Where to submit this week (07.15.24)
Closings, openings, contents, themes, agents, oh my!
Welcome to Sub Club’s Where to submit this week! Our weekly report is of up-to-date submission opportunities for writers.
This week, we’ve got:
13 Recently Opened Submission Calls
7 Lit mags closing for submissions this week
11 Theme Calls To Inspire You!
8 New Friends (new listings we’ve added to our database)
5 Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You
3 Agents Who Don’t Care Where You’ve Published Before
This week from our Sub Club Submissions Help Line:
I keep getting advice that I should attend writers conferences to make connections, but I'm an American expat living in Japan, which makes it impossible to attend the conferences in the U.S. Japan does have one writer's conference I know of that I plan on attending, but I was wondering how else could I make connections that might lead to publication.
So, I've lived abroad for around 13 years and feel your pain here. I took a a fair few online writing workshops but never got too into them. I read a lot of industry newsletters and lit mags. When I found writers I liked, I contacted them personally. I think finding writers whose work you enjoy, who’ve had more success than you, then going and making friends with them is probably the best advice I could give for making connections in the writing world. I think it’s a lot better than conferences and events where everyone is there to “network” and the connections don’t always feel as genuine. I did the same for lit mags I liked, and companies in the space I liked (which is how I wound up a cofounder of Chill Subs). So, yeah, personal connections one-by-one with people you admire is way better, in my opinion, than conferences or events. (Not to mention a heck-of-a-lot cheaper).
How do I get from your Front Page to the actual submission opportunities?
On Sub Club? You need to click a post and all links lead to the lit mag's page on Chill Subs. If you like them, click "Guidelines" on that page and you'll be redirected to their website.
Hello, I’m new to the world of submissions (read: still in the womb) so apologies for my ignorance. After reading previous questions, I’ve discovered that creating content on Instagram constitutes as publishing the work. One.) is that correct regardless of the length of the piece? For example, say I want to publish a series of poems to a journal that does not accept re-prints, and I’ve posted a couple but not the full list of poems on Instagram, would that violate their policy? Two.) If so, if I get accepted to the journal and I take the few poems off Instagram, would that be acceptable? Three.) do submissions to scholarships count as published work?
So, I'll give you the good advice and bad advice for this.
Good advice: It's previously published so it doesn't matter. Don't submit it.
Bad advice. Fuck it? Nobody is going to go looking for it on Instagram. It won't show up in any searches if you change the title (and even then…). But take it down before you submit it (not after).
I published a piece with a very small lit mag hosted as a blog, which has a small readership. I've just seen a competition which I think the piece will really suit, run by a bigger mag with more readership. They haven't mentioned anything about whether or not they publish reprints on either their main submission guidelines or their competition guidelines. The blog I published with didn't get me to sign anything to do with handing over copyright, etc. Do I just submit it to the new place as nothing is telling me not to? There's no place to put a cover letter in the competition form otherwise I'd mention it in the cover letter. Not sure of the etiquette to do with reprints! Thanks!
The default for "does this mag accept reprints?" is usually "no." As in, they will always say when they accept them, but if they say noting it means they likely do not. So, unfortunately this would be off the table.
I have a piece that won second place in a small short story contest. I read it to a room of about 40 other writers but it was never printed or published online. Can I submit that piece to magazines and journals for publication?
I would. And I wouldn't tell them because some people are kinda...tight-assed? I think that tight-ass-ness can be good for structure. But in this case, anyone who has a problem with 40 people hearing the story before is a bit too tight. So, submit it, don't tell anyone.
I can't seem to find a home for my short stories. (I spellcheck before submitting!) Is it something in the story or just a matter of not finding its right home just yet?
It could be either, really. Sometimes work isn't ready beyond whether it is spellchecked. It might be a bad story, you know. But more often than not, it is about not finding the right home. One person's bad story is another person's favorite. After all, I think Catcher and the Rye is straight trash. It "objectively" isn't. But left alone in a room with it at the end of the world, it's fire food (or something worse). So, first, ask a few people who love you enough to give you bad news read your stories and tell you what they think. Then read a range of lit mags to see what stories sound like your stories and you'll have great luck. If you have the money, hire a developmental editor who is also a reader/editor for a well-regarded lit mag.
Got a question about submitting? Ask us and we’ll answer it in next weeks Where To Submit This Week. Visit our submission help line.
Last week, we had a some extra lists:
As always, as an extra thank you to paid subscribers, we’ve included a spreadsheet download at the end.
Literary Magazines & Journals
Recently Opened Calls
Brink Literary Journal | Deadline: July 31
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Translation.
Brink is an in-print literary journal publishing hybrid, cross-genre work of creatives residing outside traditional artistic communities and disciplines.
Fee: None | Pay: $25-$100
Accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #one week response time #very competitive
Beloit Poetry Journal | Deadline: July 31
United States-based literary magazine founded in 1950 that publishes Poetry, Translation.
Our longstanding mission is to seek out and share work of fresh and lasting power, poems that speak startling, complicated, necessary truths and that do so in surprising and beautiful ways.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 240 days. Acceptance rate of 1.40% based on 144 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #accessible #50+ years old #poetry top prize winner
Molecule: A Tiny Lit Mag | Deadline: July 31
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review, Interview, Art, Play.
A literary magazine published twice annually, featuring plays, poems, prose, interviews, reviews, artwork, etc.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 45 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #clmp member #somewhat competitive
Last Girls Club | Deadline: August 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Review.
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: None | Pay: varies, see guidelines for details
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 45 days. Acceptance rate of 45.46% based on 55 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #accessible
Rat's Ass Review | Deadline: August 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2009 that publishes Poetry, Art.
an online poetry journal whose editorial fancies are no more arbitrary than any other; they are simply more overtly so. I publish what I like.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 7 days.
Noteworthy: #one week response time #somewhat accessible
The Momentist | Deadline: August 23
Ireland-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Translation, Art.
The Momentist is a new online literary and arts magazine publishing translated and original-language fiction, poetry, interviews, literary and art criticism, and featuring artworks by established and emerging artists.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time
The Cloudscent Journal | Deadline: August 30
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art.
A youth-run literary magazine, driven with nothing more than a desire for artists to have a place where they feel completely safe being themselves, no matter who they are and where they come from.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 90 days. Acceptance rate of 17% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #brecht top 1000 #somewhat competitive
Troublemaker Firestarter | Deadline: September 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2021 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography.
we're a biannual poetry chapbook specializing in LGBT+ and feminist poetry. 💀🔥
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 90 days. Acceptance rate of 15% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #somewhat accessible #chillsubs community nomination
Burningword Literary Journal | Deadline: September 11
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2000 that publishes Flash Fiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Art, Photography.
A quarterly international short-form publication of poetry, short fiction, short nonfiction, and photography.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 90 days. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #has print issues #brecht top 1000 #clmp member #somewhat competitive #20+ years old
SWING | Deadline: October 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Comics.
SWING is home for the emerging writer to the renowned, the discovered to the too-long neglected. We are creating a magazine with the energy and verve of its home city, Nashville, a town of vagabonds and roots, where new influences course through the old.
Fee: None | Pay: Yes
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 150 days. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #highly competitive
32 Poems | Deadline: October 31
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2002 that publishes Poetry, Review.
Poetry for the ear, the eye, and the ego.
Fee: $3 | Pay: $25 per piece
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 90 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #nominates for industry awards # beautiful design # consistent quality #extremely competitive #engaged editors #20+ years old #chill subs community favorite #super extra popular
Dogwood Alchemy Art & Literary Magazine | Deadline: November 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Flash Fiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Art.
We are an Indiana based art and literary magazine focused on new and established voices of marginalized groups.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 180 days. Acceptance rate of 30% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #nominates for industry awards #somewhat accessible
The Creekside Magazine | Open for submissions
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Micro Fiction, Poetry, Wtf is genre, send anything.
the creekside magazine publishes fiction & poetry about home.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days.
Last Chance to Submit
Encephalon | Deadline: July 15
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
A youth-led journal devoted to publishing and honoring the voice, craft, and originality of emerging writers, artists, and scientists
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 42 days. Acceptance rate of 5% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #nominates for industry awards
Mulberry Literary | Deadline: July 15
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2019 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography, Play, Comics, Audio, Video, Wtf is genre, send anything.
Mulberry Literary is an indie lit and art magazine dedicated to showcasing boundless creative work in its every form.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #somewhat accessible
Mania Magazine | Deadline: July 15
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, 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
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time
Able Muse | Deadline: July 16
United States-based literary magazine founded in 1999 that publishes Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction, Art, Interview, Review, Photography, Translation.
