South Asia is home to almost 2 billion people. It is a region that is bursting with talent. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan make the region one of the most diverse in the world.
Despite its massive population, there are not as many opportunities for South Asian writers. However, it does not mean that there are no publishing platforms out there. The region has produced some of the best writers, including Saaba Tahir, Farah Heron, Samira Ahmed, Tanuja Desai, and Rupi Kaur.
Each South Asian writer has shown the world the talent that people from their roots possess. If you are a passionate South Asian writer and want to publish a short story, novel, or even an essay, you have come to the right place.
The following publishing platforms will help you share your virtuosity with the world.
1. The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
Every year, The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is given to a commonwealth writer. Since most of South Asia is part of the commonwealth, you must take advantage of the opportunity to win anywhere from £2,500 to £5,000.
The top submissions are also published in a magazine. To participate, you need to write an original short story of at least 2,000 words. Writers can craft a story in different languages, including English, French, Urdu, Hindi, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, and many others.
To submit an original piece, you need to at least 18 years of age and a commonwealth national. If you have a flair for writing, it might be time that you showcased your talent.
2. Sampad Arts and Heritage Organization
Women across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Birmingham can share original work in the form of a diary entry, non-fiction, poetry, or any other type of writing with the UK-based Sampad Arts and Heritage organization for a chance to get recognized.
The organization aims to help female South Asian writers find their footing in the literary world. It could offer the shoulder you need to begin the career of your dreams. Write-ups need to be within a thousand words in English, Urdu, or Bengali.
To win the yearly competition, you need to write about your relationship with the city you live in and share your female perspective. You must be psychological, political, and creative. Winning entries are published in books.
Moreover, writing workshops are regularly organized by the organization. Hence, it makes sense to learn more.
3. Kitaab Magazine
Kitaab means Book in Urdu and Hindi. This Singapore-based magazine has been created to empower South Asians. Submissions are taken throughout the year in the form of an original work of about 3,000 words.
Whether you like to write novels or short stories, you get to publish your writings. You can even submit book reviews, travelogues, essays, and literary criticism. The magazine also publishes a short story anthology every year.
Kitaab is helping break down barriers. It provides South Asian writers with the perfect opportunity to kick-start their careers. The publishing platform wants aspiring writers to voice their thoughts and share their experiences.
4. The Aleph Review
The Aleph Review is a Pakistan-based journal that accepts poetry, short fiction, essays, interviews, photography, and art from across the globe.
Only content written in English is accepted. If your creative work is appreciated, it will be immediately published on their platform.
In addition to publishing work on the online platform, writers can also get their work published in a print anthology. However, this only happens once a year. For regular submissions, you can rely on the online platform.
5. Critical Muslim
Since a huge share of the South Asian community identifies as Muslim, the Critical Muslim is a quarterly journal that has been created to help explore issues that the community faces.
If you belong to the contemporary Muslim community and want to talk about personal experience and reviews, you can submit to this output of London’s Hurst Publishers.
Essays and articles of 4,000 to 8,000 words are published quarterly in the Critical Muslim Journal, and reviews of 2,500 to 3,000 words are printed regularly. The publishing platform allows you to get critical about your upbringing to help find your way in the world as a writer.
6. Asia Literary Review
Another excellent publishing platform for South Asian writers is the Asia Literary Review. It publishes contemporary writings about and from Asia in English.
As a South Asian writer, you can utilize the platform for sharing your works. There is also an option for sharing content in a regional language that would later be translated into English.
A great thing about the Asia Literary Review is that it allows one to write about all types of genres, including Internet Marketing Services.
Although it offers great recognition opportunities, you should not expect any compensation for sharing your work.
7. Auroras and Blossoms
Auroras and Blossoms is the perfect literary journal for inspiration, art, and positivity. You can submit to this online literary journal to start your journey as a writer.
The platform accepts six-word short stories, traditional short stories, and poetry. Although you can write about any topic, it has to be positive, stimulating, inspirational, uplifting, confident, and optimistic. There are fees for posting your work. However, it is worth the cost.
8. Anti-Serious
Anti-Serious is a blog that highlights Indian culture. If you have a connection with India and want to write about its politics, culture, diversity, or just about anything, you can submit it on the site.
The quarterly magazine and blog accept poetry, fiction, and essays. You should feel free to voice your thoughts through your work. It strives to provide an outlet to Indian writers. Hence, it is a great platform for sharing your writings.
Conclusion – Writing Platforms In South Asia
South Asia is growing at a rapid rate. As poverty declines, people have more opportunities to become a writer than ever before. If you are a South Asian, you should consider using the publishing platforms mentioned above.
