Qurtuba Circle publishes essays that think seriously about the world. We are interested in writing that explores literature, philosophy, culture and intellectual life with clarity, depth and imagination. Our essays aim to move beyond the conventions of academic writing while retaining intellectual rigor. We seek work that brings careful thought into conversation with a broader public like essays that illuminate ideas, challenge assumptions and open new ways of understanding.
We welcome pitches from scholars, writers, researchers and independent thinkers whose work engages meaningfully with the questions shaping our cultural and intellectual landscape.
Start with a Pitch
Before submitting a full essay, we ask writers to send a short pitch outlining their idea. A pitch should briefly describe the central idea or argument of the essay, why the topic matters now, and how the essay will contribute something new to the conversation. Please also include a short paragraph about yourself and your background. Pitches should be between 200 and 300 words. If the idea is a good fit for Qurtuba Circle, our editors will invite you to submit the full essay.
What We Look For
We publish essays that present original and carefully developed ideas, engage thoughtfully with literature, philosophy, history, culture or society, and are written in clear and accessible prose. We are particularly interested in essays that bring academic insight into conversation with a wider readership.
What We Do Not Publish
We generally do not accept purely academic journal-style papers, previously published material, news reporting, or promotional and advocacy pieces that do not offer a substantive argument.
Length and Style
Essays typically range between 1,200 and 3,000 words. References should be used sparingly and integrated naturally into the text rather than presented as formal academic citations. We value clarity, precision and strong, readable prose.
Editorial Process
All submissions are reviewed by the editorial team. If your pitch is accepted, we will invite the full essay and may work with you through an editorial process that includes revisions and structural feedback. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, we may not be able to respond to every proposal. If you do not hear from us within three weeks, you may assume that your pitch has not been selected.
We ask that pitches submitted to Qurtuba Circle are not under consideration elsewhere at the same time.
Rights and Republishing
Authors retain copyright of their work. By submitting an essay, you grant Qurtuba Circle the right to publish and archive the work on our platform. If the essay is published with us, it should not be republished elsewhere without prior permission. Requests for republication should be made through our editorial team.
How to Submit
Please send your pitch to editor@qurtubacircle.com.
Include your pitch (200–300 words), a brief author bio (50–80 words), and links to any relevant previous writing if available.