Root Quarterly (RQ) is a print-only, subscription-based quarterly journal rooted in Philadelphia, but presenting content from Pennsylvania and beyond. We celebrate our artists, writers, social entrepreneurs, and neighborhoods, and print critical analyses of larger ideas, and criticism and appreciation of nationally relevant cultural touchstones. We also reprint articles and essays from other publications that we think deserve a larger audience. Expect profiles, recommendations, fiction, poetry, essays, and analysis. Expect art. Expect to hold something in your hand that you might want to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon that may by turns delight, challenge, and inspire you.
RQ is One Part Collaborative Art Project…
RQ is beautiful, carefully curated, and culturally relevant. Our team consists of professional editors, writers, photographers, and artists who want to make something interesting and insightful. It’s a self-funded project published by Red Pen Arts founder Heather Shayne Blakeslee; she also serves as editor-in-chief.
…And One Part Social Experiment
RQ will seek opportunities to bring people together by finding common ground, challenging reactionary and divisive politics, fostering civil dialogue, and celebrating interesting artists and ideas. It will not offer full content online, it won’t spend precious resources on constant interactions on social media, and it won’t have a comments section—but thoughtful letters to the editor will be most welcome.
This winter, we’re intentionally (and strategically) expanding our reach across the Keystone State to collaborate and build community with our counterparts in Pittsburgh. Artistically and politically, ours is a diverse and fascinating state; one to watch, for sure! As we continue to engage in the BIG conversations, we’d love to welcome you and yours as subscribers, contributors, and partners.
To learn more about who we are, subscribe and submit, please visit us at rootquarterly.com or drop us a line at editor@rootquarterly.com.
Upcoming Opportunities
WINTER // Fearful Symmetry // PITCH DEADLINE: OCTOBER 10
Tradeoffs are part of any endeavor, philosophy, or bargain. What does that mean when it comes to surveillance capitalism? To public policy? To art? Are echoes of the past not ghosts, but guidance? Can we be wrong and right at the same time? How do we live in a precariously balanced world? This is our Keystone State crossover issue. We’ve extended our deadline for Littsburgh subscribers to October 10.
SPRING // Lions & Lambs // PITCH DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 15
Conversation about “the God-shaped hole” in modern people’s lives is mounting. Are new religions emergent? Who are the new heretics? How do we hold both peace and violence in ourselves? What does it mean to love? What role should spirituality play in our lives? How much are we different from, and the same as, other animals?
An Interview with Root Quarterly Publisher and Editor Heather Shayne Blakeslee:
A Thrilling Lost Chapter of Mob Rule From the Publisher: "Western Pennsylvania’s New Kensington was in the grips of Mafia Read more
From the Publisher: "When her father pulls her out of high school to care for her invalid mother and little Read more
"Have you bookmarked your calendars? The Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books returns on May 31, 2025! Join us for a Read more
From the Publisher: "J.New Books proudly presents How to Live Like Li Po in Pittsburgh, the first-ever essay collection by acclaimed Read more
Pittsburgh has been known as a Steel Town, a Sports Town, and an Eds & Meds Town; we believe it's Read more
Join us for a special evening with Emily Wilson, acclaimed translator of The Iliad and The Odyssey, hosted by the International Poetry Forum at Carnegie Read more
"Clary is the Whitman of West Virginia, honoring the laborers, the precious encounters, the deeper wisdoms. He understands intimately that Read more
Brockport, PA — The WCoNA Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia® (here and after WCoNA) is pleased to announce its longlist Read more
Most importantly: Where are you located, what are your hours, and do you have a particular focus in terms of the Read more
This just in from our friends at WCoNA: "To provide additional preparation time, we’ve extended the deadline to submit a Read more
One of our favorite local authors, Joshua David Bellin (author, most recently, of MYRIAD) just let us know that he's Read more
From City Books’ website: "About the Residency The City Books Writer’s Residency offers flexible access to a comfortable, creative space within Read more
Altoona, PA—The WCoNA Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia® (here and after WCoNA) is pleased to announce a call for nominations Read more
love, Pittsburgh is hosting a “Pittsburgh Dog & Frog” coloring contest! Kids, color a page from the children’s book, “Pittsburgh Read more
From Parsec (Pittsburgh's premier Science Fiction & Fantasy Organization): "The theme of Parsec Ink’s 2025 Triangulation anthology is Dark Hearts. Read more
From Prime Stage Theatre: According to Shakepeare’s melancholy prince Hamlet, “The play is the thing, wherein I'll catch the conscience Read more
Littsburgh has always been a “nights and weekends” passion project, ever since we started the site back in 2015. We Read more
New York Times-bestselling author Patrick Radden Keefe will be featured at The Peters Township Library Foundation’s seventh annual Novel November Read more
"Life on the streets is hard but it's deadly when a young woman battles addiction." From the Publisher: "Where is Read more
"Founded in 2007 and sponsored by Madwomen in the Attic, the Patricia Dobler Poetry Award was created to honor the Read more
