critical writing | inner life | arts and culture
SECRET DOOR SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
We want to hear from passionate artists and writers about distinctive ideas, issues, and art. The topics aren't always controversial or hard-hitting; sometimes they're just odd or offbeat, and sometimes they're a slice of life, something uniquely personal. The articles published on The Secret Door are meant to illuminate authentically-made art and encompass the experience of artists by exploring the sometimes-veiled aspects of art and culture (see our About section).
We do not publish work that relies heavily on the news and partisan politics. There are plenty of news and current events publications out there, but this is a place for philosophical and critical examinations of art.
We hate that we have to say this, but all work needs to be written by humans. No AI or any other form of plagiarism or sneaky cobbling together of work that's not 100% yours. We don't like those kinds of shenanigans. All work will be ran through a paid AI and plagiarism checker and discarded if found to be not your own.
We are a team of volunteer editors and, unfortunately, will not be able to respond to all submissions, provide feedback, or accept work that does not adhere to the guidelines or requires extensive editing.
PITCH TO
SECRET DOOR
All Pitches should include the following:
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A summary of your proposed subject
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An estimated word count
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Your thesis, angle, or intended approach — What are you arguing? How do you view the subject? Be specific.
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An explanation for why you're the right person to cover this subject.
Please read the About section and review the existing articles on the site to see if your work would be a good fit. We welcome submissions at any time and look forward to hearing from interested artists and writers. All writers will be credited and linked on the website and Instagram. Frequent contributors (three or more articles) will have a dedicated page on the website with a bio and links.
Articles that are already written or published elsewhere are welcome, so long as you maintain the rights. For finished work, submit a summary and a sample of the finished work in the Pitch section of the submission form. For previously published work, please submit a link in the Pitch section.
The Editing Process
Editorial guidelines will be sent to those whose pitches are approved. Once a draft is completed and sent to us, it will be edited for technical errors. The editing process may take a few passes if revisions are requested for style and clarity. Please understand that editing is a blunt and unemotional process, but just because we ask you to change something does not mean we don't like the work.
Previously published articles will be represented on Secret Door the same way they are published elsewhere, and may not adhere fully to our guidelines.
Finished drafts will likely require revision based on our editorial, if accepted. Writers must be prepared to hear feedback and make requested changes if they submit finished work as a pitch. We are unable to accept or respond to finished draft pitches that require extensive editing based on our guidelines.
Types of Pitches
Criticism: Op-ed pieces or critical research essays on historical or contemporary issues and ideas within art and culture. We prefer topics on the more obscure or neglected areas of conversation, but if you are pitching a widely covered topic, please approach it from a uniquely critical standpoint. All criticism essays should have a clear thesis, and be formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style and include an original perspective and thoughtful, objective research.
Please, no ill-conceived hot takes, callouts, take-downs, or scapegoaty style articles.
History: We want to hear about little-known or underexplored topics in art history, whether it's a close reading of one painting based on intersectional research or a survey of circus clowns in 19th-century paintings. All history essays should be formatted according to the Chicago Manual of Style and written in an academic voice that includes an original perspective and thoughtful and objective research.
Art/Life: This series includes personal essays and alternative prose. The theme is wide open, as long as it has to do with art or your experiences as an artist. The tone of these articles can be informal and adopt a somewhat creative license when it comes to style and grammar; just don't go overboard with slang, buzzwords, and trendy vernacular.
Be brave enough to critique yourself and others and to write honestly and reflectively about your lived experience.
Don't slander anyone, and don't write about events without offering a thoughtful and personal perspective.
The Secret Door is a not-for-profit labour of love. For the time being, all contributing writers are accepted on a volunteer basis. If you would like to finance The Secret Door so that the founder and writers can be paid, contact us at info@thesecretdoor.ca.
SUBMIT A CLOSE READING OF ONE PIECE OF ARTWORK
FOR THE ART SHOWCASE
The Art Showcase is a place to delve into one artwork at a time and learn about it through a close reading written by the artist. The close reading should offer insight into the artist's intention and purpose behind the work, the story behind its creation, and the meaning of its content. Think of it as a micro-essay solely for the one piece of art.
Remember, we are looking for stories, not statements. Please be personal and specific when talking about your work. Avoid excessive jargon. Be clear.
We appreciate all submissions; however, due to time constraints, we are not able to respond to or include all submissions. Submissions that require extensive editing or do not meet the criteria will not be selected. If your work is not chosen, it is not a reflection of the quality of the artwork.
WHAT TO SUBMIT
One Artwork – High-Quality Images 72DPI or Higher
We accept the following forms of art: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Collage, Mixed Media, Hand-Manipulated or Alternatively Processed Photography, Sculpture, 2-D Works, and Installations.
We do not accept the following forms of art: Photography (unless it's been altered by hand), Performance Art, Digital Art, Craft, Noise Art, or Commercial Art.
A Short Close-Reading on the Artwork – 200-500 Words
Thoughtful, specific personal essays that tell a story about the artwork from a first-person perspective.
In other words, don't just describe the art. Tell us what choices you made and what those choices were meant to convey. Don't assign meaning to the art with no context or reason. If your work is a commentary on something, explain the specifics of what it is you're commenting on, what it is you're trying to say, and why you're saying it.
We hate that we have to say this, but all work needs to be written by humans. No AI or any other form of plagiarism or sneaky cobbling together of work that's not 100% yours. We don't like those kinds of shenanigans. All work will be ran through a paid AI and plagiarism checker and discarded if found to be not your own.