginative or emotional depth aligned with the publication’s literary focus.
Interviews: 4,000–5,000 words
Interviews should center on translation, or explore how language interacts with literature, culture, or other areas of thought. We prioritize conversations that offer reflection and substance. All submissions must be in English; interviews conducted in another language should be translated into English before submission.
Reviews: 900–1,100 words
We welcome reviews that provide informed critique rather than simple overview. A strong review engages with the work’s ideas, style, and relevance, while offering readers a clear sense of its place within wider literary or cultural discussions. Reviews should present a considered and independent perspective.
Poetry: Up to 3 poems, maximum 6 pages total
You may submit up to three poems, with a total length of no more than six pages. Begin each poem—or each section of a longer poem—on a new page, unless the structure requires uninterrupted reading.
Please submit all materials in one Microsoft Word file (.doc).
Your submission must contain:
A manuscript that follows the word-count requirements for the relevant category.
The source text along with its English translation, when applicable.
A signed declaration stating that you authorize publication of both the original and translated texts, and that you possess the appropriate rights to grant such permission (including consent from the author, translator, and/or publisher, if required).
Short biographical profiles of the author and translator(s), if applicable. Each profile should be written in the third person, start with the individual’s name, and be no longer than 150 words.
Recommended but not mandatory:
A concise note (maximum 300 words) describing the background of the work and any notable aspects or challenges encountered during the translation process.
For poetry submissions, format the document so that each translated poem is placed directly before its corresponding original version (Translation 1 followed by Original 1, Translation 2 followed by Original 2, etc.).
Please send all submissions to editor@othermaps.id with the subject line: Other Maps on Indigeneity.
Submission deadline: March 14, 2026.
We invite submissions of literary works originally written in Indonesian, whether unpublished or recently published.