TriQuarterly

For over six decades, TriQuarterly has been a defining force in American literature, consistently pushing the boundaries of storytelling and publishing some of the most exciting voices in fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Founded in 1958 at Northwestern University, the journal has evolved from a print quarterly to a dynamic digital-first publication, maintaining its reputation as one of the most prestigious literary magazines in the United States.

Originally launched as a faculty and student-run publication, TriQuarterly quickly gained prominence under the leadership of Charles Newman, who transformed the journal into an internationally respected literary magazine. By the 1960s and 1970s, TriQuarterly was publishing groundbreaking work from major writers, including Nobel Prize winners and literary icons such as Joyce Carol Oates, Susan Sontag, T.S. Eliot, and Vladimir Nabokov.

During this period, the magazine became known for its innovative editorial vision, often experimenting with form and structure while showcasing a mix of established authors and emerging talents. Its editorial commitment to literary excellence placed it among the top-tier literary journals in the U.S., alongside The Paris Review and The Kenyon Review.

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Transition to a Digital Format

In 2010, TriQuarterly made a bold and controversial shift—moving from a print publication to an online literary journal. This transition was part of Northwestern University’s effort to expand accessibility and readership, ensuring that TriQuarterly remained relevant in a rapidly changing publishing landscape.

The shift to digital allowed the journal to:

• Publish more frequently, moving away from the constraints of a quarterly print cycle.

  
  

• Reach a wider global audience by offering free online access.

  
  

• Feature multimedia content, including video essays and hybrid forms of storytelling.

Despite initial concerns about abandoning print, TriQuarterly has thrived in its new format, maintaining its prestige while embracing the future of literary publishing.

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What TriQuarterly Publishes

As a leading literary journal, TriQuarterly continues to showcase an eclectic range of literary and experimental works, including:

• Fiction – Innovative and boundary-pushing short stories from both new and established authors.

  
  

• Poetry – A platform for contemporary poetry, featuring bold and thought-provoking work.

  
  

• Creative Nonfiction – Essays that blend personal narrative with cultural commentary.

  
  

• Video Essays and Hybrid Forms – Multimedia storytelling that expands the possibilities of literary expression.

The magazine remains committed to publishing diverse voices, with an emphasis on fresh perspectives, socially engaged storytelling, and genre-defying literary work.

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Commitment to Emerging Writers

One of TriQuarterly’s defining missions is to support and amplify emerging writers. The journal frequently features debut authors and lesser-known voices, providing a launchpad for talent that might not yet have mainstream recognition.

Additionally, the magazine is run by graduate students in Northwestern University’s MFA in Creative Writing program, offering hands-on experience in editing, publishing, and literary criticism. This unique model helps cultivate the next generation of literary editors and scholars.

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Recognition and Influence

As one of the most prestigious university-affiliated literary journals, TriQuarterly has played a major role in shaping modern literary discourse. Many of its published pieces have been featured in The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Essays, and The Pushcart Prize Anthology, further solidifying its reputation as a leading literary magazine.

With a history of publishing some of the most important voices in contemporary literature, TriQuarterly continues to evolve, ensuring that literary innovation and artistic exploration remain at the forefront of its editorial mission.

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A Legacy That Endures

From its origins as a print journal to its transformation into a trailblazing digital publication, TriQuarterly has consistently adapted to the changing landscape of literature while maintaining its high editorial standards. For readers and writers alike, it remains an essential literary destination—a place where new voices are discovered, experimental forms are celebrated, and the power of storytelling continues to thrive.