creative writing submit

50 Awesome Websites For Writing Submissions

From poetry submissions to short story submissions, here are the awesome websites looking to publish your writing.

So, you’ve successfully managed to avoid your social commitments to sit down and write something. After combing through it to check the grammar and that there isn’t a trail of letters from when you fell asleep on your keyboard, what’s the next step? You need to find somewhere to submit your writing online.

The online writing community is bigger and better than ever before; one Google search later and you could find your new literary home. However, it might be a case of trial and error with some submission guidelines being stricter than others or your style of writing not quite matching the publication’s. Luckily, we’ve trawled the web for you, bringing you fifty awesome websites that will be happy to receive your writing submissions and potentially even publish them.

A couple of things to note before we jump right in:

1. This isn’t a comprehensive list, so you’re welcome to add a comment with your suggestions. 2. Some of these websites operate seasonally, which means that they might not accept your submission at this point in time.

We’ve also excluded the biggest names for literary (poetry, short stories) submissions because it’s a little arbitrary to list The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and so on.

Without further ado, here are the best websites for you to submit your writing to, whether it’s heartfelt poetry or a listicle on the best Adam Sandler movies.

Where to Submit Poetry

1. poetry foundation.

Who are they? Only one of the oldest poetry magazines in the world. They aren’t stuck in the past, though – you can find many fantastic poems from modern talent in this prose treasure trove. Maybe you could be one of them? Do they pay? Quite handsomely. $10 per every line published.

2. Carve Magazine

Who are they? A popular haven for creative types since 2000. They celebrate honest writing and work closely with writers to help promote their talent. Do they pay? Pretty well. $25 for every poem published.

3. The Legendary

Who are they? Another pillar of the online writing community, The Legendary regularly publishes some superb underground poetry and other interesting features. Do they pay? Not that I could see.

4. Boulevard

Who are they? They’ve been around for thirty years, so it’s fair to say they have their fans. Their typical output is varied, but is based on one central theme: quality. Do they pay?  Between $25-$300 for published materials under general submissions. They also hold two contests with massive cash incentives: $1500 for winning fiction and $1000 for winning poetry.

5. Drunk Monkeys

Who are they? As dedicated a team of editors and writers that you will find on the ol’ WWW, Drunk Monkeys are constantly working to promote and spotlight emerging excellence in the field of writing, including poetry. Due to demand, their submissions aren’t always open. Do they pay? No, but they work their fingers to the bone until they think you’ve been promoted properly.

6. All Poetry

Who are they? Probably the place online where poets congregate to discuss, dissect, and create. If you’re looking for feedback as a new poet, we’re pretty sure one of the 500,000 members will be happy to help. Do they pay? They hold regular poetry competitions with cash prizes as incentives.

7. The Rialto

Who are they? A seriously stylish outlet for poets based in the UK, though it seems like anyone of any background can submit. They’re on the rise and have been for the past three decades, helping to establish poetry newcomers and spotlight underrated names in the process. They’ve just released issue 85 of their magazine with them publishing at least three magazines per year. Do they pay? £20 per published poem.

Who are they? A diligent and passionate team that have been delivering poetic excellence since 1985. They receive a serious amount of poetry each year, so if you want to be one of the 150 published each year, you best make sure you’re sending your best work. Do they pay? Not that I could tell.

9. Arc Poetry Magazine

Who are they? A Canadian publication, but they know that writing talent doesn’t have borders, so submissions are open to all. They’ve been around for over three decades and have won more than their fair share of accolades and fans in that time. Do they pay? $40 for any poem published across multiple mediums.

10. United Press

Who are they? A shining light for British poetry, United Press has been around for many years, publishing and promoting new talent aplenty to success. They aren’t the flashiest, but poetry doesn’t need to be. Do they pay ? Looks like a no.

Where to Submit Short Stories

Who are they ? Well, they have a name that sort of explains everything. Story is a magazine dedicating to publishing the most innovative, exciting short stories out there. They run a print publication and, because they love spoiling us, regularly publish online, too. Do they pay? $20 per page. Don’t think making your font 48px will fly with them.

12. Flash Fiction Online

Who are they? Masters of the concise, FFO are after shorter than short stories – don’t send them anything over on 1000 words. They like immediately captivating prose, but they aren’t big fans of erotica, so be sure to be selective when dipping into your portfolio. Do they pay? $60 per story, which is pretty great.

13. Ideomancer

Who are they? Literary anarchists; they aren’t seeking traditional prose. Mess with the narrative and their minds and you will be in their good books. If you think outside-of-the-box and it’s reflected in your writing, you couldn’t ask for a better platform. Do they pay? Yes, but a maximum of $40 at a rate of 3 cents per word.

14. Shimmer

Who are they? Another group of writers who go against the grain, Shimmer mainly seek speculative fiction with a fantasy bent. Keep it tight at around 4000 words and the editors will be your new best friends. 7500 words is the maximum, but you can send them an email to justify your story if it exceeds that. Do they pay? Pretty well considering – a maximum of $50 at a rate of 5 cents per word.

15. One Story

Who are they? Evil geniuses: they only publish one short story roughly every month with a massive amount of money going to the published writer. Your odds may not be high with this publication, which is why you should probably get around to writing your Great Expectations sooner rather than later. Do they pay? $500! Five. Hundred. Dollars.

16. Crazyhorse

Who are they? Exhibitors of the wacky and strange, Crazyhorse is one of the most accepting literary magazines out there for short stories – there really aren’t many restrictions with what theme or form your submission can take. Its editors are after life’s eccentrics, so if you’re reading this while playing ping pong, you could be just their type of person. Do they pay? Very well indeed. A maximum of $200, $20 per printed page.

17. The Sun Magazine

Who are they? Thankfully not related to the British newspaper, The Sun Magazine are uncompromising with what sort of short story you can send to them. It’s essentially open house, so if you have something odd or a masterpiece to unveil, they will be happy to receive your submission. Do they pay? You could say that. $300 to $2,500 for nonfiction or $300 to $1,500 for fiction, plus a subscription with them for a year.

18. Brevity

Who are they? As their name suggests, Brevity love the succinct side of short stories. If you can convey your narrative in under 750 words or less, you have a brilliant community to become a part of. Both seasoned writers and burgeoning newcomers are welcomed. Do they pay? More than fairly. $45.

Who are they? Lovers of science-fiction, Tor has published plenty of talent in its esteemed history, including many short stories and novellas. Due to the volume of submissions received, however, they are on an indefinite hiatus, which means that they will be back, but only once they’ve reviewed previous submissions. It’ll be worth the wait when those doors open again, though. Do they pay? A rate depending on the commercial prospects and quality of your submission.

20. Word Riot

Who are they? Always looking for new talent, this celebrated literary journal will pass the 15-year mark since launch in 2017. They’re about, and always have been, finding new talent and helping them to capture the attention of new audiences. Do they pay? Not that I could see.

Where to Submit Personal Essays

Who are they? One of the biggest culture-centric websites around, Salon is bookmarked by many people looking for thought-provoking, important essays and personal experiences. They’re huge, so be aware that you might not be successful. Do they pay? Not sure, some previous contributors have said so.

22. The Awl

Who are they? Big believers in the value of personal essays. The Awl have been around for some time, helping writers to weave their own stories in big numbers. The mundane need not apply to be published by these guys. Do they pay? Anywhere between $30 and $250.

23. Huffington Post

Who are they? They’re either loved or hated, but there’s no denying that HuffPo is a big player, possibly one of the biggest websites ever made, and they want you to turn your personal experience into essays. Do they pay? Not even a penny, which I’ve always found a little weird.

24. New Statesman

Who are they ? A fairly large site, but not so large that they are completely unapproachable. They’re looking for timely pieces on what’s going on in the world right now, including your take — it’s likely the more salacious, the better. Do they pay? They do, but they don’t disclose rates publicly.

25. Tin House

Who are they? The destination for writers of all pedigrees – looking at their testimonials will make your head spin. Being published on Tin House is something every writer needs to tick off their bucket list, but don’t even think about writing over 10,000 words for them. Do they pay? Enough for a mortgage on a small house. $1000 max.

26. Full Grown People

Who are they? Full Grown People are fond of submissions and personal essays that center around being an adult, whether it’s a piece on the juxtaposition to childhood or something similar. They receive a mighty amount of submissions, so you may have to bear with them. It will be worth the wait, though – the community is great. Do they pay? Sadly not.

Who are they? Couldn’t say that I’d read much of their output before putting this list together, but once I was on that website, it had me. They publish some excellent content in an eclectic range of categories, including personal essays. Bear in mind that they’re huge , so you may have to be patient with your submission. Do they pay? Generously. Between $250 and $500.

Who are they? Massively popular, Bustle boast over a million fans on Facebook alone, so you can expect they receive their fair share of submissions, too. If you’re stuck on what to write for them, they accept a broad range of different works, including personal essays that capture the attention. Do they pay? Depends. Unsolicited, no. Otherwise, yes.

29. Good Old Days

Who are they? As you might be able to guess, Good Old Days love nostalgia. It’s essential that you have experience of life in the 50s or earlier that you want to turn into a personal essay for them. The website is full of heartwarming and heartbreaking tales in equal measure. Do they pay? Anywhere between $15 and $75.

