A symbol of resilience, the ginkgo leaf carries deep meaning for The Turning Leaf Journal. It’s the icon around which we’ve constructed our branding to visualize the message we wish to convey through each issue: change, in all its shapes and forms, inspires growth. These days it’s easy to focus on the darkest, bleakest changes, the things we can’t change, the things that refuse to be changed. Our publications will always be a safe space to explore that darkness, but the prize issues will focus on the resilience. The endurance. The wisdom. Above all, The Ginkgo Prize is a celebration of hope. 

Prize Details

Submitters pay a $3 fee, in turn we will award $50 to the first place poet and $50 to the first place flash nonfiction writer. Need a fee waiver? No need to email and request one. Just use this code: signsofyellow.

Submissions are open during the month of August only (August 1-31). The prize issue will be published October 15th.

Submission fees are collected to help cover journal operations (primarily web hosting and registration fees), as well as to fund future prize pots. Anything in excess will be put towards our goals to 1) create physical/print issues and anthologies, and 2) pay every contributor.

Artists submit for free and will have the option of selling prints of accepted work through our forthcoming storefront.

Who is Eligible?

Anyone 18 or over may enter, including all previous contributors. Current or former members of the masthead are not eligible. Prize winners will need a Paypal account to receive their prize payment.

Where to Submit

For the prize issue, submissions are managed through Duosuma. Accounts are free to make, and are required to submit. Emailed submissions will not be reviewed. Thanks for trying something new with us!

What to Submit

• 1-3 poems, each poem no longer than one page; or,
• 1-3 flash nonfiction pieces, each piece no longer than 750 words; or
• 1-3 visual art pieces, each with a unique title.

Additionally, each piece should respond to this year’s chosen theme.