Where to submit this week (05.06.24)
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:
9 Recently Opened Submission Calls
11 Lit mags closing for submissions this week
10 Theme Calls
11 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
Yay! People seemed to really like last week’s report. We couldn’t be happier. We brainstormed and debated this structure for about two months. Whew! That would have been rough if it had sucked, huh? These take like…6-8 hours each to make. What would we have done?
Hm, probably would have just pretended it never happened and quietly reverted back to the old way, if I’m honest. But we love it so much more when we’re right. Being right is the best. OK, so since folks seemed to be into the section for ‘Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You’ we have added it to this weekly report now and forever. We will cool it on updates to this week’s since we’re still refining our processes over here, but if you’d like to explore more opportunities not included on this list you can find some for agents and indie presses here:
Literary Magazines & Journals
Recently Opened Calls
Yalobusha Review | Deadline: Capped every month
Yalobusha Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1995 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Poetry. "" -C.S. Fee: None | Pay: No -
A journal of new writing, founded in 1995 and operated by the graduate writing program at the University of Mississippi. We seek to showcase work that alters or subverts mainstream forms of expression–work that is, in a broad sense, experimental, though that takes many forms.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~5-6 months. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #university affiliated #very competitive #krouse top 500
Zero Readers | Deadline: May 17
Zero Readers is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, and Interview.
Our goal is to build a vibrant writing community through access to craft essays, interviews, and the opportunity for publication. As a program of Pencilhouse, we ultimately strive for accessibility and inclusivity.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1 month.
Cincinnati Review | Deadline: May 30
The Cincinnati Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2003 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Translation, and Play.
Since its inception in 2003, The Cincinnati Review has published many promising new and emerging writers as well as Pulitzer Prize winners and Guggenheim and MacArthur fellows.
Fee: None | Pay: $25/page for prose / $30/page for poetry / $25/miCRo posts
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 6 months. They have an acceptance rate of 0% based on 767 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #university affiliated #clmp member #extremely competitive #mega super popular. woah. #has printed issues
A Public Space | Deadline: May 31
A Public Space is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2006 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, and Translation.
An independent nonprofit publisher of an eponymous award-winning literary, arts, and culture magazine, and A Public Space Books
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~4 months. They have an acceptance rate of 0.4% based on 496 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #extremely competitive #fiction prize winner #krouse top 500 #mega super popular.
The Lunar Journal | Deadline: May 31
The Lunar Journal is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Nonfiction, Poetry, and Fiction.
Created as a way to facilitate creativity and expression among emerging writers across the world. We strive to uplift BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, trans folks, and other underrepresented voices in our mission to share meaningful stories with others.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1 month. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #very competitive #30-day response time
Dreamers Creative Writing | Deadline: May 31
Dreamers Creative Writing is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, and Poetry.
We’re looking for short stories, poems, personal essays or excerpts (that stand alone) from any genre of writing. We’re willing to consider any form of writing that is well-written and from the heart. We especially love writing that has some connection to writing for wellness – narrative medicine, medical memoir, writing the self, healing writing, etc.
Fee: $3 | Pay: $20-$60
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
underblong | Deadline: June 15
underblong is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Poetry and Art.
You’re stuck in the mud, icicles a shroud around your eyes. You aren’t sure where the apples are, but you think of their red for the whole day, brimming your eyelashes. Underblong is a journal of the not-quite-so, of unfinished thoughts, of unresolved anger, of unforgotten macaroni art. Underblong is the coatroom of your secret’s secrets, a boiling pot of kit-kats becoming your favorite soup. Send us a poem that cuts through the crap. Send us your dinner chicken. Poems made by a soul.
Fee: None | Pay: $20
They accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free #nonprofit #highly competitive
The Minison Project | Deadline: June 15
The Minison Project is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, and Photography.
Tom Snarsky and Jo Ianni are credited with popularizing the form of a minimal sonnet, or “minison”, which is a very small poetic form with only one rule: make a poem with only fourteen letters total. Now the format is blossoming into new, related forms.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #active on socials # consistent quality #extremely competitive #engaged editors
Black Warrior Review | Deadline: August 2
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.
Established in 1974 by graduate students in the MFA in Creative Writing, Black Warrior Review is named for the river that borders the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
Fee: $3 | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1-6 months. They have a 0.93% acceptance rate based on 533 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #brecht top 1000 #extremely competitive #krouse top 500 #30+ years old #nominates for industry awards
Last Chance to Submit
Geist | Deadline: May 6
Geist is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 1990 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Review, Art, Photography, and Comics.
Geist is the Canadian magazine of ideas and culture with a strong literary focus and a sense of humour. The Geist tone is intelligent, plain-talking, inclusive and offbeat.
Fee: $3 | Pay: upto $1000 for Fiction / $100 per page for poetry
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 4 months. Noteworthy: #extremely competitive #30+ years old #super extra popular
Hexagon | Deadline: May 7
Hexagon SF Magazine is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Translation, and Comics.
Quarterly online magazine of international speculative fiction. We publish the weird, wondrous, and whimsical!
Fee: None | Pay: $0.01 CAD/word
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~10-35 days. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #extra popular
Juniper Poetry | Deadline: May 7
Juniper: A Poetry Journal is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Poetry.
Juniper seeks poems that bring the reader back to themselves and leave them with a deeper understanding of the world(s) in which they live.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~2 months. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials
matchbook | Deadline: May 8
matchbook is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2009 that publishes Flash Fiction and Flash CNF.
matchbook is an online literary journal that publishes one piece of short prose every two weeks. Submit here
Fee: None | Pay: $20
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~3 months.
Island | Deadline: May 8
Island Magazine is an Australia, Commonwealth of-based literary magazine founded in 1979 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Art.
A premium Australian literary magazine of fiction, poetry, nonfiction and arts features. Unless otherwise stated, Island welcomes submissions from Australia, New Zealand and Australians living abroad.
Fee: None | Pay: $700-$1500
They accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30+ years old #has printed issues
100 Word Story | Deadline: May 8
100 Word Story is a United States of America-based literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, and Flash CNF.
We specialize in the art of the 100 word story. For life doesn’t lend itself so easily to our elucidations. None of us will ever know the whole story.
Fee: $2 | Pay: No
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They have an acceptance rate of 2.51% based on 119 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #brecht top 1000 #somewhat competitive #krouse top 500 #extra popular
Funicular Magazine | Deadline: May 10
Funicular Magazine is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, and Poetry.
Publishes emerging and established Canadian writers, as well as work from writers around the world.
Fee: None | Pay: $25 per flash/poem / $10 per printed page of short fiction (max $100)
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~2 months. Noteworthy: #active on socials #brecht top 1000 #very competitive #krouse top 500
SugarSugarSalt Magazine | Deadline: May 10
SugarSugarSalt Lit is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Nonfiction.
Our mission is to spotlight amazing CNF pieces that readers may have missed the first time around, as well as to eventually publish new work from the genre’s best writers, both established and emerging.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They accept previously published works. They respond in ~1 month. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30-day response time
Anarchist Fictions | Deadline: May 10
Anarchist Fictions is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction and Poetry.
Anarchist Fictions is a new print journal of fiction and poems on themes about, or adjacent to, anarchy and anarchism. Set to launch in early Winter 2025, the journal will be 150 pages of beautiful art and writing that captures and recreates the fiery will to destroy existing society. We pay our writers.
Fee: None | Pay: $10-$50 per piece
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
Cordite Poetry Review | Deadline: May 12
Cordite Poetry Review is a Australia, Commonwealth of-based literary magazine founded in 1996 that publishes Poetry.
An Australian and international journal of poetry, criticism and research.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~5-6 weeks Noteworthy: #read for free #20+ years old
Going Down Swinging | Deadline: May 13
Going Down Swinging is a Australia, Commonwealth of-based literary magazine founded in 1979 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Comics, and Audio.
Going Down Swinging works across platforms to produce high quality publications and events that support writers and artists telling stories worth sharing.
We're looking for works between about 6,000-10,000 words (or equivalent) total. Give us one long piece or a selection of short work, in any combination. We are, as ever, keen to be surprised and delighted by form. More than anything, we're looking for good, good writing.
Fee: None | Pay: $600
They accept simultaneous submissions. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #brecht top 1000 #30+ years old #has printed issues
Theme Calls
Bloodletter Magazine | Deadline: May 7 | Theme: Hysteria
Bloodletter Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Art, and Hybrid.
A feminist horror magazine showcasing personal and analytical perspectives on the horrific by women/trans/non-binary writers.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions and respond in ~2 weeks to 2 months.
Rock and a Hard Place: Stone’s Throw | Deadline: May 7 | Theme: Home
Rock and a Hard Place Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Art, and Photography.
Rock and a Hard Place Press is a lit-noir publisher, focused on stories of struggle, tales of the powerless and marginalized, characters on the fringes of society … and what they do next.
Home is where the noir is. This month, we’re looking for stories set at home, wherever that is. Apartments. The suburbs. A townhouse. An RV. Under an overpass. We all need to lay our head somewhere, and while we imagine it to always be safe, sometimes that’s just wishful thinking. Click here to submit!
Fee: None | Pay: $25
They accept simultaneous submissions.
miniskirt magazine | Deadline: May 10 | Theme: PRIDE
miniskirt magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Art, and Photography.
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: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~6 weeks. They accept previously published works with some limitations. They have an acceptance rate of 10.43% based on 144 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #very competitive #consistent quality #nominates for industry awards #extra popular
Cicada Creative Magazine | Deadline: May 11 | Dial-up Dreams
Cicada Creative Magazine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Review, Interview, Translation, Art, Photography, Audio, Video, and Game.
An interdisciplinary, all-arts publication.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They accept previously published works. Noteworthy: #read for free #somewhat competitive #30-day response time
Shooter Lit Mag | Deadline: May 12 | Theme: Nightlife
Shooter Literary Magazine is a United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2014 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Art.
Shooter publishes themed print issues twice a year, and holds competitions for short stories (annual), poetry (annual), and flash fiction/nonfiction (monthly). We seek compelling literary work that appeals to both the head and the heart."
Fee: None | Pay: £5-£25 per piece
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~2 months. They have an acceptance rate of 0% based on 94 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #highly competitive #krouse top 500 #extra popular #has printed issues
The Weaver | Deadline: May 14 | Theme: Whimsical/Absurd
The Weaver is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Hybrid works.
A monthly periodical celebrating the whimsical. We challenge patriarchal thinking and leaning into ancestral knowledge.
Fee: None | Pay: $35
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They accept previously published works that may have appeared on your social channels. They generally respond ~1-2 weeks.
Epistemic Lit | Deadline: May 15 | Theme: Anticipation
Epistemic Literary is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, and Poetry.
A fully-digital anthology series celebrating knowledge, connection, and growth through poetry and short fiction.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They generally respond in less than two months. Noteworthy: #active on socials #nominates for industry awards
Aureation Zine | Deadline: May 16 | Theme: Growing
Aureation Zine is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Micro Fiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Art, Photography
A literary and art zine for anything and everything!
Themed issues come out on the 1st of each month.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They do not accept simultaneous submissions. They accept previously published works. They respond in ~1 month.
Yellow Arrow Publishing | Deadline: May 17 | Theme: AMPLIFY
Yellow Arrow Journal is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2016 that publishes Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Translation, Art, and Photography.
A biannual publication on a mission of creating a space where writers who identify as women have a place where their voices are heard and ripple out in waves of empathy and resilience.
Fee: None | Pay: $10
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond within 1 month. Noteworthy: #active on socials #fosters inclusivity # consistent quality #engaged editors #nominates for industry awards
Gasher Journal | Deadline: Aug 15 | Theme: Ends & Endings
Gasher Journal is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography, and Play.
A literary and visual art journal and chapbook press. We want art that guts us with surgical precision. Make everything useful.
Fee: $3.50 | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond ~3-4 months. They have an acceptance rate of 1.49% based on 67 tracked submissions on CS. Noteworthy: #active on socials #independent #extremely competitive #popular #has printed issues
New friends
Veralit Magazine | Open for submissions
Veralit Magazine is a Egypt-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Flash Fiction, Flash CNF, Photography, Music, Video, and Hybrid.
Veralit magazine aims to encourage young artists to spread and flourish in their desired fields of art. Here in Veralit, we believe that creativity is an art expressed in many forms! It is an act of virtue to publish your art, and we want to encourage you to do just that! Afterall, art is the truth of who we are.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions and previously published works.
Piece of Cake | Open for submissions
Piece of Cake is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Nonfiction.
A Teen-Led Food Magazine is a food magazine by and for teenagers. Hope you are hungry!
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions.
Afrihill Press | Open for submissions
Afrihill Press is a Nigeria-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Hybrid works.
Afrihill Press is a Nigerian-based publishing company dedicated to empowering African voices and sharing diverse stories
Fee: None | Pay: 5000 Naira
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~1-2 weeks.
Vita & the Woolf | Open for submissions
Vita & the Woolf is a United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction.
We welcome new and established writers alike. We like fiction with a hint of magic realism.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions. They respond in ~7-10 days.
The Other Almanac | Closed for submissions
The Other Almanac is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Poetry, Art, Essays, and Hybrid works.
There are still small wisdoms, articles, tips, calendars, and star guides, but The Other Almanac includes words and art from professors, farmworkers, scientists, medicine makers, incarcerated poets, sex workers, activists, astrologers, midwives, and more.
Fee: None | Pay: $50-$100
They do not accept simultaneous submissions.
Hakkyu | Open for submissions
Hakkyu is a United States of America-based literary magazine that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry.
Hakkyu is derived from the Japanese word "to spread." Our small team of editors is focused on spreading the word of the young and new. The goal is to empower raw and diverse voices with no hidden prerequisite of past experience. Only the writing will be considered; hence, we only require an author biography once the publication is confirmed. Editors are based in Japan and the United States through a voluntary effort. We hope to expand our reach as we grow.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions.
Silly Goose Press | Closed for submissions
Silly Goose Press is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Nonfiction and Poetry.
HONK! Silly Goose Press is a very flocking serious literary magazine obsessed with craft-forward whimsy. HONK!
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions.
The Comstock Review | Closed for submissions
The Comstock Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1987 that publishes Poetry.
A print poetry journal that publishes great poems twice a year.
Fee: None | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions.
Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review | Open for submissions
Hampden-Sydney Poetry Review is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 1975 that publishes Poetry.
HSPR, published annually, is one of the longest continuously-run poetry journals in the United States and one of only about a dozen established literary journals nationwide devoted solely to poetry. The magazine has published new work by a long list of poets.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
They accept simultaneous submissions and previously published works with some limitations.
Spray Paint Magazine | Closed for submissions
Spray Paint Magazine is a Canada-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Art, and Plays.
We aim to give artists a voice.
Fee: None | Pay: $5-$10 CAD
They do not accept simultaneous submissions.
AURORE | Open for submissions
Aurore is a United States of America-based literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Nonfiction (Erotica).
A collection of erotic stories written by and for women and LGBTQ+ based on their own experiences.
Fee: None | Pay: $50-$150
Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You
Cave Canem Prize | Deadline: May 13
Submit one poetry manuscript between 60-75 pages.
All unpublished, original collections of poems written in English by Black poets who have not had a full-length book of poetry published by a professional press.
Fee: FREE | Awarding: $10,000 | Judge(s): Natasha Trethaway
Noteworthy: The prize exclusively exists to help Black poets and allows them “a direct route to: Graywolf Press; University of Pittsburgh Press; and University of Georgia Press. “ It is very widely known and lauded in the indie lit world. And okay…look at that freakin’ prize money PLUS being FREE to enter. Wooo!
The Irene Adler Essay Prize | Deadline: May 30
I’ve been very fortunate, and it’s time for me to give back. With the Irene Adler Prize, I’m awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a woman pursuing a degree in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post-secondary institution.
Submit a 500-word essay in English based on one of the following five essay prompts:
Which story in the news in 2023 impacted you the most and why?
Write about a place – either human-made or natural – and show why it means a lot to you.
What do you think our world will look like in 2074?
Tennis star Billie Jean King said: “Champions keep on playing until they get it right.” Tell a story that exemplifies this statement.
What motivates you?
Each essay must have its own original title. The applicant’s name, mailing address, phone number, and email address must appear on the first page. All personal information will be kept strictly confidential.
Fee: FREE Awarding: $1000 | Judge(s): Lucas Aykroyd
Noteworthy: Um so, humble brag, I won this contest last year and Lucas was absolutely wonderful to communicate with. The prize is a heartfelt, individual endeavor to fund female writers. And all winning entries and honorable mentions are truly unique.
Far Horizons Award for Poetry | Deadline: May 7
The contest is open to Canadian and international writers anywhere in the world. Eligible writers have yet to publish their poetry in book form.
Submit up to 3 poems per entry.
Fee: $20 | Awarding: $1250 CAD| Judge(s): Patrick Grace
Noteworthy: This prize is run by The Malahat Review, who have consistently published quality work. Plus, they have an interview up with the judge who shares exactly what kind of winning poem he’s looking for.
Two Sylvias Press Chapbook Prize | Deadline: May 31
Submit a poetry chapbook between 17-24 pages.
Fee: $18 | Awarding: $500 + 20 author copies | Judge(s): Oliver de la Paz
Noteworthy: Two Sylvias Press has become somewhat of a household name with all their famous connections (they regularly seem to have workshops and seminars with the likes of Diane Seuss and Maggie Smith, for example). They are definitely a respected publisher for your chapbook!
The Grouse Grind Lit Prize for V Short Forms | Deadline: May 16
$500 Grand Prize, $150 Runner-Up, $50 Second Runner-Up
Maximum word count: 300 words (including title). Please submit only one piece per submission. You may submit additional stories using the Additional Entry option for $5.
Fee: $15 (Offer Waivers for Black and Indigenous Writers) | Awarding: $1000 | Judge(s): Editors
Noteworthy: PRISM International is an excellent literary magazine in all ways — one of my personal favorites. Flash Fiction prizes feel rare, sometimes, so it’s exciting that they have one. Plus, love the option for free entries for Black and Indigenous authors. They also have a number of free entries for low-income writers. Just email them at promotions@prismmagazine.ca.
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. They look a little (a lot) like this: