Where to submit this week (04.29.24)
All the submission opportunities you need to know about this week.
Welcome to Sub Club’s first ever Where to submit this week! Our weekly report of up to date submission opportunities for writers. This week, we’ve got:
10 Recently Opened Submission Calls
12 Lit mags closing for submissions this week
10 Theme Calls Closing This Week
3 New Friends (new listings we’ve added to our database)
5 Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You
And a Partridge in a Pear Tree
We decided to make this weekly so that we can give you more data on immediately relevant opportunities rather than tossing out huge monthly or bi-weekly lists with little to no context. At the very end, we have included a spreadsheet download as an extra thank you for paid subscribers.
Since this has only just begun, we will be folding new sections into it as time goes on, expanding into other areas like presses, pitches, and whatnot. When we start them, we will have a survey to see if this is a section you’d like added to our weekly report. Based on the community’s vote, we’ll either keep it or scrap it. Sound good?
OK. Today, we’re trying out:
Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You - a section where, each week, we will choose a few current contests that we think are above board. Contests are notoriously suss. So we’re going to do our best to pinpoint some that are, at the very least, doing what contests are supposed to do (whether that’s a good thing or not….eh?) But you’ll get all the details plus our thoughts so you can make an educated decision going in.
Literary Magazines & Journals
Recently Opened Calls
Adanna Literary Journal | Deadline: May 31
Adanna Literary Journal is a United States of America-based literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Interview, Art, and Play.
Submissions to Adanna must reflect women’s issues or topics, celebrate womanhood, and shout out in passion.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~8-12 weeks. Noteworthy: #independent #10+ years old #has printed issues
Gyroscope Review | Deadline: June1
Gyroscope Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2014 that publishes Poetry.
Fine poetry to turn your world around. Contemporary poetry published quarterly.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1-3 month. Noteworthy: #active on socials #engaged editors #has printed issues
The Shore Poetry | Deadline: June 1
The Shore Poetry is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Poetry.
An online poetry publication seeking cutting, strange, and daring work from new and established poets alike.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~8 days. They have a ~7% acceptance rate based on 74 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #consistent quality #extra popular
14 Magazine | Deadline: June 30
14 magazine is a United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2005 that publishes Poetry.
14 is an annual poetry magazine devoted to poems of 14 lines only.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~2 weeks after close. Noteworthy: #active on socials #good vibes #extra popular #has printed issues
ACEDIA | Deadline: June 30
Acedia Journal is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry.
A poetry review established publishing work both online and in-print. If you have not received a reply after that time has elapsed, inquire at queries@acediajournal.com
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~2 months. Noteworthy: #read for free #very competitive #has printed issues
The Garlic Press | Deadline: June 30
The Garlic Press is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Hybrid.
A poetry review established publishing work both online and in-print. If you have not received a reply after that time has elapsed, inquire at queries@acediajournal.com
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~2 months.
Enheduanna: A Pagan Literary Journal | Deadline: July 1
Enheduanna is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Review, Poetry, Interview, Play, Humor, Video .
Peer-reviewed pagan literary journal.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~5 days.
The Dawn Review | Deadline: July 5
The Dawn Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography, and Play.
An international literary magazine publishing three issues annually, featuring poetry, prose, art, and hybrid submissions from emerging and established writers and artists.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1 month. They have an acceptance rate of 3.88% based on 129 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #highly competitive #nominates for industry awards
Mania Magazine | Deadline: July 15
Mania Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, and Photography.
We are a small literary magazine that embraces the mania. Give us your favorite 3 am works. Sleep deprived and living off of caffeine or otherwise.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free
Journal of Compressed Creative Arts | Deadline: July 15
The Journal of Compressed Creative Arts is a literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, and Prose Poetry.
We believe that something very small can add up to something very big, as in the compressed moment of the big bang. We want to think through compression.
Fee: None | Pay: $50
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1-5 days. They have an acceptance rate of 0.45% based on 439 tracked submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free #nonprofit #highly competitive
Last Chance to Submit
Mythaxis Magazine | Deadline: April 30
Mythaxis Magazine is a United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2008 that publishes Fiction.
