Mastering Literary Magazine Submissions: Essential Guidelines for Writers
- Mar 15
- 12 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Submitting to literary magazines is an exciting step for writers looking to share their work with a wider audience. However, each magazine has its own expectations, and understanding general submission guidelines is crucial to increasing your chances of acceptance. Whether you're a poet, fiction writer, or essayist, following submission guidelines carefully demonstrates professionalism and respect for the publication. Editors receive thousands of submissions, and small mistakes, such as exceeding word limits or ignoring formatting requirements, can result in automatic rejection.
Beyond publication, literary magazines play a significant role in shaping a writer’s career. Studies show that over 60% of debut authors in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction were published in literary magazines before securing a book deal. Many agents and publishers actively scout talent through these journals, making them a critical stepping stone for emerging writers. Additionally, writers who publish in respected literary magazines have a much greater likelihood of receiving major literary awards. Data from The Best American series and Pushcart Prize selections reveal that over 70% of recognized works originally appeared in literary magazines, underscoring their influence in the industry.
The rise of digital literary magazines has further expanded the reach of published work. Platforms like The New Yorker and Granta report millions of unique monthly visitors, giving writers unprecedented exposure. Even independent literary magazines, while smaller in scale, connect writers with thousands of engaged readers from around the world. This widespread visibility can help writers build their audience, establish credibility, and open doors to future opportunities.
Given these opportunities, mastering the submission process is crucial for writers seeking to advance their careers. This guide will walk you through the key components of literary magazine submission guidelines, offering insights on how to navigate the process successfully. By understanding reading periods, formatting expectations, cover letter etiquette, and rights agreements, writers can position themselves for success in the literary publishing world.
1. Types of Work Accepted
Before submitting, writers should determine whether their work aligns with the magazine’s editorial focus. Most literary magazines specify the genres they accept, often outlining specific length restrictions, formatting preferences, and thematic interests.
Poetry
Poetry submissions often have strict guidelines regarding length, form, and the number of pieces allowed per submission. Most magazines permit 3–5 poems per submission, while some accept only one poem at a time. Additionally, certain journals prefer formal poetry (such as sonnets, haikus, or villanelles), while others focus on free verse or prose poetry. Some experimental magazines may also accept visual poetry, erasure poetry, or found poetry, blending text with images or utilizing unconventional structures.
Fiction
Fiction submissions are commonly divided into categories based on length:
Flash Fiction (under 1,000 words) – Short, impactful pieces that focus on brevity and efficiency of language.
Short Stories (1,000–7,500 words) – The most commonly accepted fiction length, though upper limits vary by magazine.
Novelettes & Novellas (7,500–40,000 words) – Some literary magazines occasionally publish longer fiction in serialized form or as special features.
Certain magazines have specific preferences, such as literary fiction, speculative fiction, magical realism, historical fiction, or surrealist fiction. Writers should carefully review past issues to see if their style aligns with the publication’s tone and themes.
Creative Nonfiction
Creative nonfiction (CNF) encompasses a wide range of personal and fact-based storytelling, including:
Memoir and Personal Essays – First-person narratives that explore significant life experiences, reflections, or insights.
Narrative Journalism – Articles that blend research with storytelling to provide a literary take on factual events.
Lyric Essays and Braided Essays – Highly stylized nonfiction that interweaves different topics, themes, or structures to create a cohesive narrative.
Many literary magazines that accept creative nonfiction emphasize personal voice, originality, and emotional depth, favoring work that reads as artfully as fiction.
Hybrid and Experimental Work
Some publications encourage writing that pushes genre boundaries, incorporating elements such as:
Prose Poetry – Writing that blurs the line between poetry and narrative prose.
Hermit Crab Essays – Nonfiction written in unconventional formats, such as recipes, instruction manuals, or Q&As.
Collage or Fragmented Pieces – Works that use fragmented narratives, found text, or multimedia elements.
Concrete and Visual Poetry – Poems that take on a specific shape or integrate graphic design elements.
Magazines that accept hybrid work often seek bold, innovative voices that challenge traditional storytelling methods.
Translations
If submitting translated work, most magazines require:
Proof of permission from the original author or the rights holder.
Biographical information about both the original writer and the translator.
A translator’s note explaining the context and challenges of the translation.
Some journals specialize in international literature and seek translations of lesser-known or underrepresented authors. These publications may also consider experimental translations, where translators take creative liberties with the text.
Genre-Specific and Thematic Journals
Some literary magazines focus exclusively on specific themes or genres. Writers should be aware of journals that:
Publish only BIPOC, LGBTQ+, feminist, or regional voices.
Specialize in nature/environmental writing, speculative fiction, or historical fiction.
Accept only work tied to specific social, cultural, or political themes.
Since many magazines update their submission calls based on upcoming themes, writers should check for special issues that align with their work.
Each literary magazine provides a list of accepted genres and formats on its website, often accompanied by sample works from previous issues. Before submitting, writers should take the time to read past publications to understand the magazine’s style and voice. Familiarizing themselves with the tone and preferences of a publication can help writers determine whether their work is a good fit.
Additionally, it is essential to follow all submission guidelines, including word count limits, formatting rules, and any specific requirements outlined by the magazine. Failing to address these details can result in automatic rejection, even if the work itself is strong. Writers should also pay attention to theme-specific calls for submissions, as these may offer a better chance of acceptance. Some magazines publish special, themed issues that focus on specific topics, styles, or forms, making it easier for work that aligns with these themes to stand out.
By taking these extra steps, writers ensure that their submissions are thoughtfully prepared and well-matched to the magazine’s editorial vision. This level of care not only increases the likelihood of publication but also demonstrates professionalism and respect for the magazine’s submission process.
Ready to begin exploring the world's best literary journals? Check out our Directory of over 1,000 Literary Journals and Magazines.
2. Reading Periods and Deadlines
Many literary magazines have structured submission windows, which dictate when they accept and review work. Understanding these reading periods is crucial, as submitting outside of the designated timeframe often results in automatic rejection. Writers should always check a magazine’s website or submission guidelines to confirm the current reading period before submitting.
Rolling Submissions
Some literary magazines accept submissions year-round, meaning writers can submit anytime without worrying about specific deadlines. These magazines typically review submissions continuously, responding as they go rather than within a set timeframe.
Pros – Allows for flexibility in submission timing and a potentially faster response.
Cons – May lead to longer wait times if the publication has a backlog of submissions.
Publications with rolling submissions often include online-only literary magazines, flash fiction journals, and experimental zines that regularly update their content. However, even if a magazine has a rolling submission policy, response times may vary based on workload, editorial availability, or seasonal fluctuations in submissions.
Fixed Reading Periods
Many literary magazines have specific submission windows, typically aligning with academic calendars or editorial cycles. Common reading periods include:
Fall Submission Windows: September to December – Many university-affiliated journals open their reading periods in the fall when staff and student editors return for the academic year.
Winter/Spring Submission Windows: January to April/May – Another common period for magazines to review work before summer hiatus.
Summer Breaks – Many journals close for the summer, particularly those affiliated with colleges and universities, as staff and editors are unavailable.
Fixed reading periods help magazines manage workload and publication schedules by allowing them to focus on reviewing a set number of submissions at a time. Some journals provide early submission deadlines for contests or special features, so it’s always important to check for specific deadlines rather than assume a reading period extends throughout an entire season.
Themed Calls for Submissions
Some literary magazines release specific themes or prompts for certain issues, requiring submissions to align with a particular subject, mood, or concept. These themes can range from broad ideas, such as "Transformation" or "Resilience," to more niche topics, including "Speculative Futures" or "The Ocean as Metaphor."
Pros – Themed issues often have fewer submissions than general issues, potentially increasing acceptance rates for well-matched pieces.
Cons – Writers must craft or revise work to fit the theme, which may not align with their existing portfolio.
Themed calls are common for special anniversary issues, guest-edited editions, and genre-specific journals. Writers should check submission calendars frequently, as some magazines only open for themed submissions once or twice a year.
Contests and Special Submission Windows
Many literary magazines host writing contests alongside their regular submission periods, offering monetary prizes and opportunities for publication. These contests may have separate deadlines and submission fees, with winners often highlighted in a dedicated issue or anthology.
Examples of Common Contest Timelines:
Spring Contest – Often open from February to May, with winners announced in the summer or fall.
Fall Contests – Typically run from September to December, with results released early the following year.
Some contests provide expedited feedback or guarantee publication for finalists, making them valuable submission opportunities for writers. However, many contests charge entry fees, so it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits before entering.
Understanding Deadlines and Response Times
Soft Deadlines: Some magazines offer grace periods past official deadlines but do not advertise them. Writers may inquire if they missed a closing date.
Hard Deadlines: Strict cutoff dates after which submissions will not be considered. These are common for contest entries, guest-edited issues, and university-affiliated journals.
Response Times: Some magazines respond within a few weeks, while others may take six months or longer to respond. Publications often provide estimated response times in their guidelines; however, these timelines can shift depending on the submission volume.
To stay on top of submission deadlines, writers should:
Create a submission calendar to track reading periods and upcoming themed issues.
Sign up for literary magazine newsletters to receive deadline reminders.
Use submission platforms (e.g., Submittable, Duotrope) to monitor open calls and response times.
By understanding and respecting reading periods and deadlines, writers increase their chances of publication while avoiding wasted submissions.
3. Formatting Requirements
Most literary magazines have strict formatting guidelines that writers must follow to ensure their submissions are considered. Standard requirements often include specific font and spacing rules, such as using Times New Roman or Garamond in 12-point font, with prose submissions typically double-spaced and poetry single-spaced. File format is another key factor, with most magazines preferring Word documents (.doc or .docx) or PDFs. Additionally, some publications require a header with the writer’s name, title, and page numbers, while others enforce blind submission policies, meaning all identifying details must be removed. Adhering to these formatting guidelines ensures that your work is easy to read and meets the magazine’s editorial standards, increasing the likelihood of a successful submission.
4. Blind Submissions
Many literary magazines practice blind reading, meaning editors review submissions without knowing the writer’s identity to prevent bias. To comply with these guidelines, writers are typically asked to remove their names and contact details from the manuscript, ensuring no identifying information is embedded in the file metadata. A separate cover letter or biography should be submitted containing the writer’s name and contact details. Failure to follow blind submission guidelines may result in automatic disqualification.
5. Cover Letters and Author Biographies
A strong cover letter is often required when submitting to literary magazines. While not always necessary, it can introduce the writer and provide context for the submission. A cover letter generally includes:
A polite greeting to the editors;
The title(s) and genre(s) of the submission;
A short (1–3 sentence) bio highlighting the writer’s publications, background, or relevant experience; and
A closing statement thanking the editors for their time.
The author biography (typically 50–100 words) is often included separately and focuses on the writer's writing credentials rather than personal details.
6. Simultaneous vs. Exclusive Submissions
Many literary magazines implement blind reading practices, ensuring that editors review submissions without knowing the writer’s identity to prevent bias. To meet these guidelines, writers must remove their name and contact details from the manuscript and verify that no identifying information is embedded in the file metadata. A separate cover letter or biography should be submitted with the writer’s name and contact information. Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to automatic disqualification.
7. Response Times and Follow-Ups
Literary magazines vary widely in response times. Some respond within a few weeks, while others take several months to respond. Many publications provide an estimated response time on their website.
If a magazine has not responded by the stated timeline, writers can politely inquire about the status of their submission.
Some magazines allow writers to check submission status via Submittable, an online platform many literary journals use.
If the guidelines say “no response means rejection”, it’s best to assume the piece was not accepted and move on.
Patience is key, and keeping track of submission dates can help manage expectations.
8. Payment, Rights, and Contracts
Some literary magazines pay contributors, while others offer exposure-only publication. Writers should understand the different types of compensation available before submitting their work. Payment structures vary widely, and knowing what to expect can help writers make informed decisions about where to submit.
Contributor Copies
Instead of monetary compensation, many literary magazines offer contributor copies as a form of payment. Writers receive a free print or digital copy of the issue in which their work appears. This allows them to see their work in published form and share it with others. Contributor copies are common in small literary journals with limited budgets, and while they do not provide financial compensation, they offer validation and recognition within the literary community.
Monetary Compensation
Some magazines offer direct payment for accepted pieces, though the rates vary significantly. Payment may range from a small honorarium, such as $10–$50 per piece, to more competitive rates of $100–$500 or more for poetry, fiction, or nonfiction. Prestigious publications and those with larger budgets tend to pay higher rates. Some magazines also pay per word, which can be especially lucrative for longer pieces. Writers should always check payment details in submission guidelines to ensure their expectations align with the magazine's compensation model.
Contests and Awards
Many literary magazines host contests that offer cash prizes for winning submissions. These contests may have entry fees, but they often provide larger payouts to selected winners, ranging from $100 to several thousand dollars. Winning a competition not only provides financial rewards but also boosts a writer’s credibility, as contest placements are highly regarded in the publishing world. Some magazines also offer annual awards for outstanding contributions, sometimes accompanied by cash prizes or additional publication opportunities.
Looking for the best contests and awards? Check out our Directory of Awards, Contests, and Grants.
Understanding publication rights is also essential for writers submitting their work to literary magazines, anthologies, and online publications. Different publications have varying policies on rights, determining how and when a piece can be republished, who retains ownership, and whether the writer can submit the work elsewhere in the future. Understanding the distinctions between first rights, reprint rights, and exclusive rights enables writers to make informed decisions about where to submit their work and how to manage its long-term availability. Here’s a breakdown of the key publication rights every writer should be familiar with.
First Rights
When a literary magazine claims first rights, it means they are the first to publish the work in any format, whether online or in print. After publication, the rights typically revert to the author, allowing them to republish the piece elsewhere or include it in a collection. However, some magazines specify a waiting period before the author can republish the work, while others request acknowledgment of the original publication. Writers should carefully review submission guidelines to understand the terms of first rights agreements.
Reprint Rights
Some magazines accept work that has already been published elsewhere, whether in another journal, an anthology, or even on a personal blog. These publications require proper credit to the original publisher and may request that the author include a citation or acknowledgment. Reprint rights can offer writers the opportunity to give their work a second life, reaching new audiences through various platforms. However, some literary journals have strict policies against reprints, so authors should confirm eligibility before submitting.
Exclusive Rights
When a publication requests exclusive rights, it requires the work to remain solely with them for a specified period, often ranging from a few months to a year. During this exclusivity window, the piece cannot be republished, shared on a personal website, or included in any collections. This restriction helps the publication maintain unique content for a specified period, thereby preserving its value to readers. Writers should always clarify how long exclusivity lasts and when they regain the freedom to republish their work.
Always read the contract carefully before agreeing to publication, as it outlines the specific rights you are granting to the magazine or publisher. Pay close attention to whether the publication is requesting first rights, reprint rights, or exclusive rights, as well as any restrictions on future submissions. Some contracts may also include clauses about payment, copyright ownership, or the duration of exclusivity. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the editor for clarification. Understanding the terms upfront ensures you retain control over your work and make informed decisions about its distribution and future publication opportunities.
9. Submission Fees vs. Free Submissions
Some magazines charge submission fees, while others remain free. Here’s what to consider:
Submission fees ($3–$5 per entry) are common for magazines that rely on funding for operations.
Contests and awards often have higher entry fees but may offer substantial prize money.
Many magazines offer fee waivers for writers with financial hardship.
If a magazine charges a high submission fee without compensation, it may be worth reconsidering.
10. Rejections and Resubmissions
Rejection is a natural part of submitting to literary magazines and should not be taken personally. Editors make selections based on the publication’s vision, theme, and space constraints, not necessarily as a reflection of your work’s quality. If an editor provides personalized feedback, take it as a positive sign, consider revising your piece and submitting it elsewhere, or even resubmitting to the same magazine if their guidelines allow it. A rejection from one publication does not mean your work won’t find a home elsewhere, as different magazines have varying tastes and editorial preferences. Some literary magazines encourage resubmissions of revised pieces, while others have strict policies against submitting rejected work again. Always check submission guidelines to understand a magazine’s stance on resubmissions before sending your work back.
A Final Word
Understanding and following submission guidelines is essential for a smooth and professional submission process. Writers who take the time to research each magazine’s preferences, format their work correctly, and adhere to submission policies increase their chances of publication.
By reading past issues, respecting the magazine’s requirements, and remaining persistent despite rejections, writers can navigate the literary landscape more effectively. Ultimately, submitting to literary magazines is ultimately about finding the right home for your work and engaging with a broader literary community.
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