Since 1994, City Works has been publishing the poetry, fiction, prose, and artwork of City College Students along with the work of local, national, and international writers and artists.  Over 50% of the work in the journal is by student writers, poets, and artists.  These pieces are chosen by the student editors of the Introduction to Creative Writing course that is team-taught by the City College Creative Writing faculty.  The students in this course evaluate every submission and their rankings determine the Best Student Prose Award, the Best Student Poetry Award, the Best Student Art Award and the award for the Best Student Cover Design.  The faculty editors select the Featured Writer from a pool of noteworthy local authors. Finally, the winner of the National Award is chosen by the faculty editors from a pool of hundreds of submissions from around the country. Our intention is to create a journal that reflects the identity and character of San Diego City College, provide a venue for emerging local artists, broaden our reach nationally, and encourage interaction between the college and the community at large.

Submission Requirements:

City Works is currently accepting the following electronic submissions from students, staff, and faculty at San Diego City College; from the San Diego community at-large; and from national writers and artists for the Spring 2022 issue:

Poems: Maximum of 5 sent as a Word Doc or Google Doc Format.

Fiction: Up to 2,500 words sent as a Word Doc or Google Doc Format.

Creative Nonfiction: Up to 2,500 words sent as a Word Doc or Google Doc Format.

Artwork & Photography: A maximum of 5 pieces sent as .JPEG file (note: any artwork or photography chosen will be printed in Black & White).

Journal Cover (Open to Students Only): Submit your cover design as a .JPEG file.

  • All work must be original (non-English submissions must include English translations)
  • Do not put your name on your manuscript
  • Include a biography in the body of your email (no more than 50 words)

All Entries: Email your submissions to sdcityworks@gmail.com and include the following

  • Your name and 50 word bio
  • Indicate if you are a student, staff or faculty of SDCCD
  • Indicate the genre and name of each submission (Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, or Art)

You will be notified via email regarding acceptance and/or work we cannot accept.

Questions? E-mail us: sdcityworks@gmail.com