Annually, Sigma Tau Delta publishes two journals to distribute the best writing and criticism produced by active members of the Society.
Undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled through the spring semester and are members of active Sigma Tau Delta chapters are invited to submit their work to the Sigma Tau Delta Review and the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle. Chapter Advisors, faculty members, alumni, and honorary members are not eligible to submit.
Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle (founded in 1931) is an annual journal of creative writing—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Submissions should not exceed 2,500 words. Members whose works are published also may participate in a reading at the annual Sigma Tau Delta convention.
Sigma Tau Delta Review (founded in 2005) is an annual journal that publishes critical essays on literature and rhetoric/composition and essays devoted to pedagogical topics. Submissions should not exceed 3,000 words, excluding notes and works cited. Critical essays follow the style guidelines as defined in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (latest edition).
Submission Guidelines
Learn more about guidelines for submissions including eligibility, formatting, and acceptance notification.
View: Submission Guidelines
Submission Instructions
Find out what application materials you must have prepared when you begin the submission process.
View: Submission Instructions
Submission FAQs
Learn tips about successful journal submissions as well as specifics for each journal and information about the publication in general.
View: Submission FAQs
Publication Archive
View: Current and Past Publications
Publication and Awards
These two journals are refereed, with faculty reviewers from around the world selecting works to be published. The journals have had illustrious head judges including Jane Brox, Henri Cole, Jim Daniels, W. D. Earhardt, CJ Hribal, Kyoko Mori, Lisa Russ Spaar, and Mako Yoshikawa.
The Sigma Tau Delta journals are catalogued with the Library of Congress.
The best writings in each category are acknowledged with five awards (each $500):
- E. Nelson James Poetry Award
- Eleanor B. North Poetry Award
- Frederic Fadner Critical Essay Award
- Herbert L. Hughes Short Story Award
- Elizabeth Holtze Creative Nonfiction Award
Award Winners
View: Past Award Winners
How to Apply
Submissions for the Sigma Tau Delta journals are accepted through AwardSpring. The link to access the Sigma Tau Delta AwardSpring platform will be posted on the AwardSpring Application informational page of our website during the Spring Awards Cycle.
If you are using AwardSpring for the first time, you must create an account by clicking “Register.” If you have used AwardSpring previously, you should login using your email address and existing password.
Deadlines
View the Opportunities Overview page for the Sigma Tau Delta journals submission window.
Past Journal Submission Blogs
Check out blog posts submitted by former Sigma Tau Delta student members who have been published in the Sigma Tau Delta journals to gain inspiration for your journal submission.
View: Past Journal Submission Blogs
Questions
Address questions to sigmatdapply@niu.edu