Established by Gil Williamson, Mythaxis has always been focused on fiction with as little distraction as possible—no ads, no clutter, just words on the page to transport you somewhere else.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes (€0.01 per word, with a €20 minimum)
They accept simultaneous submissions and respond within ~14 days with an acceptance rate of under 8%. Noteworthy: #active on socials #10+ years old #two week response time.
32 Poems | Deadline: April 30
32 Poems is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2002 that publishes Poetry and Review.
Poetry for the ear, the eye, and the ego.
Fee: $3| Pay: $25 per piece
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in less than ~3 months. They have 0% acceptance rate based on 169 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #beautiful-design #extremely competitive #20+ years old #chill subs community favorite #has-print-issues
VERDANT | Deadline: April 30
VERDANT is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Interview, Art, Humor, and Hybrid.
A vibrant art journal dedicated to housing work from established and emerging artists.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions and respond within 30 days. Noteworthy: #very competitive #nominates for industry awards #read for free
Artists From Maryland | Deadline: April 30
Artists From Maryland is a US-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, and Art.
Through creative writing (poetry and prose in all of its forms), visual art, and anything experimental that can be shown on a page, we want to see how Maryland influences you as a creative. From photographs of your life to poetry about the Inner Harbor, if it stems from your life in Maryland in some way, we'd love to see it!
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions and respond within 30 days. Noteworthy: #very competitive #nominates for industry awards #read for free
oranges journal | Deadline: April 30
oranges journal is a United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, and Translation.
Intersectional feminist journal of fiction, mental health and lifestyle writing
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within up to 8 weeks. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #brecht top 1000 #nominates for industry awards
Briefly Write | Deadline: April 30
Briefly Zine is a United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Photography.
A little literary space for bold, succinct writing.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 2 months. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials
Five Points | Deadline: April 30
Five Points is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1996 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, and Poetry.
Published three times a year by the Georgia State University Department of English. Philip Levine called Five Points “A refreshing combination of the old and the new. The best literary magazine I’ve read in ages!”
Fee: $2 | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~4 months. They have an acceptance rate of 0% based on 271 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #university-affiliated #krouse-top-500 #20+ years old #has-printed-issues
Sophon Lit | Deadline: April 30
Sophon Lit is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, and Photography.
Devoted to uplifting the unseen. Send your sophonic epiphanies, your furled wisdom and strange philosophies. Solve us the Fermi paradox, or create your own. We welcome the uncanny with splayed arms.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within one month. Noteworthy: #somewhat competitive #30-day response time
Foglifter | Deadline: May 1
Foglifter is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, and Play.
Biannual compendium of the most dynamic, urgent LGBTQ+ writing today. It’s a space where queer and trans writers celebrate, mourn, rage, and embrace.
Fee: None | Pay: $50
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~2-3 months. They have an acceptance rate of ~5% based on 73 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #consistent quality #poetry top prize winner #extra popular
Brevity | Deadline: May 1
Brevity is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1997 that publishes Nonfiction, and Flash CNF.
Has published well-known and emerging writers working in the extremely brief essay form, along with craft essays.
Fee: $3 | Pay: $45
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~8 weeks. They have an acceptance rate of ~3% based on 140 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #extremely competitive #20+ years old #nonfiction prize winner #mega super popular. woah.
New England Review | Deadline: May 2
New England Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1978 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, and Play.
NER gives readers a vital snapshot of the literary moment, four times a year, in its richness, complexity, and diversity.
Fee: None | Pay: $20 per page
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~3 months. They have an acceptance rate of ~2% based on 555 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #engaged-editors #top-prize-winner #krouse-top-500 #30+years-old #mega-popular.
TOLKA Journal | Deadline: May 5
TOLKA Journal is an Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Nonfiction.
A journal of formally promiscuous non-fiction, publishing essays, memoir, autofiction and the overflow.
