The establishment and operational framework of FreeFall represent a significant pillar within the Canadian literary landscape, specifically originating from the cultural hub of Calgary, Alberta. The magazine functions not merely as a periodical but as the primary output of the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary, a non-profit organization dedicated to the cultivation of written and visual arts. The current organizational structure was solidified in 2008 when Micheline Maylor and Lynn C. Fraser assumed the publication responsibilities, transitioning the entity into its present non-profit status. This transition ensured that the magazine's primary objective remained the encouragement of artistic voices rather than commercial profit, allowing the publication to serve as a professional platform for a wide spectrum of contributors.
The operational mandate of FreeFall is intentionally broad yet strategically focused on the Canadian identity. By actively encouraging the voices of new, emerging, and established Canadian writers, the magazine creates a tiered ecosystem where novice writers can find their first professional credit alongside seasoned authors. This approach ensures a continuous influx of fresh perspectives while maintaining a high standard of quality that established writers expect. The resulting platform is designed to be one that authors can be proud of, reflecting a commitment to excellence in literary curation and production.
Beyond the printing of pages, FreeFall operates under a strict ethical framework. The FreeFall Literary Society explicitly opposes racism, sexism, oppression, and dehumanization in all forms. This stance is not passive; the organization actively works to amplify diverse voices within the literary world, recognizing that a truly representative literary landscape requires the intentional elevation of marginalized perspectives. This commitment to social equity extends to the physical and spiritual space the magazine occupies. FreeFall provides a formal land acknowledgment, recognizing that their operations take place on the traditional territories of the people of Treaty 7. This includes the Blackfoot Confederacy—comprising the Siksikas, Kainai, and Piikani—as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Publication Cycle and Content Architecture
FreeFall maintains a disciplined publication schedule, releasing two issues per calendar year. This biannual rhythm allows for a rigorous editorial process and ensures that the content remains timely and curated. A critical component of this cycle is the allocation of one full issue specifically to the Annual Prose and Poetry Contest. This dedicated issue serves as a high-profile showcase for the best submissions of the year, providing a competitive environment that pushes writers toward their peak performance and offers the magazine a way to discover exceptional new talent through a structured competition.
The content architecture of the magazine is multi-disciplinary, ensuring that it appeals to a diverse array of art enthusiasts. While the core of the publication is literary, the scope extends into several distinct categories.
- Poetry: These contributions vary in style and length, allowing for experimental and traditional forms.
- Fiction: This includes short stories as well as excerpts from longer works like novels.
- Non-fiction: This category covers general-audience topics as well as writing-related essays.
- Creative Non-fiction: These are works that utilize literary techniques to tell true stories.
- Literary Reviews: Analytical pieces that evaluate other works of art and literature.
- Author Interviews: In-depth conversations that provide insight into the creative process.
- Visual Arts: The integration of photography and art to complement the written word.
Submission Protocols and Eligibility Requirements
The submission window for general entries is strictly defined, running from June 1st to September 30th. This window creates a concentrated period of editorial review and prevents the backlog of submissions throughout the rest of the year. A critical geographic restriction has been implemented: FreeFall no longer accepts general submissions from individuals outside of Canada. This policy reinforces the magazine's mandate to focus on Canadian voices. However, an exception is made for the Annual Prose and Poetry Contest, which remains open to international participants, allowing the magazine to benchmark Canadian talent against a global standard.
The requirements for prose submissions are detailed to ensure that the editorial team receives manageable and focused work. Prose submissions are capped at 4,000 words. The magazine accepts a variety of prose formats, including short stories, novel excerpts, creative non-fiction, plays, and specialized "postcard stories." These constraints force writers to be concise and impactful, ensuring that the final printed issue remains tight and engaging.
Poetry submissions are managed with a similar focus on curation, with writers permitted to submit between one and three poems. There are no restrictions on the style of poetry, meaning the magazine is open to everything from formal verse to free verse and avant-garde structures.
| Submission Type | Word Count/Quantity Limit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Prose | Up to 4,000 words | Canada Only |
| Poetry | 1 to 3 poems | Canada Only |
| Annual Contest | Per contest rules | International |
| Interviews/Reviews | Proposal query only | Canada Only |
Compensation Structure and Artist Support
FreeFall employs a professional payment model, ensuring that contributors are compensated for their labor. All payments are issued upon the actual publication of the work. The payment tiers vary significantly based on the type of contribution and the space it occupies in the magazine.
For prose writers, the compensation is calculated at $10 per page as it appears in the printed magazine. To maintain budget stability, this is capped at a maximum of $100 per piece. In addition to the monetary payment, every published prose author receives one physical copy of the issue containing their work, providing them with a tangible artifact of their professional achievement.
The visual arts segment is compensated differently, reflecting the high value of cover imagery. Those providing cover art or photos are paid a flat fee of $100. Like prose writers, they also receive one copy of the issue. To provide further value to visual artists, FreeFall includes a one-page bio for the artist or photographer inside the issue. This is a strategic promotional tool that allows the artist to leverage the magazine's readership to grow their own professional brand and reach new clients or galleries.
Interviews and book reviews follow a proposal-based system. Writers cannot submit a full piece immediately; they must first submit a proposal query. If the proposal is approved, the editorial team provides specific guidelines for the final piece. Upon publication, these contributors are paid $50 and receive one copy of the issue.
The specific requirements for photography are stringent to ensure print quality. Photos must be submitted in black and white. The maximum dimensions allowed are 6 inches by 4 inches. Technical specifications require a minimum of 300 dpi to prevent pixelation during the printing process. Furthermore, files must follow a specific naming convention: artistname_title.
The Short Story Dispenser Partnership
A unique extension of the FreeFall ecosystem is the integration with the Short Story Dispenser. This partnership allows selected works to transition from the pages of the magazine into a public-facing physical installation. However, this transition is governed by a specific set of criteria to ensure the content is appropriate for a broader, more diverse audience.
The eligibility for the Short Story Dispenser is based on three primary factors. First, the story must be less than 1,200 words. Second, the content must be suitable for all ages, effectively removing any adult-themed material from the selection pool. Third, the author must have ties to Alberta, reinforcing the magazine's regional commitment to its home province.
The timeline for this transition is also regulated; pieces are published in the dispenser at least three months after they have appeared in the print edition of FreeFall. This delay ensures that the magazine's exclusive content period is respected. It is important to note that authors do not receive additional compensation for the appearance of their work in the Short Story Dispenser, as the initial payment from the magazine covers the usage rights.
Submission Terms and Editorial Conditions
FreeFall maintains clear boundaries regarding the originality and status of the work they publish. The magazine does not publish any work that has been previously published in any format, whether it be print, digital, or online. This ensures that every piece of content in FreeFall is a premiere publication, increasing the value of the issue for subscribers and the prestige for the authors.
The magazine does allow simultaneous submissions, which is a writer-friendly policy that allows authors to send their work to multiple publications at once. However, this comes with a professional obligation: the author must notify FreeFall immediately if the piece is accepted and "picked up" by another publication. This prevents the editorial team from spending time reviewing and selecting a piece that is no longer available for publication.
Summary of Financial Incentives
The financial framework of FreeFall is designed to be transparent and fair, though it varies by the nature of the work. The following table outlines the maximum and minimum financial returns for contributors.
| Contribution Category | Payment Rate | Maximum Cap | Additional Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prose | $10 per page | $100 | 1 Issue Copy |
| Cover Art/Photos | Flat fee | $100 | 1 Copy + 1-Page Bio |
| Interviews/Reviews | Flat fee | $50 | 1 Issue Copy |
| Short Story Dispenser | $0 | $0 | Public exposure |
Conclusion: Analysis of Literary Impact
The operational model of FreeFall, managed by the FreeFall Literary Society of Calgary, serves as a case study in how a small, non-profit publication can exert a significant influence on regional and national literature. By combining a strict geographical focus with a global contest, the magazine successfully balances its identity as a champion of Canadian writing with a desire for international excellence. The transition to a non-profit structure in 2008 under Maylor and Fraser was a pivotal moment that aligned the magazine's financial goals with its artistic mandate.
The decision to prioritize diverse voices and incorporate a formal land acknowledgment reflects a modern understanding of the writer's role in society. FreeFall does not treat literature as existing in a vacuum; instead, it acknowledges the political and historical context of the land upon which it operates. This creates an environment where writers are encouraged not only to be technically proficient but to be socially aware.
Furthermore, the technical requirements for photography and the strict word counts for prose demonstrate a commitment to professional publishing standards. By demanding 300 dpi images and specific file naming conventions, FreeFall bridges the gap between amateur submission and professional production. The Short Story Dispenser partnership further expands the reach of the literary arts, moving poetry and prose from the private sphere of the magazine into the public sphere, thereby democratizing access to literature for the general public in Alberta. Ultimately, FreeFall functions as more than a magazine; it is a curated gateway for Canadian talent to enter the professional literary world.