The Hopper
Check back in Fall 2025 for The Hopper's next submission reading period. Until then, consider applying to serve as a volunteer editor! Details available below, from July 1st through September 1st.
The Hopper is an environmental literary magazine. We publish interviews, stories, essays, poetry, and art. We're interested in work that:
- Offers new and different articulations of the human experience in nature. Specifically, nature writing that is psychologically honest about the environmental crisis and the impacts of mechanical modernity.
- Explores place as both the cultural and physical landscapes of an author’s region.
- Uses language to gain new insights into the natural world.
- Uses the natural world to gain new insights into language.
- Questions the division between nature and culture, wilderness and civilization.
- Interrupts the purely human narrative with non-human actors and speakers.
- Includes digital consciousness in the experience of the physical world.
- Investigates environmental injustice and how race, place, and space are all subject to policing.
- Interrogates and/or repurposes cliches for the needs of today.
- Elevates voices that were previously not often heard from in this sub-genre.
- Seeks to question instead of proclaim.
- Is well written and deeply considered as well as feisty and brisk on occasion.
Please only submit once per category per submission window.
We ask for first digital and archival rights. We accept simultaneous submissions; please just let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.
We encourage submissions from BIPOC, people in the LBGTQ+ community, people with disabilities, immigrants, the incarcerated, women, non-binary people, and people of other marginalized groups.
If you haven't already, please visit the website of The Hopper, follow us on Instagram at @hopper_mag, and sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Your donation helps us continue putting art and literature out into the world.
We are a small independent literary magazine staffed entirely by volunteers.
Every donation helps and goes directly toward our core operating costs, so that we can continue amplifying the creative work of diverse authors on issues of nature and the environment -- available free of charge for all.
Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
Please note: This form does not accept manuscript submissions.
The Hopper, an environmental literary magazine, welcomes applications for new members with a passion for environmental writing and commitment to environmental justice to join our editorial team and support our publication of two online issues of the magazine each year.
We welcome applications for Fiction Editors, Nonfiction Editors, Poetry Editors, and Lead Visual Art + Web Editor. An applicant can express interest in editing multiple genres -- we are a nimble, energetic, collaborative team.
These are volunteer, unpaid positions. Editors will be listed on The Hopper’s masthead, and will have the opportunity to grow as an editor, scholar, reader, and writer. These positions will begin on or soon after January 1, 2026, when our planning for our Summer 2026 issue begins. We ask for at least a one-year commitment, though editors are welcome to stay on longer. We estimate contributions of about 2–5 hours a week during and directly before/after reading periods, though this varies based on the flow of work and submissions.
We welcome applications from editors who identify as BIPOC, LBGTQ+ , people with disabilities, immigrants, the incarcerated, women, non-binary people, and people of other marginalized groups. If you identify with any of these communities and wish that to be known by our editorial team, please feel free to mention this in your application letter.
Responsibilities:
- Reading and commenting on submissions in Submittable during our two open reading periods (anticipated dates for 2026, subject to change: February 1–May 1, and August 1–November 1)
- During and after these reading periods, helping to select which submissions we will publish for our summer unthemed online issue and our winter themed online issue.
- In the 1–2 months leading up to issue publication, editing 3–5 pieces of writing for each online issue (published in June and December) in collaboration with other editors, and communicating with contributors about those suggestions.
- Contributing to an ongoing team atmosphere through conversations on email and occasional Zoom gatherings.
- Other responsibilities as desired, such as contributing to The Hopper’s presence on social media, including Instagram and Facebook; conducting interviews or writing book reviews to be published in the magazine; outreach activities, including researching opportunities for grants, donations, and partnerships; and helping to direct The Hopper’s path with creative ideas for new endeavors, such as contests, readings, workshops, or other projects.
- Use digital platforms, including Submittable, Google Drive, Microsoft Word and Track Changes, and Zoom, to complete the above tasks. Training will be provided as needed.
- For Lead Visual Art + Web Editor (apply for this combined role, or for one of its two segments): (1) The Lead Visual Art Editor works with the visual art team to select and curate submissions through the Submittable online platform. They correspond with visual artists, manage submissions, and prepare digital images for publication. (2) The Web Editor publishes new issues using Squarespace, a simple web-building platform that uses templates and drag-and-drop tools (similar to putting together a PowerPoint presentation). Responsibilities include formatting text and images, managing navigation and layout, coordinating with editors to ensure timely publication and accuracy, and maintaining overall site accessibility and upkeep.
To apply, please submit a one-page application letter. Describe your familiarity with environmental writing and/or The Hopper, how you will contribute to the team, how you anticipate this position will help you grow, and any relevant qualifications. Applications are due September 1, 2025.