Fee: None | Pay: GBP$500 per piece
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 33 days. Noteworthy: #engaged-editors #beautiful-print-issues
Theme Calls Closing this Week
Deal Jam Magazine | Deadline: April 26 | Theme: Deer/Dear
Deal Jam Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Hybrid.
An indie magazine by writers, for writers. We publish fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art from all genres!
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions.
FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Disabilities
FIYAH: Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, and Art.
A quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 1.5 months. Noteworthy: #active on socials
Amsterdam Quarterly | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Vibrations
Amsterdam Quarterly is a Netherlands-based literary magazine founded in 2011 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, and Photography.
Online literary magazine that publishes, promotes, and comments on art and writing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and the world.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free #somewhat accessible #10+ years old
Harbor Review | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Wondrous & Miraculous
Harbor Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Poetry, Hybrid, Review, Interview, and Art.
A small online space for poetry and art. We are committed to giving diverse voices a home. New or experienced, we want to hear from you.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~27 days. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials
Fruitslice | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Gay Rights & Gay Wrongs
Fruitslice is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction.
A quarterly publication run by a team of Queer editors featuring exclusively Queer writers, artists, creators, etc.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 24 hrs. Noteworthy: #read for free #has printed issues
Last Girls Club | Deadline: May 1 | Theme: Fire Season
Last Girls Club is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Review.
An indie feminist horror magazine, newsletter, and podcast. All are artist run publications and creations whose goal is to promote the female.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 15-45 days. They have an acceptance rate of ~45% based on 55 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
Black Warrior Review | Deadline: May 1 | Theme: Boyfriend Village
Black Warrior Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1974 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Translation, Art, and Comics.
BWR is named for the river that borders the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. BWR publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, comics, and art twice a year, + an annual online issue.
Fee: $3 | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 1-6 months. They have an acceptance rate of ~0.9% based on 533 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
Hot Potato Magazine | Deadline: May 5 | Theme: Enigmas
Hot Potato Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, and Translations.
Dedicated to providing a creative space for young emerging writers and artists. We want your work to reflect still-steaming memories, bridging beliefs or communities.
Fee: None| Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 14 days.
Opal Age Tribune | Deadline: May 5 | Theme: Land, Roots, Pleasure, Blossom, Rest, Leisure
Opal Age Tribune is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, Art, and Photography.
The queer publication of our dreams. Be a part of our digital illuminated manuscript.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 5 days. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
Messy Misfits Club | Deadline: May 5 | Theme: FILTH
Messy Misfits Club is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, Art, and Photography.
We knew the queer community needed more realistic representation, which is how this all started. We want to be raw, rebellious and let our voices be heard. The Messy Misfits are meant to be downright dirty!
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 5 days. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
New friends
Soapberry Review | Open for submissions
Soapberry Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Critical Essays, Book Reviews, and Author Interviews.
We welcome submissions from all writers. We are looking for book reviews, essays, and author interviews related to Asian American literature. We are interested in reviews of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and poetry. We do not accept submissions on self-published works.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 1 week. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
The Anti-Misogyny Club | Open for submissions
The Anti-Misogyny Club is a United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography, Audio, and Video.
A feminist journal of art, writing and resistance
Fee: None | Pay: No
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 7 days. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
Subliminal Surgery | Open for submissions
Subliminal Surgery is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Hybrid words.
Micro Poetry and other Very Short Works.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 1 week. Noteworthy: #active on socials #accessible #has printed issues
Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You
ONLY POEMS PRIZE: Poet of the Year | Deadline: April 30
Submit 5-10 pages of poetry.
Poet of the Year wins $3000. Two runners-up win $300 each. All winners and honorable mentions will receive a 1-year comped premium subscription.
No withdrawing required (even if your poems get accepted after you submit, you will remain eligible for the prize).
Previously published across social media and blogs acceptable. Results will be announced in early July!
Fee: $15 | Awarding: $3600 | Judge(s): Editors
Noteworthy: Designing a poetry contest without selling our souls!
