93 Recently Opened Submission Calls, Upcoming Deadlines, Contests, Theme Calls, and More
Where to Submit This Week (4.7.25)
Guess what? We have friends. I know, I know. NBD. Mom, stop crying.
One of those friends is Sitara from School of Plot, who is doing a little collaboration with us to polish and submit a story. There will be four parts: First lines, self-editing, cover letter & bio, and how to find magazines that fit your work.
We’ll include some snippets in today's and next Monday’s Where to Submit this Week, and you can follow along with the full series on her blog. If you’re into it, read on. If not, skip on ahead to business as usual.
What makes a first line irresistible?
I asked some sharp-eyed lit mag editors what they look for in a first line. Their insights are a goldmine of practical tips to help you grab readers and editors with your story opening.
What are editors looking for in a first line?
Please note that these quotes are cut down for space, and you can read the full quotes here!
"First lines should avoid cheap tricks like posing questions or making shocking statements, and should instead entice the reader with a clue of what’s to come." — Weird Lit Magazine
“First lines that show a great deal of intentionality in what a writer chooses to reveal about the rest of their piece tend to indicate stronger and more dynamic pieces overall.” — Jelly Squid Magazine
“Nothing makes me nod my head and hum ‘mhm’ quite like bitter, short phrasing (this is especially true for poetry). I love intro lines that cut.” — Wildscape Literary Magazine
“We look for first lines to be striking, evocative and leave us with unanswered questions. First lines should also be on the shorter side to help jumpstart a rhythm in the reading process.” — Antler Velvet Arts Magazine
“Bring the reader as quickly into your world as possible. This can be a short sentence, a clever turn of phrase, a descriptive opening that has painterly prose, or spoken dialogue.” — Frivolous Comma
"A great standout line is a line that makes the reader want more. That could mean creating tension, building urgency, setting an intriguing tone—there's no one way, just trial and error." — Chestnut Review
Set the Tone
Many of the editors I spoke to said that a great first line should set the tone of the piece.
Ask yourself, “What am I promising the reader?” Is it tension? Humor? A strange new world? Infuse your opening with that promise.
Tone comes through in your word choice, pacing, and rhythm. It might be in the way a narrator speaks, the mood of the scene, or the overall vibe.
Introduce Intrigue
Instead of starting with a direct question, create a situation or statement that implies one. Something that demands an answer will make sure your reader keeps reading.
Convey Voice
Voice isn’t just about the character speaking, it’s about how the story itself is told. It's the pacing, the word choice, the level of detail, and the overall rhythm of the writing.
It’s how you choose to portray the world and how that filters into the storytelling. Whether the tone is witty, somber, satirical, or detached, it’s what makes the writing feel like it's coming from a particular point of view.
Think about how you want the reader to feel as they experience your story. If you're writing something dark and moody, your language choices will reflect that.
Read Sitara’s full piece here where she dissects the opening line of her flash fiction piece, The Legacy of Moonwatching, with input from a fiction editor. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to polish your own writing.
And if you’re interested in learning more about first sentences, Nina Schyuler is teaching You Had Me At The First Sentence at 1 PM EST on April 19th:
In this 90-minute class, we’ll dive into first sentences from published books and short stories, picking apart what makes them so irresistible. Why this word? Why that syntax? That image? What’s there—and just as important—what’s not there? Then, using those sentences as blueprints, you’ll craft your own. By the end, if all goes well, you’ll have a solid stack of opening lines ready to sprout into full-blown stories.
Let’s take a little pulse check. We’re fiddling with these sorts of educational collaborations to help folks land more stories and poems in more magazines. But we also want to make sure you’re into it.
This week, we’ve got:
39 Recently Opened Submission Calls
14 Last Chance to Submit
25 Theme Calls to Inspire You!
7 New Magazines Added to Our Database
5 Lit Mags That Are Always Open for Submissions
3 Contests Closing This Week & 1 Featured Contest
And last week, we published:
Submissions Help Line
Q: What is the typical timeline for a magazine to publish an issue? My piece was accepted in October, and the issue still hasn't been printed. I emailed them a few weeks ago and they said that it's still with the design team—but how long could that take?! This was supposed to be the Winter issue, and it's now April.
A: A typical timeline from acceptance to publication can vary widely depending on the magazine. For many small or volunteer-run publications, it’s not unusual for several months to pass—sometimes even up to 6–9 months—before an issue is released. Once pieces are accepted, there’s often a long period of copyediting, layout/design, proofing, and coordinating the final production (especially for print issues).
That said, you’re absolutely within your rights to check in politely, especially since it’s been several months. A short, kind follow-up asking if there’s a more updated timeline for publication is perfectly appropriate. Most editors will appreciate your patience, but they should also be transparent about delays.
Q: Hi! My brother and I (both writers) were discussing submitting to a chapbook window and saw that the guidelines said (for example) 20 pages. There was no info on paper size or word count for this litmag. We did a bit of webtrawling and discovered that very few publications give specifics but that chapbooks we think (help! do you agree?) 'usually' expect submissions on full-sized paper, so their 20 pages is just like any other mag's 20 pages.
Then came the next question: My brother and I live in different countries, both where A4/A5, etc. are the standard paper sizes (and we have submitted on A5 for chapbooks), but submit often to US litmags, which I assume use the Letter format. For all I know Australian, Canadian, Nigerian, Indian etc. markets have their own papers.
Assuming a publication reveals nothing about its preferences, are we writers safe just sticking to A4 (or Letter for those living in the US) across the board or have you come across any publications that reject work if it does not match their national paper sizes. Do we need to repaginate for every market - and if that is your recommendation, any chance you can tell us what standard paper sizes are for litmags by country? Many thanks
A: Generally speaking, when a publication says “20 pages” for a chapbook submission and doesn’t clarify further, it’s safe to assume they’re referring to a standard full-sized manuscript page—meaning double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, in a legible font like Times New Roman or Garamond, around 250–300 words per page. So yes, their “20 pages” would be the same as what you’d submit to a standard lit mag or press. They’re almost never asking for physical booklets formatted to actual chapbook dimensions.
Now onto the second question: In practice, most literary magazines and chapbook publishers don’t care whether your manuscript is formatted on A4 or US Letter, unless they’re extremely formatting-specific (which would usually be noted in their guidelines). Even in the U.S., editors are very used to seeing A4 submissions from international authors, and vice versa. Formatting a digital manuscript to match the standard size of the country you’re submitting to is not expected in almost all cases.
Unless you’re printing and mailing a physical submission (rare these days), you’re fine to just use whatever your local default is—A4 for most countries, Letter in the U.S. and Canada. There’s no need to repaginate or reformat by country.
Ultimately, I’ve never come across a lit mag that rejected work purely because of the paper size. If your formatting is clear, professional, and readable, you’re good.
Q: Olá Sub Clubbers, So....In December 2024 I received a rejection from a lit mag (Prose Online). They wrote (and I quote), "Dear Melissa, Thank you for sending us your prose. While we enjoyed the opportunity to read and consider your work, we ultimately have to pass this time. Though we enjoyed your submission. Additionally, we are grateful for your patience and sincerely apologize for the belated response. Your piece made it to the final review stage of our editorial process, and sometimes this step takes longer than usual. Please feel entitled to another [free] submission, which you may email directly to xxx."
I waited until I had the "right" piece, and at the end of February 2025 directly emailed the person indicated. I didn't receive any confirmation and haven't received a response (Prose Online typically has shorter turnarounds). Shortly after submitting via email, I saw that the magazine was temporarily closed. I'm curious if I should I have checked that first and only emailed when the magazine was open? Given that I didn't, what should I do? How long do I wait before inquiring if it has been received? Thanksssss.
A: In this scenario, I’d say yes—likely it’s best to wait until the mag re-opens, especially if they also take emailed submissions (Prose Online takes both email and Submittable in different situations). I’d just wait until they reopen and message them again. You can mention this instance and note that you accidentally submitted at a time the mag temporarily closed, and it should be all good.
Have a question about submitting? Visit our submission helpline, ask us, and we’ll answer it in next week’s Where To Submit This Week. And if you are a paid subscriber you’re welcome to our chat here on Sub Club where you can ask questions and chat with us and others about submitting.
Ahem, also! Please note that we do not give specific recommendations through our helpline. They must be general questions about the process, not just “Where do I send my 500-word story about diaper executives who start a cover band called The Doodie Brothers?”
Paid subscriptions are the only way we fund this newsletter. We are 100% human-made and paid. So if you have the means, please consider signing up.
Also, if you’re a paid subscriber you’ll find a downloadable spreadsheet at the bottom of this post with all of today’s opportunities.
Literary Magazines & Journals
Recently Opened Calls
50-Word Stories | Deadline: April 15
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2009 that publishes Fiction.
Brand new bite-sized fiction every weekday!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 59.26% based on 37 tracked submissions. You can find them on X where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #very accessible #10+ years old
Trembling With Fear | Deadline: April 15
United Kingdom-based Literary magazine founded in 2011 that publishes Fiction.
The Horror Tree is a resource for genre and speculative fiction authors which was created in 2011. The main goal when starting the site was to include all of the latest horror anthologies and publishers that are taking paying submissions.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: £5
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 76.03% based on 48 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 20K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #30-day response time #accepts most
Bluebird's Scribe Review | Deadline: April 15
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
Are you a wordsmith with passion for storytelling? Do you have a voice that yearns to be heard? Look no further!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free
FLARE Magazine | Deadline: April 15
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Multimedia.
chill magazine that wants to bring awareness to different chronic illnesses and disabilities written by creatives who are disabled, deal with mental health, and/or chronically ill
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 500+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time #nominates for industry awards
The Paris Review | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1953 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction.
Quarterly literary magazine
Fee: No | Pay: Yes
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 900K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #clmp member #extremely competitive #fiction top prize winner #krouse top 500 #50+ years old #chill subs community favorite #mega super popular. woah.
The Ekphrastic Review | Deadline: April 30
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2015 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
An online journal devoted entirely to writing inspired by visual art. Our objective is to promote ekphrastic writing, promote art appreciation, and experience how the two strengthen each other and bring enrichment to every facet of life.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #very accessible
Brick | Deadline: April 30
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 1977 that publishes Nonfiction.
An international literary journal published twice a year out of Toronto. In our pages, you’ll find opinion, passion, revelation, and the occasional bad joke.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: CA$65–CA$720
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #extremely competitive #fiction prize winner #krouse top 500 #30+ years old #nonfiction prize winner #poetry prize winner #super extra popular
Mud Season Review | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Poetry, Multimedia, Fiction, Nonfiction.
Celebrating artistic creation, community, and all the wide-ranging voices that tramp and track in the mud of human experience.
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 5.62% based on 232 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #nonprofit #brecht top 1000 #extremely competitive #popular
The Apostrophe | Deadline: April 30
Hong Kong SAR China-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Multimedia.
A quarterly publication of the Hong Kong Writers Circle
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 15% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram.
Noteworthy: #nominates for industry awards #somewhat competitive
Juste Literary | Deadline: April 30
Nigeria-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Multimedia.
An arbitrary online literary magazine dedicated to random poetry, arts and creative writings. Established in April, 2023.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 31% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 800+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards
Silly Goose Press | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Multimedia.
HONK! Silly Goose Press is a very flocking serious literary magazine obsessed with craft-forward whimsy. HONK!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 22% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 800+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free
Little Free Lit Mag | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction.
A quarterly journal founded with the aim of publishing quality short form writing of any genre.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 200+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards
Everscribe Magazine | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Hybrid.
A non-profit digital literary magazine for poetry and prose publishing monthly issues. We invite individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and ages to share their work with us. Submissions are always open!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 68% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
North Carolina Literary Review | Deadline: April 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1992 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry.
We publish North Carolinian voices, North Carolinian stories, and North Carolinian lives
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: $25–$250
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #fiction prize winner #30+ years old
orangepeel | Deadline: May 1
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia, Fiction, Hybrid.
The goal of orangepeel is to give readers something they’ll remember. We all have those sentences we remember when we’re falling asleep, those brushstrokes we can still see in our heads years after viewing them. That’s what the pages of orangepeel are here for.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 16% (reported by editors).
You can find them on Instagram where they have 4K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #university affiliated #somewhat competitive #engaged editors
Chaotic Merge | Deadline: May 10
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Multimedia, Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction.
We seek work that is adventurous and test the border of art and structure. Don’t be afraid to mess with everything you have ever learned in your lives. We write to have fun!
Fee: No | Pay: $3–$5
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 20% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 3K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #accessible #consistent quality #popular
SurelyMagazine | Deadline: May 15
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2015 that publishes Fiction.
We are prose first, plot second, but we need both. Give us a slice of the sublimely strange. We want the eerie, the weird, the beautiful. We're interested in the body and its grotesqueries, the brain and its tricks.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 300+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free
TABLEWARE | Deadline: May 15
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Hybrid.
TABLEWARE is a stunning new arts and literature magazine with it's first submissions period opening April 1st, 2025. Offering a $50 flat rate for acceptances, TABLEWARE prides itself on putting the best foot forward in providing for those they give press.
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #has print issues
Poet Lore | Deadline: May 31
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1889 that publishes Poetry.
America's oldest poetry magazine, publishing in print since 1889. Poet Lore is a biannual print journal of poetry, featuring the finest in contemporary writing. We love featuring poems that broaden the spectrum of what poetry is – and can be – on the page.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3.93% based on 359 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 7K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #very competitive #fosters inclusivity #100+ years old #poetry prize winner #extra popular
flo. | Deadline: May 31
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Multimedia, Hybrid.
flo. is dedicated to publishing short stories, creative non-fiction, and poetry by writers in the Ottawa-Gatineau area.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: CA$5
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 300+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues
The Metaworker Literary Magazine | Deadline: May 31
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2015 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid.
At The Metaworker, we publish work that offers a wide range of new perspectives, upends stereotypes and tropes, plays with form or style, or that otherwise surprises, challenges, or enchants. New prose, poetry, art & more published every Monday at noon PST.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 6.67% based on 21 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #somewhat competitive
The Shore Poetry | Deadline: June 1
United States-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: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 5.06% based on 186 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 8K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards # consistent quality #engaged editors #extra popular
Gyroscope Review | Deadline: June 1
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2014 that publishes Poetry.
Fine poetry to turn your world around. Contemporary poetry published quarterly.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 13.33% based on 50 tracked submissions. You can find them on X where they have 900+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards # consistent quality #engaged editors
IHRAM Publishes | Deadline: June 1
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
The IHRAM magazine was created with a simple goal: to celebrate and uplift up-and-coming authors from all over the world; each of the authors in this anthology contend with their identities in the context of their environments, providing their unique perspectives on issues of human rights.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues
Unwoven Literary & Arts Magazine | Deadline: June 4
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction.
Unwoven Literary & Arts Magazine is an annual magazine that publishes outstanding poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art created by both emerging and established artists. We host workshops for writers of all levels, writing competitions, and interdisciplinary features.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 200+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time
Burningword Literary Journal | Deadline: June 10
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2000 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
A quarterly international short-form publication of poetry, short fiction, short nonfiction, and photography.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1.5K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #clmp member #somewhat competitive #20+ years old
Acedia Journal | Deadline: June 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry.
Acedia Journal is a poetry review established in 2023, publishing work both online and in-print. We respond to submissions within two months. If you have not received a reply after that time has elapsed, inquire at queries@acediajournal.com.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 5% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1.5K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #very competitive
foofaraw | Deadline: June 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Hybrid, Fiction, Nonfiction.
A zine that publishes fiction, webcomics, essays, columns, poetry and reviews
Fee: $5 | Pay: Per word: $0.01
Does not accept simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #30-day response time
Black Coffee Review | Deadline: June 30
Literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Poetry.
Black Coffee Review was created as a way to showcase poets who write about the rawness of life-- the dirt and grit of being human. We’re open to almost any style as long as it’s honest and has a kick.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Abraxas Review | Deadline: July 1
Literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
Formed to celebrate the mysterious and strange. it was forged to encourage climbing the attic stairs and bringing a flashlight along, flooding the place with light. we want to read your treasure chest of weird stories you’ve never told anyone
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 700+ followers.
Arc Poetry | Deadline: July 31
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2010 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry.
For over 40 years, Arc has been publishing the best in contemporary poetry. Arc invites submissions from poets at all stages of their writing careers.
Fee: CA$2 | Pay: Per page: CA$50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3.57% based on 117 tracked submissions. You can find them on X where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #super extra popular
Ink In Thirds | Deadline: July 31
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Multimedia.
A magazine of poised prose, precarious poetry, and photography to pilot our own realms again.
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: $5
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 15% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #one week response time #nominates for industry awards
Lover's Eye Press | Deadline: August 1
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Multimedia, Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry.
Our purpose is to provide creatives with a space to communicate the inescapable themes, experiences, and people that arise prominently in their work or linger in the background, winking a secret message.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 16.67% based on 21 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 900+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free
West Trade Review | Deadline: August 1
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2009 that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction.
We accept fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and novel excerpts (especially looking for more of those). We have no fees during our regular reading period, April-December. Our aesthetic drive is in pursuit of work that is Fearless, Crafted, Impassioned (that's our motto!)
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 2% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 8K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #clmp member # good vibes # beautiful design #highly competitive #engaged editors #30+ years old
County Lines | Deadline: August 15
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2013 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
County Lines is a literary journal published annually featuring prose, poetry, as well as photography and artwork.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #has print issues
North American Review | Deadline: November 30
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1815 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
As the oldest literary magazine in the nation, our selected works reflect the breadth of the American experience, and encompass any voices that are committed to telling rich narratives that challenge the status quo.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #very competitive #consistent quality #krouse top 500 #200+ years old #nonfiction prize winner #poetry prize winner #super extra popular
Cutleaf | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction.
Cutleaf seeks the best in contemporary writing in prose and verse from emerging and established writers.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3.06% based on 102 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 4K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #consistent quality #popular
Last Chance to Submit
Tahoma Literary Review | Deadline: April 7
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction.
Tahoma Literary Review is based in the Pacific Northwest, but we are international in scope. TLR offers both professional payment and exposure to our contributors by using a substantial portion of our total income to support our authors.
Fee: $4 | Pay: Per piece: $55
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 1.18% based on 197 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #good vibes #nonfiction prize winner #poetry prize winner #super extra popular
Write or Die Magazine | Deadline: April 7
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction.
Write or Die Magazine is an inclusive online publication showcasing contemporary works by both emerging and established writers.
Fee: $3 | Pay: Per piece: $25
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 2% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 20K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards # good vibes #highly competitive #supportive community #popular
Kitchen Table Quarterly | Deadline: April 9
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Multimedia, Poetry, Nonfiction.
We are a journal preoccupied with history— cultural, political, geographical, personal— and how each interacts with the other to mold our experience. Adolescent blunders, dental records, the archaic origins of long-held or long-lost traditions— we want to know all of it.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 5.28% based on 94 tracked submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 800+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #extremely competitive
The Woolf | Deadline: April 9
Switzerland-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Poetry, Multimedia, Fiction, Nonfiction.
Howl-worthy words & art from Switzerland and beyond.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #accessible
Deranged Bookworms | Deadline: April 10
United States-based Literary magazine.
Where BookTok Meets Actual Conversations. The focus is building an engaging and safe community for Booktok, and readers in all genres from Romance to Fantasy. We do this by bringing the humanity and opinions that push us to interact on Booktok, into a written form to dissect in conversation.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
The Writer's Foundry Review | Deadline: April 10
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
WFR is curated by students of the Writer’s Foundry MFA at St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, NY. We publish literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry and visual art that speaks honestly to lived experiences.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #university affiliated
Literary Review of Canada | Deadline: April 11
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 1991 that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
For more than thirty years, the Literary Review of Canada has prided itself on being a journal of ideas.
Fee: No | Pay: Yes
Does not accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free
carte blanche | Deadline: April 12
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2004 that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction, Fiction, Multimedia.
A Quebec-based online literary magazine published by the Quebec Writer’s Federation that presents eclectic narratives in all forms and supports Canadian and international writers and artists
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: CA$75
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3.42% based on 228 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 5K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free # consistent quality #engaged editors #extra popular
Vernacular Journal | Deadline: April 13
Greece-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Hybrid, Nonfiction, Fiction, Multimedia.
Vernacular is anything that reveals a sense of place. The informal city. The local and the vulgar.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free
Spark to Flame: A Journal of Collaborative Poetry | Deadline: April 13
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry.
S2F is a journal of collaborative poetry with issues published twice a year. The journal accepts submissions of co-authored poetry and also has a mechanism where poets submit poetry fragments ("sparks") and sign up to write a poem ("flame") off of a given spark.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on X where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards
The Lemonwood Quarterly | Deadline: April 13
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Fiction.
We offer readers exquisite stories and plays that illuminate underexplored regions of the human condition. In particular, we seek fresh and authentic portrayals of individuals that, as a group, hold up half the sky, and yet in popular have often been marginalized into one-dimensional stereotypes.
Fee: $4 | Pay: $200
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free
Diet Water | Deadline: April 14
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Multimedia, Nonfiction, Poetry.
We wish to provide a creative space for America’s young emerging writers and artists. We strive for authenticity and for work that is equally raw, personal, and representative of each artist.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time
Solarpunk Magazine | Deadline: April 14
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
Online magazine imagining new, sustainable futures through speculative fiction, poetry, nonfiction, & art. Demand Utopia!
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $75
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 4.08% based on 181 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 8K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #engaged editors #extra popular
New World Writing | Deadline: April 14
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1995 that publishes Nonfiction, Multimedia, Poetry, Fiction.
Formerly Mississippi Review Online, Blip, etc. since 1995, accepts/publishes fast. Fiction, poetry, photos, art, music, whatever.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 7.35% based on 58 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #20+ years old
(s)crawl magazine | Deadline: April 14
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction.
A horror-focused literary magazine that amplifies and uplifts under-represented and marginalized voices within the genre, showcasing short stories, poetry, and essays written by queer, neurodiverse, BIPOC, female, and disabled writers.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $20
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 400+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time
Theme Calls to Inspire You
ONLY POEMS | Deadline: April 9 | Theme: Poem of the Month: FRIENDSHIP
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction.
Fall in love with poetry. Send us your weird, wild & wonderful poems & book reviews. As Leonard Cohen said, “Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash."
Fee: Free | Pay: $33
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 1% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 40K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #extremely competitive #engaged editors
Paddler Press | Deadline: April 10 | Theme: Meditations - after Marcus Aurelius
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Multimedia, Poetry, Nonfiction.
A poetry and art journal based in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, Ontario. We publish four times a year: July, October, January, and April.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 54.69% based on 38 tracked submissions. You can find them on X where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards # beautiful design # consistent quality #extremely competitive #engaged editors
Elixir Verse Equinox | Deadline: April 11 | Theme: Veritas & Arcana
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction.
Elixir Verse Press is an indie literary press, publishing works that vary from the whimsical to the primordial. We strive to share stories that capture the everyday magic and that breathe with an essence of wonder.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 60% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 100+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues
the engine(idling | Deadline: April 14 | Theme: Theme: yarn
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Poetry, Multimedia.
the engine(idling is a literary journal seeking poetry and art submissions from the restless.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 21.68% based on 42 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #extremely competitive
Trash Cat Lit | Deadline: April 14 | Theme: Flash Pop-Up Spring 2025
United Kingdom-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction.
The Unexpected Place for Treasured Words
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 700+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards
Fraidy Cat Quarterly | Deadline: April 14 | Theme: Volume 6: Growth
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Multimedia.
Fraidy Cat Press loves all things horror – from the eerie, creeping terror of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper”’s systematic violence to the unhinged tilt of Laird Barron’s “The Imago Sequence” and everything in between.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $10–$20
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Quillist | Deadline: April 14 | Theme: Can You Win Monopoly: Playing Against Capitalism
United Kingdom-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
Quillist is a literary platform and newsletter dedicated to championing meaningful storytelling, literary excellence, and writer empowerment. We feature industry news, writing resources, and opportunities for writers to showcase their work.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 90% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
Last Girls Club | Deadline: April 15 | Theme: For Your Own Good
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry.
Last Girls Club is an indie feminist horror magazine, newsletter, and podcast. All are artist run publications and creations whose goal is to promote the female.
Fee: No | Pay: Per word: $0.015
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on X where they have 700+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #accessible
Patina Magazine | Deadline: April 15 | Theme: The Things We Carry
India-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Nonfiction.
Patina explores how traditions persist and evolve. Our digital quarterly focuses on craft, culture, and community as they adapt and persist through food, ritual, objects, and shared spaces. We document the vital middle ground between preservation and change.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
Fruitslice | Deadline: April 20 | Theme: Home
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Hybrid, Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
Fruitslice is a quarterly publication run by a team of Queer editors featuring exclusively Queer writers, artists, creators, etc.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 12% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 7K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #26 hour response time
The Solitude Diaries | Deadline: April 25 | Theme: Renascent / Micro
Literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Poetry.
a new literary magazine for the morbid and strange
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 48% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 600+ followers.
Noteworthy: #30-day response time
miniskirt magazine | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: PRIDE
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
miniskirt is a destination for love & romance. we want your flirtations, your short & sweet confections. we adore romcom, but if you’ve got something dramatic, send that our way too!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 4% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 5K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards #clmp member #very competitive #consistent quality #extra popular
fifth wheel press | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: brainrot
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Hybrid, Multimedia.
An independent community-focused publisher of art and writing by queer, trans, and gender variant creatives.
Fee: No | Pay: Yes
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 47.32% based on 122 tracked submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 7K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #independent #accessible #engaged editors #extra popular
Amsterdam Quarterly | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Metamorphosis
Netherlands-based Literary magazine founded in 2011 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Multimedia.
online literary magazine that publishes, promotes, and comments on art and writing in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and the world
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free #somewhat accessible #10+ years old
Prairie Home Magazine | Deadline: April 30 | Theme: Prose on the theme of Loneliness
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry.
An online journal published bi-monthly, aiming to feature prose poems and short poetry pieces from emerging and established voices.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 9% (reported by editors). You can find them on X where they have 400+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time #nominates for industry awards
Voices & Visions Journal | Deadline: May 1 | Theme: SPRING 2025: STARSTRUCK
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2012 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Hybrid, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
Voices & Visions Journal publishes creative work by students connected to the Historical Women’s College (HWC) community
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 75% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 200+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free
Food & Feeling Zine | Deadline: May 1 | Theme: Media Submission - Issue II: Cake & Celebration
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Multimedia, Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid.
The Food & Feeling Zine is a creative publication that celebrates the powerful connection between food and emotion. Semi-annual zine collects personal essays, poetry, visual art, and stories from diverse contributors, exploring how food nourishes not only our bodies but also our memories, cultures,
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: CA$5–CA$20
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on Instagram where they have 200+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues
RUNT Magazine | Deadline: May 1 | Theme: Issue 02: BREAKING THE SKIN
United States-based Literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Multimedia.
Visual art and literature. Issue 02 BREAKING THE SKIN open for submissions now.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 28% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 700+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #one week response time
Purely Liminal Magazine | Deadline: May 3 | Theme: Issue 6: Nekuia Fiction
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
Purely Liminal Magazine is a Toronto-based for-youth by-youth print (and online) magazine
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 8% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards
Audi Locus | Deadline: May 31 | Theme: Witness
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry.
A creative space showcasing poetry, music, art, and ideas that are both delicate and bold.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 16% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards
The Quarter(ly) | Deadline: June 15 | Theme: What to Do With the Ashes
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Multimedia, Hybrid.
A Literary Journal with Some Art, Comics, and Analysis Thrown in for Good Measure. We want to offer a space for shorter works to mingle with art and other bits of nonsense, so we bring you The Quarter(ly): It just makes cents.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $5
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 13.44% based on 132 tracked submissions. You can find them on Instagram where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #has print issues
Blue Crystal Literary Magazine | Deadline: June 30 | Theme: Summer Poetry, Short Story & Photography Contest: Issue 18
United Kingdom-based Literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Poetry, Hybrid.
Blue Crystal Literary Magazine is the dream and vision of young, fresh minds who started this magazine to spread the light of creativity, imagination, and innovation among modern literary enthusiasts. Blue Crystal is the place where we value quality not quantity!
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #one week response time
The Haiku Shack Magazine | Deadline: June 30 | Theme: What does home mean to you?
Canada-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Poetry, Fiction.
The Haiku Shack Magazine, a new digital publication, focuses on very short poetry and microfiction that seek to make an emotional impact. Every issue is inspired by a specific theme and photograph. Writers are invited to send their own interpretations of one or both for potential inclusion.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions. Accepts some reprints.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30-day response time
remediate lit mag | Deadline: July 1 | Theme: Next Realities
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Hybrid, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
A literary home for computer-assisted creative writing & critical writing about it. The WIRED of lit mags.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 25% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 200+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #two week response time
Valley Verbomania Review | Deadline: May 7 | Theme: Mind Mapping
Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Hybrid.
A youth-led magazine dedicated to celebrating linguistics, cherishing etymologies, and establishing meaningful connections with the arts. VISIT OUR WEBSITE LINK FOR ISSUE 3 SUBMISSIONS!! 🤩
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 50% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
New Friends
The Quotidian Chronicle | Open for submissions | Theme: Issue 02
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Multimedia, Fiction, Nonfiction.
