We accept fiction, non-fiction/memoirs, screenplays, scripts/plays, or other experimental writing for our digital interactive publication, Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Fiction, Nonfiction/Memoir, Screenplay, Script/Play or Experimental Writing Criteria:

Submissions must be formatted in 12 pt legible font (e.g., Calibri or Times New Roman), double-spaced with 1-inch margins, and aligned left (do not use justified). On each page, leave the title of your piece in BOLD in the upper left-hand corner of the document.

• As the above criteria states, please be sure to title your submission. “Untitled” will only be accepted as a title if it relates to the piece.
• You are limited to TWO fiction, nonfiction/memoir, screenplay, script/play, or other experimental writing submissions and should send the document as a Word doc or Rich Text File.
• Submissions should be no more than 30 pages with the above formatting implemented. Failure to adhere to this limit will result in the submission being discarded. Most importantly, your work needs to be proofread carefully before submission.

We accept poetry submissions for our digital interactive publication, Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Poetry Criteria:

Submissions must be formatted in 12 pt legible font (e.g., Calibri or Times New Roman). On each page, leave the title of your piece in BOLD in the upper left-hand corner.

• As the above guideline states, please be sure to title your submission. “Untitled” will only be accepted as a title if it relates to the piece. 
• You are limited to SIX poetry submissions and should send the document as a Rich Text File.
• Submissions should be no more than 90 lines (or three pages). Failure to adhere to this limit will result in the submission being discarded, and most importantly, your work needs to be proofread carefully before submission.

We accept artwork and photography for our digital interactive publication, Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Art or Photography Criteria:

Submissions may include any type as long as it can be sent as a pencil. Oil,  acrylic, charcoal, mixed media, photography, and so forth are welcome in black/white or other colors. Provide a title for your work with each JPEG file submitted.

• As the above guideline states, please be sure to title your submission. “Untitled” was accepted in the past, but you should provide a title for each piece if you want to be considered for the magazine. 
• You are limited to FIFTEEN artwork/photography submissions and should send your work as a JPEG file.

We accept original music/song performance submissions for our digital interactive publication, Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions have also been accepted; please let us know if your work has been accepted elsewhere.

Original Music/Song Performance Criteria:

A song performance submission must have lyrics and music that can be a solo, duet, or group/band performance, and submissions must be no more than five (5) minutes long and one (1) additional minute for credits permitted. Overall, the film should demonstrate and meet the following requirements:  

• You are limited to THREE song/musical performance submissions, and all submitted songs (must be original, unpublished (or self-published) songs that have been written or co-written by the entrant(s).  
• Co-writers are subject to the same eligibility criteria, and an unpublished song is defined as being recorded and self-released by the entrant(s) and/or not co-published by a commercially active music publisher. Overall, each entry must be an original musical composition (“Composition" for which the contestant retains the copyright and authority to submit and perform the composition in the contest.
• Songwriters and singers/musicians who are 18 or older on the date of song submission should submit. Any entrant who is a minor in his or her jurisdiction of legal residence will be required to obtain and submit written permission from his or her parent or legal guardian to participate in the contest.
• Upload an audio file (e.g., MP3) of the work and submit a video performance of it to YouTube with privacy settings set to "Public" or "Unlisted" for adjudication; setting it to "private" may lead to disqualification. If a score is available, upload a PDF, Word doc, or Rich Text File of it, but you should submit a copy of the lyrics and music.
• All genres of music and subgenres are considered, such as the following list:
• POP: Catchy melodies, repetitive structure, mainstream appeal.
• ROCK: Typically features electric guitars, drums, and strong rhythms.
• HIP-HOP/RAP: Emphasizes rhythmic and rhyming speech, often with a beat.
• ELECTRONIC/DANCE: Uses electronic instruments and beats, often for dancing.
• R&B/SOUL: Rhythm and blues with soulful vocals and emotional lyrics.
• COUNTRY: Originated in rural America, featuring acoustic instruments and storytelling lyrics.
• JAZZ: Improvised and structured music with syncopated rhythms.
• CLASSICAL Orchestral music composed and performed according to classical traditions.
• REGGAE: Originated in Jamaica, characterized by offbeat rhythms and social/political lyrics.
• BLUES: Often features guitar solos, call-and-response patterns, and expressive lyrics.
• FOLK: Traditional music of a particular culture, often featuring acoustic instruments and storytelling.
• METAL: Heavy, aggressive music with distorted guitars and powerful vocals.
• PUNK: Raw and energetic music with simple melodies and rebellious lyrics.
• Gospel: Christian music with powerful vocals and spiritual themes.
• FUNK: Groovy and danceable music with a strong rhythmic groove. Indie: Independent music often characterized by unconventional sounds and DIY ethos.
• REGGAETON: Latin music style blending reggae and hip-hop influences.
• TECHNO: Electronic dance music characterized by repetitive beats and synthesizers.
• SKA: Upbeat music with a walking bass line and offbeat guitar rhythms.
• BLUEGRASS: American roots music featuring acoustic instruments like banjo and fiddle. 
• MARIACHI: Traditional Mexican music featuring trumpets, violins, guitars, and vocals, often performed by groups dressed in charro attire.
• RANCHERA: Folk music originating from rural Mexico, characterized by its sentimental lyrics and accompanied by guitars, trumpets, and violins.
• NORTENO: Music style from northern Mexico, featuring accordion and bajo sexto (a type of guitar), known for its upbeat tempo and storytelling lyrics.
• CUMBIA: Originally from Colombia but popular in Mexico, cumbia is a dance music genre with a distinctive rhythmic pattern, incorporating elements of indigenous, African, and Spanish music.
• BANDA: Brass band music often associated with celebrations and festivals, characterized by its energetic rhythm and large ensembles featuring trumpets, trombones, clarinets, and percussion instruments.
• CORRIDO: Narrative ballads that tell stories of heroes, villains, and historical events, accompanied by instruments such as the accordion, guitar, and bajo sexto.

We accept dance performance videos for our digital interactive publication, for Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions are accepted; please let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Dance Performance Video Criteria:

Dance Performance submissions can be recordings from the studio, home, recitals, showcases, outdoor events, etc., and the dance routine can be one individual, duet/pairs, or even a group. 

All dancers are encouraged to wear the same colors, and although costumes are not required, they are acceptable if they are part of your performance, theme, music, or dance style. Please make sure routines are family-friendly.

All dance routines should be submitted as a video (i.e., mp4 file), and the entry time range should be approximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds, and the max is 3 minutes. Please submit no more than TWO submissions. 

All dance categories and dance styles are welcome and considered, such as the following examples, but you are not limited to only these categories as they are some suggestions: 

• ACRO: Consists of a blend of Acro tricks and dance movements 
• HIP-HOP: Consists of street, funk & urban style jazz 
• JAZZ: Consists of classic jazz technique
• LYRICAL: Consists of ballet, jazz, and/or modern technique
• MODERN Interpretive movement in a contemporary modern style
• BALLET: Consists of ballet technique, including classical steps 
• CHARACTER: Any national or folk dance (i.e., Mazurka, Polka, and Schottische)
• CONTEMPORARY: Consists of ballet, jazz, and/or lyrical movements fused with modern elements 
• ETHNIC: Dance deriving from another culture (i.e., Hawaiian, Filipino, and East Indian) 
• FLAMENCO: Consists of Spanish dance with castanets etc.
• POINTE: Showing pointe technique
• SPECIALTY / OPEN: Routine demonstrating any style of dance or combination of styles
• TAP: Consists of tap technique in tap shoes
• THEATRE DANCE: Broadway show or movie musical dance 

We accept short films, live-action films, original documentaries, and animated film submissions for our digital interactive publication, Level Up and Shine Literary Magazine. Simultaneous submissions have also been accepted; please let us know if your work has been accepted elsewhere.

Short Film, Documentary, or Animated Film Criteria:

A short film/life action, an original documentary, or an animated film must be no more than five (5) minutes long and one (1) additional minute for credits permitted. Overall, the film should demonstrate and meet the following requirements: 

• Use title cards and credits effectively and within the time limit, as well as different camera angles and shots to make the story more interesting.
• Ensure the lighting, audio, and editing all contribute to a clear and engaging storyline.
• Credit all music used in the film, including original, public domain, or copyrighted music, in MLA documentation format, and provide proof of payment for copyrighted music. 
• Upload ONE film to YouTube with privacy settings set to "Public" or "Unlisted" for adjudication; setting it to "Private" may lead to disqualification. 
• Ensure the film's content aligns with a PG-13 rating, avoiding nudity and illegal acts for those under 18 years old.  
• Apply storytelling with a clearly structured plot, engaging dialogue, and visuals that support the narrative. The conclusion effectively resolves central conflicts. 
• Use skillful framing and lighting to complement the filmmaker's vision through cinematography. At the same time, music underscores action and character development and/or uses consistent sound levels to ensure an immersive experience through the audio.  
• Edit with seamless transitions to enhance scene flow and narrative cohesion. Scene length and pacing effectively guide audience attention while maintaining spatial coherence. 
• Use authentic portrayal of characters through believable movements and expressions so acting/directing choices reflect a deep understanding of the script and prompt genuine reactions. 
• Ensure strong filmmaker POV provides insight into the subject matter, and intentions are always clear, resulting in a solid and insightful portrayal.
• Express a clear and consistent filmmaker’s vision through all film elements to create an impactful and engaging final product with a powerful voice. 
• Incorporate voice acting and animation techniques for the Animated Film Category so that believable character voices and animations complement each other while the original art style contributes to a unique and immersive animated world.