About Us

Founded by like-minded activists, writers, and readers in 2006, DesiLit Magazine will be a biannual online magazine, publishing in Summer and Winter. We are committed to creating a forum for exceptional contemporary writing and art focused on South Asia* and the diaspora.

Our magazine will print essays, fiction, humor, poetry, reviews, and art. We plan to attract, nurture, and promote artists whose work breaks established molds attached to definitions of South Asia, and hope to showcase their material so that it is accessible to all audiences. We are also interested in pieces that celebrate traditional art forms.

For more info, please contact Sumita Sheth, Executive Editor.

DesiLit Magazine is run by a dedicated all volunteer staff which allows us to pay professional rates to our writers.

* South Asia is defined as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions

From where do the DesiLit Magazine editors work?

Our respective "grottos" I think! Seriously though, being volunteers, we are made up of a global team of people cooperating virtually to bring South Asian and South Asian–inspired literature and art to a more mainstream audience, while providing this niche group a forum.

Who gets to decide what will go in the magazine?

It's a democratic process with all editors reading everything that is submitted. After many emails, voice mails, and long distance phone calls it is decided on whether a piece is of immediate interest for this issue, potentially of interest, or not for us. We found that things are very democratic taking into account the number of votes, but compromises do take place if an editor is extremely taken with a particular piece.

How often do you accept submissions?

As we hope to have two issues a year, that'd be twice!

Do you consider submissions all year long?

No, we have two reading periods, one in Spring for the Summer issue and another in the Fall for the Winter issue.

May I submit to more than one department?

Yes an author/artist is welcome to submit pieces to all our departments, if that happens to be the breadth of their talent.

May I make multiple submissions to the same department?

Yes you may, but within limits. (see answer to next question)

How many submissions a year may I make?

Well, technically there are no limits, but we are not sure how happy our editors would be to receive a many pieces from the same person. Be reasonable about your selection of submitted pieces and considerate of the fact that other people's work is being reviewed as well, and editors must respond to everyone in a timely fashion. You may be hurting your own chances being overzealous.

If the same piece applies to more than one department, does s/he need to submit it separately to each department?

If you want the same piece considered by different departments, then you need to submit it to each applicable department, along with a note stating which other departments you are submitting the piece to (a little like simultaneous submissions). This helps us keep track of things internally.

Can I expect feedback on my work from editors?

Although we know how important it is to get feedback on your work as a writer, unfortunately due to the amount of editing we have and other time restraints this will not always be possible. You may already be doing this, but for feedback you may want to consider a writing group or class if you want active feedback.

Still have questions?

Please email us at management@deslit.org. We will do our best to help!