Oct 9, 2026
Eleven Torch Features were nominated for creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and visual art featured in Torch Magazine.
Torch’s online Torch Magazine features award-winning writing by emerging and experienced Black women writers. One of the many benefits of becoming a Torch Feature is not only being paid $150 for your work, but also being considered for awards. This year, Torch’s Associate Editor, Jae Nichelle, and Executive Director, Amanda Johnston, are excited to announce the Torch Feature nominations for the Best of the Net prize.
Best of the Net is an awards-based anthology for diverse writers and the online literary publications that publish them. The award recognizes poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art. The winners are collected and published by Sundress Publications. You can learn more about the prize here.
Our amazing 2026 Torch Nominees include:
Creative Nonfiction
“Victoria Island Blues” by Mofiyinfoluwa O.
“But That's a Long, Long Time Ago” by Idza Luhumyo
Fiction
“A HUNDRED, BRILLIANT SUNS” by Testimony Odey
“Documenti” by Jae Broderick
Poetry
“joking” by Shy-Zahir Moses
“saint handyman” by a. adenike phillips
“Numerical” by Nina Oteria
“funerary rites” by Joy tabernacle KMT-Battle
“Unremarkable” by Alisha S. Lockley
“Good Times” by Lolita Stewart-White
Visual Art
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About Torch Literary Arts
Torch Literary Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit established with love and intention in 2006 to publish and promote creative writing by Black women. We publish contemporary writing by experienced and emerging writers alike. Torch has featured work by Toi Derricotte, Tayari Jones, Sharon Bridgforth, Crystal Wilkinson, Patricia Smith, Natasha Trethewey, Elizabeth Alexander, and others. Programs include the Wildfire Reading Series, workshops, an annual retreat, and special events.
Help Torch continue to publish and promote Black women writers by donating today.
