Submission Guidelines

The Amethyst Review is a curated home for short fiction, poetry, and narrative essays. At this time, the Review serves as the primary outlet for Lydia Laga’s works (writing as Amethyst).

While we are not currently accepting outside submissions, we believe in radical transparency regarding the craft and ownership of the stories published here.

1. The Human-Authored Mandate

We hold a strict “Human-First” policy. Every sentence, character arc, and thematic element found on this platform is the product of human experience, observation, and labor.

  • No Generative AI: We do not use LLMs or generative AI to draft or “fill in” our stories.
  • The “Traveler” Philosophy: Our fiction is born from the “Professional Bystander” perspective, real-world observation translated into prose.

2. Rights and Permissions

Unless otherwise noted, all content published on The Amethyst Review is the sole intellectual property of the author.

  • First Serial Rights: All stories appear here first unless noted as a reprint from a previous collection.
  • Copyright: All rights are reserved. No part of these stories may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the editor, except for brief quotations embodied in critical reviews.

3. Frequency and Format

We prioritize quality over a frantic posting schedule.

  • Short Fiction: Generally ranging from 1,000 to 15,000 words.
  • Flash Fiction: Brief, “stark” pieces under 1,000 words.
  • Narrative Essays: Personal reflections on culture, travel, and the act of witnessing.

4. Future Submissions

If The Amethyst Review expands to include guest contributors in the future, we will update this page with a formal Call for Submissions. For now, we invite you to read, reflect, and engage with the stories as they are released.