Vallum Chapbook Award | Deadline: April 30
Submit your 12-30 page chapbook.
Chapbooks may be on any theme or subject, but must be original and not previously published (individual poems appearing in the manuscript that have been published elsewhere are fine).
Vallum’s Chapbook Series has published work from Bhanu Kapil, Sina Queyras, Nicole Brossard, George Elliott Clarke, Erín Moure, Franz Wright, Fanny Howe, John Kinsella, and many more. Past winners of the Vallum Chapbook Award have won the bpNichol Chapbook Prize, been nominated for the Nelson Ball Prize for poetry of observation, and the Griffin Poetry Prize!
Fee: $25 Canadian entrants/$30 US and international entrants | Awarding: $300| Judge(s): Editors
Noteworthy: Vallum is one of the leading Canadian publications with a track-record of publishing brilliant poets from all our the world. They really care about poetry and submitters; if you ask for a fee waiver, they’ll be happy to offer you one, no questions asked.
Curt Johnson Prose Award | Deadline: May 2
Each entry should include one essay (for Nonfiction) or one story (for Fiction) of no more than 8,000 words.
Prizes are $1,500 and publication in our Fall/Winter 2022 issue for First Place (fiction and nonfiction); $500 and publication in our Fall/Winter 2022 issue for honorable mention (fiction and nonfiction).
All finalists will be listed in the awards issue.
Fee: $20 | Awarding: $2000 | Judge(s): Leslie Jamison (Nonfiction), Tlotlo Tsamaase (Fiction)
Noteworthy: december mag is a prestigious, long-standing publication with very engaged editors. These awards have existed since 2013, when the lit mag was revived. Since then, the awards have honored writing that “follow(s) no formula, trends, dogma, or arbitrary protocol.”
The Emerging Writer’s Contest | Deadline: May 15
The Emerging Writer's Contest is open to writers of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry who have yet to publish or self-publish a book. Read past winners of the contest here.
We award publication, $2,000, review from Aevitas Creative Management, and a 1-year subscription for one winner in each of the three genres. Submit to the Emerging Writer's Contest through our submission manager. You must be logged in to access our submission manager.
The winning story, essay, and poems from the 2024 contest will be published in the Winter 2024-25 issue of Ploughshares. We will announce the winners in mid-September of 2024.
Fiction and Nonfiction: Under 6,000 words
Poetry: 3-5 pages
Fee: $24 | Awarding: $2000 | Judge(s): Dantiel W. Moniz (Fiction), Porsha Olayiwola (Poetry), and Augusten Burroughs (Nonfiction).
Noteworthy: This contest is affiliated with Ploughshares, a lit mag that’s been around since 1971. I especially like that the contest has an added extra perk for winners outside of money and publication — they’ll get you a literary agent consultancy. Of course, because of this prize’s prestigious nature, I’d think over hard on what I’m submitting and why. Also, read the winners and the judge’s own work.
Bridport Prize | Deadline: May 31
The Bridport Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world, so you’re in good company
Poetry. 1st Prize £5,000 | Up to 42 lines.
Short story. 1st Prize £5,000 | 5,000 words or less.
Flash Fiction. 1st Prize £1,000 | 250 words or less.
Novel. Winner £1,500 plus package | 8,000 words and a synopsis - initially.
Memoir. 1st Prize £1,500 plus package | 5,000 to 8,000 words plus a 300 word overview - to begin with.
Fee: £11-£24 | Awarding: £14,000 | Judge(s): Liz Berry (Poetry), Wendy Erskine (Short story), Jasmine Sawers (Flash Fiction), Ross Raisin (Novel), Kit de Waal (Memoir)
Noteworthy: Their prizes are focused on discovering new writers, and the judges they select clearly tell you what they’re looking for in a winning submission. They also connect winners with publishing (think: agent, publicist, etc.) resources.
Below you will find a spreadsheet download of today’s list. This will be provided each week for paid subscribers.
Our spreadsheets include all of the information you see above along with a column to check if you’ve submitted. Today’s looks like this: