Literary Magazines for New WritersWhen you're first starting out and learning how to submit to literary journals and magazines, it can be difficult to find publications that welcome new writers and wish to support the careers of new writers.
On this page I've assembled a list of my favorite 29 literary magazines for new writers to submit to. These publications have a track record of publishing new and aspiring writers, and while there are no guarantees of placing your work with them, this list of literary journals for new writers should serve as an excellent starting place while compiling a list of publications where you plan to submit your prose or poetry. I've included a link to each publication listed on this page to make it easy to learn more and read the current submission requirements. |
List of the Best Literary Magazines for New Writers to Submit To
Seeing your work published for the first time is very exciting, and no matter what your experience level, you must put in the effort to get yourself published. Most of the literary magazines listed below not only publish established writers but new writers as well. These journals offer you a chance to get your name out into the literary world. We wish you luck with the submission process!
Literary Magazines with a Strong Online Presence
Baltimore Review
The Baltimore Review is a prestigious literary journal that also publishes new writers often.
When submitting your work, make sure to include a bio to introduce yourself. When your work is accepted for publication they will ask for the right to publish it the first time on both the web and in print.
Accepted submission dates are August 1 through November 30 & February 1 through May 31.
There is no fee to submit, but writers to receive payment for non-contest submissions through Web exposure, a copy of the annual compilation in which the author's work appears, and a payment of either a $40 Amazon gift certificate or $40 through PayPal.
When submitting your work, make sure to include a bio to introduce yourself. When your work is accepted for publication they will ask for the right to publish it the first time on both the web and in print.
Accepted submission dates are August 1 through November 30 & February 1 through May 31.
There is no fee to submit, but writers to receive payment for non-contest submissions through Web exposure, a copy of the annual compilation in which the author's work appears, and a payment of either a $40 Amazon gift certificate or $40 through PayPal.
Bellevue Literary Review
The Bellevue Literary Review is published by the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. It is one of the most reputable literary magazines around and they focus on stories regarding illness and disease.
When published, authors will receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears, and also a one-year subscription to the BLR, and one for a friend. Authors are paid for their work.
Submissions are accepted at all times of the years other than the months of July and August.
There is a $5 fee per general submission, but the fee waived for subscribers.
When published, authors will receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears, and also a one-year subscription to the BLR, and one for a friend. Authors are paid for their work.
Submissions are accepted at all times of the years other than the months of July and August.
There is a $5 fee per general submission, but the fee waived for subscribers.
Bayou Magazine
Bayou Magazine published by the University of New Orleans and is a biannual literary magazine with national circulation. They also sponsor a number of contests which gives an opportunity for new writers to be placed into print.
It is important to note that Bayou Magazine reviews submissions from September 1- May 1, with a response time of 1 to 5 months.
Poetry and non-fiction are free to submit, but fiction works will cost $3 per submission. The upside to submission works is that authors will be paid $50 for published manuscripts of 3000 words or more and $25 for those less than 3000 words.
It is important to note that Bayou Magazine reviews submissions from September 1- May 1, with a response time of 1 to 5 months.
Poetry and non-fiction are free to submit, but fiction works will cost $3 per submission. The upside to submission works is that authors will be paid $50 for published manuscripts of 3000 words or more and $25 for those less than 3000 words.
New Delta Review
The New Delta Review is “a literary journal produced by graduate students in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Louisiana State University. Since 1984, NDR has published the work of emerging and established writers.” This is a great platform for anyone who has never been published or is just starting out.
Submissions are accepted on a quarterly basis, with the most current deadline being April 14, 2020. You are encouraged to look on their website once it is past that date to see when the next submission deadline is.
Fiction, poetry, digital media, and other works will all require a fee of $3 per submission
Submissions are accepted on a quarterly basis, with the most current deadline being April 14, 2020. You are encouraged to look on their website once it is past that date to see when the next submission deadline is.
Fiction, poetry, digital media, and other works will all require a fee of $3 per submission
New Reader Magazine
Being a newly launched magazine, the New Reader Magazine prides themselves on their international scope. For submission, you should submit a minimum of 3 poems, a work of fiction over 500 words or nonfiction over 1500 words. They have no maximum word limit and they are willing to publish excerpts as well.
Submissions are accepted year-round and there is no fee to submit. They will pay writers anywhere from $5-$20 per published piece.
Submissions are accepted year-round and there is no fee to submit. They will pay writers anywhere from $5-$20 per published piece.
Longleaf Review
Longleaf Review is open to work that “encapsulates all it means to be human. They also have a "particular interest in outsider perspectives."
Whether you have a flash fiction piece of 300 to 1000 words, stories with 1500 to 3000 words, creative nonfiction with less than 500 words or between 1500–3000, or 1 to 5 poems, this literary magazine gives a great opportunity for new writers.
Submissions open towards the end of each month and close in the middle of the next month at 11:59 p.m. Work is published quarterly and published authors are awarded $20 per piece. There is no fee to submit.
Whether you have a flash fiction piece of 300 to 1000 words, stories with 1500 to 3000 words, creative nonfiction with less than 500 words or between 1500–3000, or 1 to 5 poems, this literary magazine gives a great opportunity for new writers.
Submissions open towards the end of each month and close in the middle of the next month at 11:59 p.m. Work is published quarterly and published authors are awarded $20 per piece. There is no fee to submit.
Literary Orphans
Literary Orphans does not offer payment, but they do publish new writers. They accept all stories but prefer pieces with purpose and drive, and those that are daring. Send in your stories up to 2000 words, nonfiction up to 5000 words, or 3 pieces of your poetry.
It is free to submit, and they accept submissions at all times but do not offer compensation.
It is free to submit, and they accept submissions at all times but do not offer compensation.
Halfway Down the Stairs
Publishing quarterly issues, Halfway Down the Stairs asks for relevant stories based on the theme of each issue of up to 5000 words, creative nonfiction up to 3000 words and up to 3 poems.
Submissions are accepted between March 1st – May 1st for the June issue, June 1st – August 1st for the September issue, September 1st – November 1st for their December issue, and December 1st – February 1st for the March issue. There is no cost to submit.
Submissions are accepted between March 1st – May 1st for the June issue, June 1st – August 1st for the September issue, September 1st – November 1st for their December issue, and December 1st – February 1st for the March issue. There is no cost to submit.
The Magnolia Review
With two publishing dates annually, The Magnolia Review accepts fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry. There is no stated word or line limits.
There is no fee to submit, and they accept submissions year-round. You are asked to include your cover letter and a brief third-person biography with 85 words or less.
There is no fee to submit, and they accept submissions year-round. You are asked to include your cover letter and a brief third-person biography with 85 words or less.
Foliate Oak
Foliate Oak loves quirky writing that makes sense. They prefer no submissions of rhyming poems, and rarely accept submissions that have over 2700 words. They only open submissions at certain times, so look to their website and check in often.
Wilderness House Literary Review
For a quarterly online magazine, the Wilderness House Literary Review is a great place to start submitting work. They prefer shorter fiction and creative non-fiction with less than 3000 words. There are no limits for poetry, and although they do not pay, this also allows you to retain the rights to your work.
Submission deadlines are as follows:
March 1: Spring issue
June 1: Summer issue
September 1: Autumn issue
December 1: Winter issue
Submission deadlines are as follows:
March 1: Spring issue
June 1: Summer issue
September 1: Autumn issue
December 1: Winter issue
Litbreak Magazine
Litbreak Magazine hopes to present as diverse a mix as possible of works from different geographic areas, genders, and ethnicities. They only accept unsubmitted work, writers must be 18 years of age or older, and submission is free.
They are open for submissions year-round but with a limit of fifty submissions per month. If you happen to be shut out the previous month, try again on the next first of the month for a better chance.
They are open for submissions year-round but with a limit of fifty submissions per month. If you happen to be shut out the previous month, try again on the next first of the month for a better chance.
Crack the Spine
13. Publishing every two weeks, Crack the Spine looks for brilliant short stories, poetry, essays, flash fiction, microfiction, and art. They constantly accept submissions, and if you are published in one of the digital issues, you are automatically eligible to be accepted for one of their "Best Of" Anthologies.
These are published twice per year, they ask for no payment, and welcome stories of between 100 and 5000 words, nonfiction of up to 3000 words, and poetry with no stated limit.
These are published twice per year, they ask for no payment, and welcome stories of between 100 and 5000 words, nonfiction of up to 3000 words, and poetry with no stated limit.
Print Literary Journals I Recommend to New Writers
SAND
SAND is a Berlin-based journal that looks for “fresh and underrepresented perspectives.” They have two annual print issues and accept flash fiction, short stories up to 5,000 words, creative nonfiction, translations, and poetry.
They have only a 3-month submissions window in the fall through the winter, which most recently November 15, 2019, to January 5, 2020, and do not ask for payment.
They have only a 3-month submissions window in the fall through the winter, which most recently November 15, 2019, to January 5, 2020, and do not ask for payment.
Anak Sastra
Anak Sastra is somewhat of a niche publication. They specifically publish short fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry from Southeast Asian writers, ex-pats, or tourists to the region.
The countries which stories should be written about are Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines. No word count is specified and there is no cost to submit.
There are also no deadlines for story submissions. If you happen to submit directly before a new issue comes out, it will be carried over for consideration to the next issue.
The countries which stories should be written about are Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, and the Philippines. No word count is specified and there is no cost to submit.
There are also no deadlines for story submissions. If you happen to submit directly before a new issue comes out, it will be carried over for consideration to the next issue.
The London Magazine
The London Magazine has been publishing since 1732 and is a very prestigious magazine. They are very selective and specific about what they’re looking for, but publish anyone who deserves it.
Fiction should "address mature and sophisticated themes," with "an elegance of style, structure, and characterization." Poetry should "display a commitment to the ultra specificities of language, and show a refined sense of simile and metaphor."
There is no cost to submit, and they accept flash fiction, short stories up to 4000 words and up to 6 poems of 40 lines maximum. They only publish 6 issues per year but accept submissions year-round to put in the following publication.
Fiction should "address mature and sophisticated themes," with "an elegance of style, structure, and characterization." Poetry should "display a commitment to the ultra specificities of language, and show a refined sense of simile and metaphor."
There is no cost to submit, and they accept flash fiction, short stories up to 4000 words and up to 6 poems of 40 lines maximum. They only publish 6 issues per year but accept submissions year-round to put in the following publication.
Five 2 One Magazine
Five 2 One Magazine looks for unique perspectives and topics no matter the style or genre. It publishes quarterly, and they like poetry and fiction that is quirky, weird, dark or strange.
It is free to submit, and they accept submissions year-round but put out print issues quarterly in February, May, August, and November.
Submit up to 5 poems or 3 short stories that are between 1000 to 4000 words.
They also have an online magazine that you can submit flash fiction and poetry to called The Side Show.
It is free to submit, and they accept submissions year-round but put out print issues quarterly in February, May, August, and November.
Submit up to 5 poems or 3 short stories that are between 1000 to 4000 words.
They also have an online magazine that you can submit flash fiction and poetry to called The Side Show.
Dark Lane Anthology Series
If you are someone who likes to write fiction or short stories with “a touch of weird” head to Dark Lane Anthology Series and submit your writing.
They have an annual issue before Halloween in September, that involves stories surrounding surrealism, horror, humor, sci-fi, fantasy, sex and romance, magic realism, mystery, and fairy and folk tales.
There is no payment required to submit, and be sure to follow their website to see when they reopen submissions for the following year.
They have an annual issue before Halloween in September, that involves stories surrounding surrealism, horror, humor, sci-fi, fantasy, sex and romance, magic realism, mystery, and fairy and folk tales.
There is no payment required to submit, and be sure to follow their website to see when they reopen submissions for the following year.
Bitter Oleander
The Bitter Oleander publishes two issues per year and is looking for fresh imaginative work. They allow submissions of up to 8 poems or 2500 words of fiction.
You can submit your work any month other than July and there is no fee to submit.
Lily Poetry Review
Lily Poetry Review was established in 2018. They attempt to promote “contemporary poets, poetry, flash fiction, and literary citizenship”. With two issues published each year, they allow writers to submit at any time.
There is no cost to submit, but they do have a limit to submit up to 5 poems or 3 pieces of flash fiction.
For their Chapbook submissions, they require an $8 fee and recommend a manuscript length of around 14-18 poems.
There is no cost to submit, but they do have a limit to submit up to 5 poems or 3 pieces of flash fiction.
For their Chapbook submissions, they require an $8 fee and recommend a manuscript length of around 14-18 poems.
Louisville Review
For a publication that publishes established voices as well as new ones, The Louisville Review is a great option. They accept fiction, poetry, non-fiction and drama submissions year-round, as well as poetry from students in grades K-12.
There is no fee to submit, and selected contributors receive two copies of the journal.
There is no fee to submit, and selected contributors receive two copies of the journal.
Aaduna
Aaduna accepts work from all writers, especially people of color. You must submit by regular mail, and the magazine accepts fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
There is no fee to submit, and submission deadlines are November 16th for the spring anniversary issue, March 14th for the summer issue and July 15th for the fall/winter issue.
There is no fee to submit, and submission deadlines are November 16th for the spring anniversary issue, March 14th for the summer issue and July 15th for the fall/winter issue.
Black Heart Magazine
Black Heart Magazine publishes short-form modern literature, including pulp and literary fiction, and poetry. Do not submit epic or rhyming poetry.
They have a three-time yearly publishing cycle but accept submissions year-round. Look for themed issues, digital anthologies, and times when they nominate pieces for Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize.
While there is no required fee, they do accept donations. The most recent publishing closing was March 1, 2020, so check back often to see for when they open submissions.
They have a three-time yearly publishing cycle but accept submissions year-round. Look for themed issues, digital anthologies, and times when they nominate pieces for Best of the Net and Pushcart Prize.
While there is no required fee, they do accept donations. The most recent publishing closing was March 1, 2020, so check back often to see for when they open submissions.
Alaska Quarterly Review
The Alaska Quarterly Review publishes fiction, short plays, poetry, and literary non-fiction in the traditional and experimental styles. They specifically ask for submissions without the use of light verse and accept work from new, emerging writers as well as established and award-winning writers.
There is no fee required alongside a rule of only hard copy submissions. They allow up to 50 pages of prose and up to 20 pages of poetry.
The reading period for unsolicited submissions is between August 15 to May 15.
There is no fee required alongside a rule of only hard copy submissions. They allow up to 50 pages of prose and up to 20 pages of poetry.
The reading period for unsolicited submissions is between August 15 to May 15.
Passager Journal
Passager Journal is dedicated to writers over 50 years of age. This can be a great opportunity if you are getting started later in life, and publish one issue per year.
Poetry, memoir/personal essays, and short fiction are among what they look to publish in their Open Issue and prefer hardcopy submissions over their online submission platform. They ask for submissions of no more than five poems with 40 lines maximum or 4,000 words of prose. It is free to submit to their open issue from June 1- September 15, and those chosen will be published in January or February.
They also offer one poetry contest per year with a submission period from February 15-April 15 that is published in August or September. The price to submit is $20 but includes a 1-year subscription to Passager. There is a $1000 prize for the poetry contest, and honorable mentions will be published.
Poetry, memoir/personal essays, and short fiction are among what they look to publish in their Open Issue and prefer hardcopy submissions over their online submission platform. They ask for submissions of no more than five poems with 40 lines maximum or 4,000 words of prose. It is free to submit to their open issue from June 1- September 15, and those chosen will be published in January or February.
They also offer one poetry contest per year with a submission period from February 15-April 15 that is published in August or September. The price to submit is $20 but includes a 1-year subscription to Passager. There is a $1000 prize for the poetry contest, and honorable mentions will be published.
Able Muse
Able Muse accepts both poetry and poetry translations, fiction, non-fiction, essays, book reviews, and interviews, with a focus on metrical poetry in an annual published issue.
Be aware that submissions are only accepted online, they are free and only accepted from January 1-July 15.
Be aware that submissions are only accepted online, they are free and only accepted from January 1-July 15.
Beloit Fiction Journal
The Beloit Fiction Journal publishes literary short fiction on any theme, both traditional and experimental. Whether you choose to write short or long stories, you can be sure they will still read your work and give it a chance.
Online submissions do require a $3 fee, but mailed submissions are free.
You can submit at any time, although their reading period is from August 1st to December 1st only.
Online submissions do require a $3 fee, but mailed submissions are free.
You can submit at any time, although their reading period is from August 1st to December 1st only.
Beltway Poetry Quarterly
To be apart of an award-winning journal showcase, look into the Beltway Poetry Quarterly. Specifically for the work of poets from Washington, DC and surrounding mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware), they have published Pulitzer Prize winners alongside brand new poets who have never been published.
They accept 3-5 poems per submission regarding a theme, ask for no submission fee, and close each quarter. The most current submission deadline is March 8, 2020.
They accept 3-5 poems per submission regarding a theme, ask for no submission fee, and close each quarter. The most current submission deadline is March 8, 2020.
Black Fox Literary Magazine
Black Fox Literary Magazine publishes fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and blog posts. For more of a chance at publication submit fiction from under-represented genres and styles.
The word limit is up to 5,000 words for fiction and non-fiction or up to 5 poems.
This biannual production has both a summer and winter issue. The Summer issue is published in July, and the Winter issue is published in January.
Summer Issue Submission Period: March 1, 2020-May 31, 2020
Winter Issue Submission Period: September 1, 2020-November 30, 2020
Until March 1, 2020, all submissions must go along with a donation or another paid service. After March 2020 free submissions will be reopened.
The word limit is up to 5,000 words for fiction and non-fiction or up to 5 poems.
This biannual production has both a summer and winter issue. The Summer issue is published in July, and the Winter issue is published in January.
Summer Issue Submission Period: March 1, 2020-May 31, 2020
Winter Issue Submission Period: September 1, 2020-November 30, 2020
Until March 1, 2020, all submissions must go along with a donation or another paid service. After March 2020 free submissions will be reopened.
Why We Recommend These Literary Journals to New Writers
It's important to note that none of these publications are easy places to place your writing.
In this list we tried to highlight high-quality literary magazines for new writers to submit to ... choosing publications where many other writers have placed their work for the first time.
Publication in any of these literary journals is sure to raise your profile and help you to find your writing a home in other journals in the future.
Writing is hard work, and comes with its share of rejection. Don't give up.
In this list we tried to highlight high-quality literary magazines for new writers to submit to ... choosing publications where many other writers have placed their work for the first time.
Publication in any of these literary journals is sure to raise your profile and help you to find your writing a home in other journals in the future.
Writing is hard work, and comes with its share of rejection. Don't give up.