PLOUGHSHARES
- For The Writers | Official
- Dec 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Ploughshares: Where Literary Talent Takes Root and Flourishes
Founded in 1971 at Emerson College in Boston, Ploughshares has long stood as a beacon of literary distinction. Renowned for publishing exceptional works of fiction, poetry, and essays, the journal has helped shape the careers of countless writers while maintaining a loyal and expanding readership. Over the decades, it has evolved into a cornerstone of the American literary scene, celebrated for its commitment to artistic excellence and its ability to elevate emerging voices alongside established literary icons.
With each issue, Ploughshares continues its mission of fostering literary innovation by offering a platform where unique narratives can thrive. Its influence extends far beyond its pages, serving as a cultural touchstone that inspires and nurtures literary talent while setting a standard for editorial excellence. Writers and readers alike recognize Ploughshares as a space where stories of human complexity, emotional depth, and transformative creativity come to life.
A Unique Editorial Vision
What sets Ploughshares apart from many literary magazines is its distinctive editorial model. Each issue is guest-edited by a notable writer, lending a fresh and dynamic perspective to every edition. This rotating editorial system allows the journal to continually reinvent itself, offering diverse voices and creative visions to its audience.
Over the years, celebrated authors such as Raymond Carver, whose minimalist style transformed American short fiction, and Alice Hoffman, known for her magical realism in novels like Practical Magic, have guest-edited issues. In 1996, Sherman Alexie curated a special edition featuring Indigenous voices, amplifying Native American literature and sparking broader cultural discussions. The inclusion of guest editors such as Ann Patchett and Tracy K. Smith has further enriched the journal’s offerings, providing readers with curated selections reflecting varied literary aesthetics.
Notable special editions include the 2014 issue edited by Megan Mayhew Bergman, which centered on environmental themes, merging literary and ecological concerns. Similarly, the 2017 issue led by novelist Claire Messud featured works exploring global displacement and migration, resonating with timely social issues. These thoughtfully crafted editions ensure that Ploughshares remains at the forefront of literary innovation, continuously evolving while honoring its literary roots.
Publishing Legacy
Ploughshares has built a formidable publishing legacy. Its pages have featured early works by now-celebrated authors, including:
Ann Beattie: Her short story "A Vintage Thunderbird" was published in Ploughshares, showcasing the sharp character-driven writing that would define her literary career.
Edward P. Jones: His early story "The First Day", later included in his acclaimed collection Lost in the City, first appeared in Ploughshares, foreshadowing his eventual Pulitzer Prize win.
Elizabeth Strout: Before earning a Pulitzer Prize for Olive Kitteridge, Strout published "The Other Woman" in Ploughshares, reflecting her signature style of exploring human relationships with depth and compassion.
Tim O’Brien: An excerpt from The Things They Carried, a defining work of modern war literature, was featured in the journal, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Many pieces first published in Ploughshares have gone on to receive prestigious literary accolades, including Pushcart Prizes, O. Henry Awards, and inclusions in The Best American Series. These achievements underscore the journal's role as a launchpad for enduring literary careers.
The journal's commitment to literary excellence extends beyond the printed page. Its online presence, Ploughshares at Emerson College, features daily literary content, including author interviews, book reviews, and writing advice. This digital expansion ensures accessibility for a global audience.
Annual Contests and Special Features
Ploughshares hosts several prestigious annual contests designed to discover and promote exceptional talent:
Emerging Writer’s Contest: Open to unpublished writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, this contest awards a $2,000 cash prize and publication in the journal.
Alice Hoffman Prize for Fiction: Recognizing outstanding fiction published in the journal, this prize awards $1,000 to the selected author.
Look2 Essay Prize: This contest celebrates critical essays focusing on overlooked or neglected authors. Winners receive a $2,500 prize and publication.
John C. Zacharis First Book Award: Presented annually to an outstanding first book by a Ploughshares contributor in fiction or poetry, this award includes a $1,500 prize.
These contests help Ploughshares remain a vital force in literary discovery and promotion, encouraging writers at various career stages.
For more on writing contests, literary awards, and career-building opportunities at Ploughshares, continue reading: Ploughshares: Annual Writing Contests, Literary Awards & Opportunities.
Style of Writing Accepted
Ploughshares is known for its literary focus, emphasizing original and thought-provoking writing. It accepts submissions in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction, favoring work that demonstrates stylistic innovation, compelling narrative voice, and emotional depth. The journal is open to diverse storytelling, from experimental forms to traditional narratives, making it a versatile platform for a wide range of literary expression.
Ploughshares values works that push narrative boundaries, embracing pieces that challenge conventional literary norms. From lyrical essays exploring personal histories to speculative fiction that reimagines societal dynamics, the journal seeks writing that sparks intellectual curiosity and emotional resonance. Poems published in Ploughshares often display an inventive use of language, blending formal structure with free verse, while short stories range from character-driven dramas to multi-layered, complex narratives. This openness to varied styles makes Ploughshares a dynamic space where the literary landscape continually expands.
Commitment to New Voices
One of Ploughshares’ defining missions is to support and amplify new literary talent. Its Emerging Writer’s Contest, held annually, showcases unpublished writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, providing invaluable recognition and exposure.
In addition to its contests, Ploughshares offers mentorship opportunities through guest-edited issues, where established writers often discover and champion new talent. Its commitment extends to fostering a supportive literary community, hosting workshops, readings, and author panels that allow emerging voices to engage directly with the literary world.
The journal also maintains a robust submissions process, welcoming unsolicited manuscripts year-round. This openness has made Ploughshares a cornerstone for writers seeking their first major publication credit. Its dedication to discovering fresh perspectives ensures that literary talent from all backgrounds finds a place in its pages, contributing to the ever-evolving tapestry of contemporary literature.
Why Ploughshares Matters
In a publishing world that often feels fragmented, Ploughshares has remained steadfast in its dedication to literature as art. Its enduring success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of providing a space where diverse narratives can thrive. Whether discovering a new voice or revisiting a familiar literary master, Ploughshares continues to be a guiding light in the ever-changing literary landscape, proving that great writing can shape cultural conversations and inspire generations.