Dear Reader,

When we started this magazine in October 2025, we truly had no idea what to expect—would anyone actually submit? And if they did, how would we reach writers on an international scale?—but we’re so excited for you to see what Marmalade Lit has become. We are incredibly grateful for receiving 270 wonderful submissions from seventeen different countries, twenty-one US states, and a diversity of youth perspectives, interests, and creativity. Whittling this pool down to the twelve pieces you’re about to read was not an easy task. 

We considered each of these twelve pieces on their own, but looking at them collectively in our inaugural issue, they come together to capture the tumult and poignancy of young adulthood. The rush of falling in and out of love. The beauty and existential horror of discovering yourself. Collecting sea shells and grappling with gods. Loss and memory and the urge to let out an all-caps scream. Marmalade is sweet and marmalade is sour, and as it turns out, so is growing up.

We learned a lot from the process of creating this issue, from launching our website to the impact of sending cold emails (thank you to everyone who supported us on this journey!). But our biggest takeaway is that nothing beats the feeling of waking up every day to new writing submitted from around the world, and we don’t want to stop experiencing it. So with that being said, submissions for Issue 2 are now open. Maybe you’ll find inspiration somewhere in these pieces, and we would be honored if you shared the fruits of that inspiration with us. Aside from submitting your work, you can support us by giving us a follow on Instagram or TikTok @marmalade_lit.

And now, welcome to Issue 1. Please enjoy, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Warmly,

Sierra & Lucile

Marmalade Lit