Cuckoo welcomes submissions of original writing by writers under the age of 19. We encourage everything from poetry to prose, short stories to movie reviews, opinion to imagination. The word counts for each section are below. However, even if you have work that is entirely different to that which has appeared in Cuckoo Quarterly before we’d be keen to have a look!

The theme for issue 4 is “Signs”

For the themed section we will accept writing of any form (poetry/non-fiction/script/illustration etc) relating to the chosen subject. Interesting or unusual angles on this subject are encouraged! Please mention in the accompanying email that the work is intended for the themed section.

We also have a competition this time round, for photos of “signs” taken on mobile phones. You know the sort of thing we mean – a funny road sign, a shop with a daft name, an “altered” billboard. Inspiration here. We want your double entendres, mis-spellings and punning shop names. Snap them as you go about your usual business and and send them to us. Winner gets a lovely prize!

How many words are too many words?
Cuttings should be between 500 and 700 words
Shorts should be between 2,000 and 2,500 words
Periodicals should be the first chapter of a continuing work (no more than 3,000 words)
Rants should be between 400-700 words

To submit, email your work and a two-sentence biography to editors@cuckooquarterly.com. Include the category your work is intended for in the subject line.

Cuckoo will be published on a quarterly basis and the deadline for submissions for issue 4 is 20 June 2012. You will hear from us after this date as to whether your work will be published. For more information.