Able Muse publishes metrical poetry and poetry translation, along with art, fiction, and nonfiction (essays, book reviews, and interviews that focus on metrical and formal poetry).
Fee: None | Pay: No
Do not accept simultaneous submissions.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #one week response time #20+ years old #poetry prize winner
Exposed Bone | Deadline: July 16
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid.
Exposed Bone publishes uncanny work that wrecks our expectations, keeps us on edge, and fucks with our thoughts.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 90 days. Acceptance rate of 3% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards
Poetry South | Deadline: July 16
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2009 that publishes Poetry.
An international poetry journal based in Mississippi. We are open to a wide range of styles and to poets from all backgrounds. We accept no-fee submissions year-round with an annual deadline of July 15 for that year's issue.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 180 days. Acceptance rate of 5.88% based on 34 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #poetry prize winner
Tea Table Magazine | Deadline: July 19
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
Run by North Carolina Asian American Together (NCAAT), Tea Table Mag publishes work by AAPI Creators from North Carolina
Fee: None | Pay: $15 per piece
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 15 days. Acceptance rate of 75% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards
Theme Calls To Inspire You!
The Petrichor Gazette | Deadline: July 31 | Theme: Swiftie Summer Showdown
India-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
The Petrichor Gazette is a teen run digitial (and occasionally print) magazine.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 14 days.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #two week response time
Cosmic Daffodil Journal | Deadline: July 16 | Theme: FUTURE VISIONS
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography.
This journal is born out of love for art; poetry, fiction & non-fiction, short stories, paintings, sculptures, everything, and anything creative.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 21 days. Acceptance rate of 40.91% based on 22 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #active on socials #30-day response time #accessible
Abobo Zine | Deadline: July 15 | Theme: bodily autonomy, reproductive justice & abortion
United States-based literary magazine that publishes Flash Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography.
We want your poems, flash fiction, recipes & art about bodily autonomy & reproductive justice for vol. 2!
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials
MER - Mom Egg Review | Deadline: July 15 | Theme: mothering or motherhood
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2002 that publishes Flash Fiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Art, Photography.
A literary journal on motherhood.
Fee: $3 | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 180 days. Acceptance rate of 7% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #active on socials #nominates for industry awards #very competitive #20+ years old
Alien Dimensions | Deadline: September 1 | Theme: 100,000 Years of Galactic Peace
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2017 that publishes Fiction.
Always on the lookout for alien stories with a futuristic setting integral to the story rather than just a backdrop, featuring stories based on real science, you’re sure to find something that will get you thinking in every issue.
Fee: None | Pay: $20
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 30 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #30-day response time #accepts most
Gasher Journal Anthology Series | Deadline: August 15 | Theme: Ends & Endings
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2018 that publishes Poetry.
Gasher Journal is the imprint of Gasher Press, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit publisher. We are interested in fresh voices and innovative forms. Make everything useful.
Fee: $3.5 | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 120 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials
Vial Of Bones Zine | Deadline: August 1 | Theme: Nature's Witchy Brew
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
Literary zine specializing in bizarre, weird, and experimental prose, poetry, and art.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 14 days.
Noteworthy: #read for free #has print issues #active on socials #two week response time
abducted cow magazine | Deadline: August 16 | Theme: Slipped in the Sea
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Photography.
abducted cow magazine is a magazine highlighting the weird and quirky!
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 6 days. Acceptance rate of 45% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #active on socials #one week response time
Paper Dragon | Deadline: October 31 | Theme: Horror/Halloween
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2020 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art, Photography.
Paper Dragon is the literary journal of Drexel University’s MFA in Creative Writing program. It is managed and edited by MFA students and published with generous help from the Drexel Publishing Group.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 117 days. Acceptance rate of 26.93% based on 26 tracked submissions.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #university affiliated #clmp member #somewhat accessible
Sublimation: a Magazine of Speculative Poetry and Art | Deadline: July 15 | Theme: We Are Monsters All
Sweden-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Poetry, Art.
Indie magazine promoting speculative poetry and art.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 30 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials #30-day response time #nominates for industry awards
The Shallot: Journal of Mental Health, Art, and Literature | Deadline: July 20 | Theme: Divergent
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Nonfiction, Flash CNF, Poetry, Hybrid, Art.
The Layered Onion is dedicated to changing the perception of mental health through the arts. We do this by sharing, promoting, and creating opportunities for artists with lived experience.
Fee: None | Pay: $15
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #one week response time
New friends
The Minerva Press | Deadline: August 10
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Art, Photography.
Thank you for your interest in submitting to Issue 02 of our youth literary magazine!
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time
Noor | Open for submissions
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
Noor is currently looking for art and writing submissions --- across all genres.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints.
Noteworthy: #active on socials #one week response time
Nebula Journal | Deadline: August 31
United Kingdom-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
By young people- for young people. Providing a platform for those with a lot to say!
Fee: None | Pay: No
Do not accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 3 days.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time
The Periwinkle Pelican | Closed for submissions
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Wtf is genre, send anything.
The Birds are hungry for words! Send us some words in August!
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days.
Noteworthy: #active on socials
Winged Penny Review | Open for submissions
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Poetry.
A literary magazine dedicated to showcasing the immutability of human emotion through words
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Acceptance rate of 10% (reported by editors).
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials #one week response time #nominates for industry awards
Iceblink Literary Magazine | Deadline: August 1
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2023 that publishes Fiction, Flash Fiction, Micro Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid, Review, Humor, Play, Wtf is genre, send anything.
Iceblink Lit is a student-led magazine that aims to amplify creative voices with no limits on age, themes, and genre.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions. Respond within 60 days.
Noteworthy: #read for free #active on socials
Sap Zine | Deadline: August 8
Australia-based literary magazine founded in 2022 that publishes Fiction, Poetry, Art.
Sap is a queer erotica zine celebrating queer sex in all its messy, sweaty, literary, detail.
Fee: None | Pay: AU$20
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 60 days.
Noteworthy: #has print issues #active on socials
the margazine | Closed for submissions
United States-based literary magazine founded in 2024 that publishes Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Art.
write like you're wastin' away again.
Fee: None | Pay: No
Accept simultaneous submissions and some reprints. Respond within 65 days.
Noteworthy: #active on socials
Contests That Probably Won’t Scam You
Radar Poetry Coniston prize | Deadline: August 1
The Coniston Prize is an annual award that recognizes an exceptional group of poems by a woman writing in English. Any poet who identifies as a woman is eligible. The winner of the Coniston Prize will receive $1,000, and up to 10 finalists will also be awarded $175. The winner and all finalists’ poems will be featured in the October Coniston Prize Issue. Submit 3-5 previously unpublished poems, totaling no more than 10 pages, in a single document through our submissions manager. You may include a cover letter and brief bio in the comments box. Multiple submissions are acceptable with additional reading fee.
Fee: $20 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): January Gill O’Neil
Noteworthy: Maybe I’m biased (heck yeah I am), but I love a good prize by and for women.
Granum Foundation Prize | Deadline: August 1
The Granum Foundation Prize will be awarded annually to help U.S.-based writers complete substantive literary works—such as poetry books, essay or short story collections, novels, and memoirs—or to help launch these works. Additionally, the Granum Foundation Translation Prize will be awarded to support the completion of a work translated into English by a U.S.-based writer.
Fee: None | Awarding: $5,000 | Judge(s): Editors/Organizers
Noteworthy: They only take US-based writers but hey, at least there’s no fee.
Prairie Schooner Summer Creative Nonfiction Contest | Deadline: August 1
The contest is open to all types of creative nonfiction essays up to 5,000 words. We're interested in reading imaginative essays of general interest.
Fee: $20 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): Safiya Sinclair
Noteworthy: Prairie Schooner is a cream-of-the-crop mag and Safiya Sinclair is one of the best poets writing today.
Gival Press Short Story Award | Deadline: August 8
A prize of $1,000 and publication on the Gival Press website is given annually for a short story. Submit a story of 5,000 to 15,000 words with a $25 entry fee by August 8.
Fee: $25 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): ?
Noteworthy: They’ve running for 21+ years!
Grayson Books Poetry Contest | Deadline: August 15
Submit 50-90 page poetry book manuscript with title page and table of contents. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 prize, publication, and 10 copies. The runner-up may also be offered publication. There is a reading fee of $26.
Fee: $26 | Awarding: $1,000 | Judge(s): Chase Twichell
Noteworthy: Doesn’t take too much scrolling on their website to figure out that they publish quality work — I mean, look at those book covers!
Below is for paid subscribers only. We have our Agents Who Don’t Care WherevYou’ve Published Before and a downloadable spreadsheet for this week’s opportunities.