The Quotidian is an online and printed magazine/news blog that focuses on today's culture and political climate. We are committed to providing a stress-free, high-quality, and community-minded environment for writers and artists of all kinds. Our platform is designed to showcase diverse perspectiv
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 30% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 1K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time #nominates for industry awards
Piero Pardini Wine Reviews | Open for submissions | Theme: Microfiction- Theme Wine and its world
Italy-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Fiction.
International digital wine magazine dedicated to the millenary culture of wine. It also publishes quality microfiction about wine and its world.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions. Accepts some reprints. You can find them on Instagram where they have 300+ followers.
Noteworthy: #one week response time
World Insane | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
Literary magazine for everyone by women. We feature bold, imaginative, and thought-provoking visual art, fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry by female-identifying artists.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 50% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #two week response time
ManicWorld Magazine | Closed
United Kingdom-based Literary magazine that publishes Poetry.
This publication was borne out of the need to give every creator a platform. Every person creating, writing, painting, capturing, living is a person we would love to be maniacs with.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 60% (reported by editors). You can find them on Instagram where they have 400+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #one week response time
Poetries in English | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Multimedia.
Avant-garde literary and art magazine. We value risk and non-conformity. Send us your best, most subversive work. And don't bore us.
Fee: $6 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3% (reported by editors).
You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #two week response time #nominates for industry awards
Amaryllis | Open for submissions
Literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Nonfiction, Hybrid, Multimedia.
We believe writing is a form of art, and should never be gatekept, elitist, or afraid to try new things. We want the things that shock us, the things that shake us to the core just a little bit, the things that look for deep emotional truths and leave us with a new understanding of the world.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Does not accept simultaneous submissions.
Harriet's House Magazine | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2025 that publishes Fiction.
An online magazine publishing one literary horror story a month by a writer from the African diaspora.
Fee: No | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on Instagram.
Noteworthy: #read for free #nominates for industry awards
Always Open
Paranoid Tree Press | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry.
Paranoid Tree Press is an independent, hybrid lit mag/art zine. Each month, we create a custom-illustrated zine featuring original fiction or poetry. We then hand-address and mail them to our print subscribers, who help support our goal of paying every contributor.
Fee: No | Pay: Flat rate: $50
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 3% (reported by editors).
You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards
Kaleidoscope Magazine | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 1979 that publishes Nonfiction, Fiction, Multimedia, Poetry.
Kaleidoscope Magazine creatively focuses on the experiences of disability through literature and the fine arts.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $10–$100
Accepts simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 20.83% based on 37 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free #30+ years old
Storm Cellar | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2011 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
A literary journal of safety and danger. We place a special emphasis on the Midwest, but even more emphasis on amazing writing and art. We aim to display aesthetic ambition as well as the work of authors and artists who are under-represented in the Anglophone literary world.
Fee: No | Pay: Per piece: $10
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 2% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 3K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #highly competitive #poetry prize winner #popular
Radon Journal | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Multimedia.
Triannual journal publishing prose and poetry relating to science fiction, anarchism, transhumanism, and cyberpunk dystopia. Radon is a semipro paying market that publishes quality literature the first of every February, June, and October.
Fee: No | Pay: Per word: $0.02
Accepts simultaneous submissions. Acceptance rate of 2% (reported by editors). You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 2K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards #clmp member #highly competitive #engaged editors
Los Angeles Review | Open for submissions
United States-based Literary magazine founded in 2003 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction.
An annual print and online literary journal established in 2003, is the voice of Los Angeles, and the voice of the nation. With its multitude of cultures, Los Angeles roils at the center of the cauldron of divergent literature emerging from the West Coast.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accepts simultaneous submissions. You can find them on X and Instagram where they have 10K+ followers.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #20+ years old #nonfiction prize winner #super extra popular
Contests Closing This Week
Oberon Poetry Prize | Deadline: April 10
Email up to three poems. 2 page per poem max.
Fee: $18 | Pay: $1,000 | Judge: Editors
ghosts, fables, fairytales prize | Deadline: April 13
Please send flash fiction only—1,000 word count maximum per story.
Fee: $20 | Pay: $3,000 | Judge: Dan Chaon
Desperate Literature Prize for Short Fiction | Deadline: April 13
Fiction under 2000 words
Fee: €20 Single Entry (+ €10 every further entry) | Pay: €4000 | Judge: Mariana Enriquez, Henry Hoke, Ottessa Moshfegh
Below, we have a downloadable spreadsheet for this week’s opportunities for paid subscribers.