30. Literal Latte

Who are they? Dedicated to the core. Literal Latte are accepting submissions every single day of the year and consider all submissions, no matter your experience. They thrive on giving chances to those who may never get them, so your personal essay could fit in well here. Do they pay? Not for general submissions (yet), but they do hold five contests a year with three of them having $1000 prizes.

Where to Submit Articles

31. the verge.

Who are they? A massive entertainment and technology website that certainly doesn’t accept half-measures. They are extremely particular about what they publish and aren’t after your opinions, but if you can bring them a breaking news story, they’ll be listening. Do they pay? Doesn’t say.

32. Travelicious

Who are they? A travel guide website that doesn’t suck. All of their features are packed with accurate information and opinion from people who have been there and done that. If you have 1000 words in you, you could be one of them. It’s also great exposure. Do they pay ? Yes, $40 for a published piece.

33. Writers Weekly

Who are they? A popular website for writers, by writers (hey, that sounds familiar). It’s filled to the brim with handy tips and guides for writers of all experiences and pedigrees – there’s bound to be something on there that can take your work to the next level. You could probably help someone out by imparting your wisdom and getting paid for it, too. Do they pay? How does $60 for about 600 words sound?

34. Write Naked

Who are they? Probably not naturists. What they absolutely are, though, is a hugely helpful resource for writers as the website is filled with anecdotes and guides from established names in the literature world. They also love interviews and discussions about freelance writing. Do they pay? Yes, but you might want to put the extra effort into writing something extraordinary. The editor will pay $200 for exemplary pieces.

35. Techopedia

Who are they? Proud geeks. Techopedia loves publishing anything to do with the world of tech, whether it’s an in-depth guide or an opinion piece. You might have to be well-versed in many fields to be able to competently write for them, but you’re a writer. Research is what you do. Do they pay? Yep, and they’re proud of it. Expect $50 to $150 for your published work.

36. HowlRound

Who are they? A website dedicated to the arts and those that inhabit the theater scene. They publish a wide range of differently themed content, but with a strong opinion and facts to back up your words, you could go quite far with HowlRound. Do they pay? Yup. $50 for 750-2000 of your fine words.

37. Hongkiat

Who are they? A very successful technology blog that has been around since 2007. They’re always on-the-ball with news and welcome submissions covering a range of different topics, but your best bet is to stick to design guides and recommendations. Do they pay? Not specified.

38. The Daily Spectacle

Who are they? Defenders of the arts. If you’re a fan of anything to do with film, TV, politics or anything within a similar category, you’re in luck. This is probably the smallest website on the list, but it looks like it’s going places – the content is great and the editorial team seem to be passionate, which is exactly what you need. Do they pay? Not yet.

39. Screen Rant

Who are they? A massively popular pop culture website with a huge following on social media. If you’re trying to become a journalist capable of turning over breaking news stories as quick as the idea lands in your inbox, Screen Rant is one of the best places to start. Do they pay? Yes, but payment rates are unclear.

40. GameSkinny

Who are they? A small-to-medium gaming website in terms of size, GameSkinny publish fairly frequently and promise to help you get to the top of your game. They operate on a “Bounty Program” and are looking for lists, guides, and all sorts of content. Do they pay? $0.50 per 1000 Views.

Where to Submit Listicles

41. cracked.

Who are they? The thinking man’s comedy website. Cracked started life as a decent magazine but have become an even better website, offering listicles with word counts that would make your typing fingers tremble. If you have a crazy theory about the newest superhero movie that you can turn into thousands of words, Cracked has to be one of the best places for you. Do they pay? “We will pay you if it’s good.”

42. College Humor

Who are they? Probably the biggest comedy website out there. They’re constantly posting lists, whether they’re funny or not, and can help you to collaborate with artists to really bring your content to life. They’re pretty selective about who they accept to write for them, though – I applied to write for them a while ago and didn’t hear anything back, which is odd because I am hilarious . Do they pay? Varies, but the maximum you can earn is $100.

Who are they? The slightly less socially acceptable sister site to College Humor. Only nerds need apply; if you don’t know your Pac-man from your Tetris, you might not be a good fit for them. If you’re an out-and-out nerd, writing for Dorkly will put you in touch with an awesome, unforgiving community of millions. Do they pay? $35 for a single-page article, $75 for multi-page.

44. WhatCulture

Who are they? The British Cracked. They haven’t been around for all that long, but they have the talent and community to become one of the world’s biggest websites and they certainly aren’t far off joining the elite, either. They cover everything from the world of pop culture with their list articles performing the best out of the hundreds of different things they publish each week. Do they pay? Yes, on a views basis.

45. ListVerse

Who are they? A titan of the list world that never seems to run out of content ideas. You name it, they will make a list out of it, but they expect nothing but quality on whatever topic you’re covering, whether it’s the best cheese in Holland or the worst impersonations of Sylvester Stallone. Go for a minimum of 1500 words and reap the rewards. Do they pay? Really well. $150 for your hard work.

46. The Richest

Who are they? Suppliers of all the lists one person could ever need. The Richest have an impressive scope of topics they cover, which means that it’s highly likely there will be something for you to write about. Their contributor program is a little complicated, but if you can stick to it, you can earn some decent money. Do they pay? Half a dollar per every 1000 views.

47. Top Tenz

Who are they? Obsessed with the bizarre, unknown, and obscure, Top Tenz is another list-based website with a big audience. One of their most popular articles has close to 50 million views, which isn’t too bad at all. There’s no guarantee that you will hit those figures with your own listicle, but who’s to say you won’t come close? Do they pay?  $50

48. The Sportster

Who are they? A sports-centric listicle website with a lot of content to give to pro wrestling fans. Thinking of submitting to them? You better go back and start watching some Royal Rumbles because wrestling lists are the bread and butter for these guys. Do they pay? Yes, on a views basis.

49. Lifehack

Who are they? A huge community of individuals all looking for ways to make life easier. The content on the website is predominantly to help and inform, so if there’s anything you know about that someone else might not, share your wisdom and reach a massive audience. Do they pay? Unclear.

50. Buzzfeed

Who are they? Come on. You know BuzzFeed. Writing for their community section is a pretty surefire way of getting your list read by a limitless audience. Do they pay? Nope.

There you have them: fifty awesome websites that are looking for your writing submissions. As mentioned, it obviously isn’t comprehensive, but it’s a good mixture of big names and upcoming publications you should be keeping an eye out for. If you’re an editor or publisher and your website didn’t make the cut, you are welcome to leave a comment below. MORE writing tips: Top 5 Networking Tips For Writers Why You Should Never Give Up Writing 6 Tools To Help You Concentrate When Writing

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Which journals are accepting short story submissions right now? There are tons of fiction journals out there looking for stories like yours, and finding where to submit short stories can leave you with too many options.

We recently covered the best journals to submit poetry to , so let’s do the same for fiction. These are the 24 best journals for short story submissions, followed by a brief discussion on how to get a short story published.

Where to Submit Short Stories: 24 Journals

Fiction journals are competitive, so you will want a publication history and portfolio before attempting highly reputable publications.

Fiction journals are competitive, so you will want a publication history and portfolio before attempting highly reputable publications. We’ve divided our list of online fiction journals into three categories, based on your own level of experience, publication history, and goals as a short story writer. In order, they are:

• Great first-publication journals: places to submit when you don’t have previous publications.
• Reputable online fiction journals: competitive journals to submit to when you have a prior publications list.
• High-level fiction journals to aspire for: journals at the summit of fiction that can create new opportunities for your writing career.

Now, let’s explore some fiction journals!

Where to Publish Short Stories: Legitimate First Publications

The following 8 short story publishers publish works from both new and established authors, giving you an opportunity to jumpstart your fiction writing career.

1. Apparition Lit

Apparition Lit is a themed quarterly journal. They put out speculative fiction, sci-fi, and horror with a literary bent. All submissions must correspond with the quarterly prompt, so use this as an ekphrastic challenge for a great first publication!

2. LampLight Magazine

LampLight Magazine is a quarterly journal of dark fiction and horror. This short story magazine regularly seeks literary fiction with a bizarre, The Twilight Zone -style twist. Lamplight pays 3¢ per word for all fiction it publishes.

3. SmokeLong Quarterly

SmokeLong Quarterly publishes flash fiction (<1000 words). They like stories with surprising language and have emotionally resonant narratives, and are perennially open for submissions. This is a great first publication for flash fiction journals!

4. Write City Magazine

Write City Magazine , a publication out of the Chicago Writer’s Association, seeks poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for their upcoming issues. All accepted works receive a small stipend, on top of publication. Be sure to follow their submissions guidelines, which details their preferred styles of fiction.

5. Genuine Gold

Genuine Gold seeks to publish emerging writers and established writers side-by-side. They seek fresh, innovative voices, and stories that are high-quality but not pretentious. Genuine Gold is produced with the help of the Indiana Pizza Club, but is open to submissions from around the world.

6. Dark Magazine

Dark Magazine pays 6¢ a word for horror and dark fantasy fiction. This journal much prefers stories that deviate from an expected ending and play with new styles and ideas. This is a great place for horror short story submissions!

7. Typishly

Typishly accepts short fiction and tries to publish both new and emerging voices. Best of all, they aim to respond to all submitted works in under 24 hours! This is a great journal for both expanding your readership and trying your look at a fast-paced publication.

8. SAND Journal

SAND Journal publishes eclectic and subversive fiction. They love stories that refuse to be predictable and stories that inspire change. Short story submissions are open until September 1st.

Where to Publish Short Stories: Reputable Journals

Want to know where to submit short stories for money? Many of the following journals pay for work from previously published writers. A publication in any of these online fiction journals could catapult your writing toward a larger, more reputable audience!

A publication in any of these online fiction journals could catapult your writing toward a larger, more reputable audience.

9. Virginia Quarterly

Virginia Quarterly Review , commonly stylized as VQR, publishes fiction and nonfiction from a diverse array of authors. VQR seeks highly literary works, and if you’re lucky, they pay at least $1,000 for accepted fiction! Just know that their submissions window is relatively small; for the Summer, submissions ran 7/1–7/31.

10. The Threepenny Review

The Threepenny Review publishes literary and inventive works of fiction. They are open for submissions from January through June, and they pay $400 per accepted story. Among the best journals for short story submissions, Threepenny Review is reliably expedient.

11. Strange Horizons

Strange Horizons is a pioneer in speculative fiction and sci-fi. They are open for submissions on Mondays and Tuesday of each week (except in December), and they pay at a rate of 10¢ per accepted word. For many sci-fi writers, publication in Strange Horizons is a laudable achievement!

12. The Sun Magazine

The Sun Magazine loves fiction that is literary, unflinching, thoughtful, and darkly funny. This competitive journal pays anywhere from $300 to $2,000 for their stories, and a publication in The Sun will be sent out to over 70,000 readers of the journal!

13. Raleigh Review

The Raleigh Review is a literary and visual arts journal with several annual contents. Their Flash Fiction Contest runs through October 31st, and the winner will be awarded $300. Among flash fiction journals that pay, the Raleigh Review stands out for its exciting contests.

14. Fantasy & Science Fiction

Fantasy & Science Fiction , commonly referred to as F&SF, is one of the oldest science fiction print journals in the world. This publication has a large archive of famous genre writers, including Stephen King and Walter Miller. F&SF pays 8-12¢ per word and has a large monthly circulation.

15. Longleaf Review

Longleaf Review publishes quarterly themed journals of prose and poetry. The theme for their Fall 2020 publication is “harvest,” and all accepted works will receive $20. Longleaf review loves fiction that is weird and surprising, yet still literary and honest.

16. Beloit Fiction Journal

Produced out of Beloit College, the Beloit Fiction Journal publishes contemporary short fiction. Short story submissions open between August 1st to November 16th, and submissions are free if you send your submission by mail.

Where to Publish Short Stories: The Summit of Fiction

The following 8 journals are notoriously difficult to publish in, but with a few publication credits under your belt and a well-polished work of fiction, you might find some luck with these literary fiction journals.

With a few publication credits under your belt and a well-polished work of fiction, you might find some luck with these literary fiction journals.

17. Ploughshares

Run out of Emerson College, Ploughshares is a highly literary publication which seeks innovative fiction. All published stories receive $45 per page, with a minimum guarantee of $90.

18. The New Yorker

Who hasn’t heard of The New Yorker? This journal often spearheads the literary conversation, publishing bold, daring, and eccentric works of fiction. This journal is extremely difficult to get published in, but a publication here will transform your literary career.

19. The Atlantic

Though The Atlantic is primarily known for its journalism and reviews on pop culture, it also boasts a reputable fiction section. To improve your chances of publication, familiarize yourself with past works put out by the Atlantic, as the journal often sponsors a provocative, daring style of fiction.

20. Granta Magazine

Granta Magazine is one of the oldest longstanding literary journals. Their reading period opens twice a year, and the journal accepts evocative and translucent prose from new and exciting voices.

21. American Short Fiction

It’s all in the name for American Short Fiction ! This competitive journal seeks short fiction from the finest voices in contemporary literature, and it often features the works of rising stars in the fiction world. Unsolicited submissions are open from August through December.

22. Fireside Magazine

Short story submissions to Fireside Magazine open once a week each quarter. The journal, also known as Fireside Quarterly, seeks highly creative fiction from diverse voices. Payments range for fiction submissions, though the journal prefers fiction that doesn’t surpass 3,000 words.

23. Guernica

Named after a famous Picasso painting, Guernica features writing, artwork, literary criticism, and essays in all genres. This diverse and comprehensive publication prefers fiction that fits into the journal’s overall focus on global art and politics.

24. Antioch Review

The Antioch Review is a competitive publication out of Antioch College in Ohio. This journal has high literary standards and expects highly polished, ready-for-print works. Each publication of the journal only includes 3 short stories, and all submissions must be sent via mail.

Tips for Navigating the World of Short Story Submissions

With thousands of fiction journals to choose from—each with their own submissions guidelines and preferences—finding the right journal can take ages.

What’s more, many fiction journals don’t allow simultaneous submissions or take months to review your short story submissions.

It’s important to understand a few things about fiction submissions before you send your stories out for publication. For starters, no story is guaranteed publication. Fiction reviewers look over hundreds of submissions for each publication, including reviewers at flash fiction journals. These editors often make tough decisions about great stories, and great fiction pieces are rejected all the time because of the finite amount of space in each publication.

Great fiction pieces are rejected all the time because of the finite amount of space in each publication.

Also, while we think these 24 fiction journals are the best on the net, there are thousands more. You can find a full directory of fiction journals at the literary magazines page on Poets & Writers !

Despite the competitive nature of online fiction journals, you can improve the chances of publishing your short story submissions. Make sure you note the following guidelines!

Review the Journal’s Past Publications

It’s good practice to read what the journal has published in the past. Though many short story publishers accept a wide range of styles and forms, fiction editors still have preferences for what stories they like to read and publish. Examine the journal’s past publications with a critical eye, and consider whether or not your story fits among the journal’s archives.

Follow Formatting Guidelines

Fiction journals usually open for submissions with a set of formatting guidelines. It’s best to follow these guidelines and general MLA formatting rules. Use 1-inch margins and a 12-point serif font. Taking the time to properly format demonstrates a seriousness about your fiction, whereas unformatted short stories may not receive proper attention.

Perfect the Title of Your Short Story

The journal’s reader is looking for something that grabs their attention right away. A well-titled story will be far more eye-catching than a generically titled story with a slow start. Remember, the reader goes through hundreds of submissions every month, so your short story submissions should stand out from the beginning!

Shoot for the Moon, Not the Stars

Lastly, it’s important to note that not all fiction journals are made equal. The world of literary publications is competitive, and writers must often secure publications from lesser-known journals before they attempt publication through reputable short story magazines.

Where to Submit Short Stories: Closing Thoughts

The publishing world is tough, fast, and competitive. With so many voices and publications in the literary world, writers have a tough time finding the right journal. You may encounter one rejection, five rejections, or fifty rejections before you find a home for your short story or flash fiction.

Don’t let this deter you. A rejection can simply mean your fiction didn’t work for that month’s issue, for reasons completely out of your control.

Whatever your level of experience and goals for your short stories, the instructors at Writers.com can help you perfect your fiction and find new homes for them. Take a look at our upcoming online fiction writing courses and one-to-one coaching options, and take the next step in your fiction writing journey.

Sean Glatch

26 comments.

As a past fiction and novel student of writers.com, I still follow you by email, and I have a suggestion regarding literary journals. The Delmarva Review would be a good literary magazine for a student’s very best work. I am the editor of the Review, now in its 13th year of publication. We welcome submissions worldwide (in English) from new and established writers. The review is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a purpose to encourage writers to go the extra mile to write new literary prose and poetry. We receive 4,000 to 6,000 submissions of poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction for an annual edition. At least two experienced editors read every submission. There are no reading fees. We do not pay for pieces. We are competitive and now publish 45 to 60 authors per issue. The review is for sale at Amazon and most major online booksellers worldwide in both print and electronic editions. Given my past experience in workshops, I thought the Delmarva Review might be of interest to your most serious writers, either teachers or students. The website is: http://www.DelmarvaReview.org . We’re also active on Facebook. Thank you, Wilson Wyatt

I was honored to obtain a call from a friend when he uncovered the important points shared on the site. Going through your blog publication is a real brilliant experience. Many thanks for thinking about readers just like me, and I wish you the best of success for a professional in this field.

Thank you for writing! A joy and an honor to read–we’re happy to help you on your writing journey. Best of luck!

What does “face-paced” mean in the description above of number 7 “Typishly”? I cannot tell from the context.

Whoops, typo for “fast-paced,” thanks for alerting us! Hopefully none of these journals are face-paced, which is almost certainly too slow or too fast.

I’ve been a writer since a child, with an ever constant imagination that won’t stop. 6th grade, Jr HS, HS, College, all my teachers encouraged me greatly to publish way back. Having Bipolar +ADHD feeds my imagination but discipline and focus is hard for me at times. I have over 20 journals with stories, story ideas, character developments..research, etc..but few finished longer works..I’ve been working on 2 novels for over 20 yrs…2 at least 10 yrs. Time to settle down and really do this now. I worked as a psych nurse 38 yrs and raised my children solo, so exhausted and broke most of the time, I didn’t give myself the chance to publish. My 1st submit ever, was published in an anthology of true stories of Eugenics..and my story was picked as the 1st in book, the best,the editor said. I know I’ve got the talent but it’s the depression that holds me back and that’s discouraging..new meds and a new drive to do this now, so let’s see what happens. I’ve had many roadblocks, hardships and heartaches but that’s what makes a great writer/author. No more procrastination. My list from yrs ago is still viable of journals to submit, plus a few here. Prayers gladly accepted as my disabled daughter is getting expensive..lol.

Do you love writing? Do you like challenges? Are you into letter writing?

If you answered yes to the questions above, then you should consider submitting your work to The Letters Page. The Letters Page is an online literary journal published by the University of Nottingham’s School of English. Its editor, the published author and professor Jon McGregor, selects, edits, publishes and promotes the best pieces of creative writing with the assistance of English students, like myself.

We publish essays, stories, poetry, memoir, travelogue, criticism, and any hybrid forms; but all in the form of letters. We accept submissions on a rolling basis. We are looking for writers of all nationalities and ages, both established and emerging.

If your letter is selected, we will publish it to our monthly newsletter, and you will receive a gift subscription to one of our favourite small presses or literary journals.

For more details, visit our website, https://theletters.page/submit/

Hey there! We’re Lint Magazine and we currently have a call for artists open. Lint Magazine is an assemblage of visual and written work and this edition is on the topic of Transit. Sound like something for you? Submit your work at [email protected]

THANK YOU FOR THIS EYE OPENING WRITING INFORMATION.I WAS MILES AWAY TO SUCH NEWS.

Same here…

I am working on a short story titled Children of the mother pot, half of which I have published on wattpad and hope to start sending it out.

Existing for over 2 years and born in Solitaire, Quarantine of 2020, The Quiet Reader just came out with its 6th edition of great new short story literature. Submissions are open for the next edition!

http://www.thequietreader.com

We would like to be included in this list. http://www.athousandliveslived.com/magazine

We are starting to compile entries for our October Issue. We’d like to see short stories, essays, poems and illustrations.

send entries to [email protected]

I am from South Africa and are always looking for magazines that accept international submissions regarding short stories. Are now looking where I can submit my 2000 word angel-encountering story, based on true events.

This page gives me hope. Ninety percent of the time I write in Afrikaans, my first language. But with this story I have decided to put my feet in the water by trying to write in English.

Hi Karin, Try Guidepost’s “Angel’s On Earth”. It is always looking for submissions on all things to do with angels.

Thank for sharing it.(:

I am interested in publication which focus on writers’ personal experiences. I will appreciate info about publications which publish stories based on personal experience of writers.

I would like info about magazines which publish stories based on personal experiences of writers. I will appreciate contact info of such magazines. Thank you.

Why did I have to pursue a craft that is so hard for anyone else but me to appreciate?

I understand how you feel. I am self-published and it is so hard to get people to pay attention. I’ve learned to just focus on loving the craft for myself, not others.

Kindly point me to the best website to send fictional romantic, intriguing and novel short stories to.

I’m looking forward to getting my works out there!

I am a lifelong writer and I may have to build onto my home to house all my manuscripts. I seldom market and it shows. I am looking for markets right now for a short, around 1500 words. I also write children’s material and have been looking for a publisher for children’s material. My other writing activities deal with poetry, screenplays and memoir.

Thank you for this useful list. I will using it as I progress with my writing skills.

Sean Glatch – thanks for writing this most helpful article. There is too much advice out there on writing but this article focussed on the part that as a writer (and most I know) struggle with most – where and how to get your stories out into the world.

I write on the inner works of marginalized communities in the global south – especially women and religious minorities.

Thanks for the help!

Very good opportunity for writers

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Exploring the art of prose

Submit to CRAFT

CRAFT   explores the art of prose, celebrating both emerging and established writers.

We focus on the craft of writing and how the elements of craft make a story or essay shine.

We feature fiction and creative nonfiction, as well as craft essays and interviews.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

For all contest information, including submission guidelines, please visit our Awards , Calendar , and Submit pages, and our Submittable .

Other questions? Email [email protected].

Unless specifically requested, we do not accept AI-generated work.

Fiction & creative nonfiction.

Our entire fiction library can be found in our Fiction Section . Our creative nonfiction library is found in the CNF Section .

Our creative categories are open year-round to any emerging or established author. We accept submissions from international writers. We review simultaneous submissions but ask that you inform us immediately and withdraw your work if it is accepted elsewhere. We pay our authors $100 for original flash and $200 for original short fiction and creative nonfiction. We do not charge submission fees, but are highly selective in what we choose to publish.

We will also consider previously published creative work, as long as the writer retains the rights or second-publication rights can be obtained. We do not pay for reprints.

Each published creative piece will include an editor’s introduction as well as a craft essay (author’s note) by the writer. These essays will be requested upon acceptance. To read the author’s notes of previously published stories, please see   both our Fiction Section and our CNF Section.

To see a list of our most commonly asked questions about submitting to us, please visit our FAQ page . If you have additional questions after reading our FAQ, please send an email to: contact (at) craftliterary (dot) com.

Flash Fiction , for work up to 1,000 words. (See submission form for details about microfiction.)

Short Fiction , for work up to 6,000 words.

Flash Creative Nonfiction , for work up to 1,000 words. (See submission form for details about microessays.)

Creative Nonfiction , for work up to 6,000 words.

Please review the guidelines in the submission form you choose for specifics about the genre. We’ve added some limits in an effort to improve our response time. We no longer allow multiple submissions—please send only one piece per genre at a time . If your creative work is declined, we ask that you wait three months before submitting again to the same genre. You may have one piece of fiction (short story or flash fiction), one piece of creative nonfiction (longform or flash essay), and one craft piece (interview or essay) under consideration at one time.

CRAFT & CRITICAL WRITING / INTERVIEWS

We accept submissions of polished craft and critical essays. For interviews, we accept completed pieces or pitches. For a look at the type of content we publish, please visit our Craft Section . All work in this section is concerned with fiction or creative nonfiction. Please do not send critical work about poetry. Also, please do not send personal essays (creative nonfiction) to this category. We pay between $50 and $100 for original craft content.

Craft and critical essays range from 1,500 to 2,500 words concerning the craft of fiction or creative nonfiction. We recommend familiarizing yourself with our archive. Most essays we publish offer a careful examination of craft elements in fiction or creative nonfiction.

For interviews and hybrids , we are interested in conversations with fiction and creative nonfiction writers focusing on the craft of writing. You may pitch in Submittable or query us for more information at contact (at) craftliterary (dot) com. We often schedule interviews well in advance—please contact us as soon as possible with your proposed interview. In your pitch, please include several potential topics and/or at least six possible questions.

We no longer allow multiple general submissions—please send only one piece per genre at a time . If your craft submission is declined, you may submit again to the craft genre immediately. You may have one piece of fiction (short story or flash fiction), one piece of creative nonfiction (longform or flash essay), and one craft piece (interview or essay) under consideration at one time.

EDITORIAL FEEDBACK PLATFORM

CRAFT is proud to offer editorial feedback on creative short prose up to 6,000 words. We review flash fiction, short stories, flash creative nonfiction essays, and longform creative nonfiction essays. We’re happy to help you revise work for submissions, applications, and other opportunities. Learn more here .

Submission questions, concerns, and inquiries can be sent to: contact (at) craftliterary (dot) com

To submit a piece or learn more about our guidelines, click the submit button.

Author’s Rights

CRAFT holds first serial publication rights for three months after publication. Authors agree not to publish, nor authorize or permit the publication of, any part of the material for three months following CRAFT’ s first publication. For reprints we ask for acknowledgement of its publication in CRAFT first.

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Writing Contests, Grants & Awards

• See Recent Winners
• View the Submission Calendar

The Writing Contests, Grants & Awards database includes details about the creative writing contests—including poetry contests, short story competitions, essay contests, awards for novels, and more—that we’ve published in Poets & Writers Magazine during the past year. We carefully review the practices and policies of each contest before including it. Ours is the most trusted resource for legitimate writing contests available anywhere.

Aspen Words

Literary prize.

A prize of $35,000 is given annually for a book of fiction published in the current year that “illuminates a vital contemporary issue and demonstrates the transformative power...

Gival Press

Short story award.

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....

TulipTree Publishing

Stories that need to be told contest.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a poem, a short story, or an essay that “tells a story that needs to be told.” The winner also receives a two-year subscription to the...

Literary Arts

Oregon literary fellowships.

Fellowships of $3,500 each are given annually to aid Oregon writers in initiating, developing, or completing literary projects in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction....

Other Futures Award

A prize of $1,000, publication by Futurepoem, and 25 author copies is given annually for a book of innovative poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or hybrid work “that...

Grayson Books

Poetry contest.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Grayson Books, and 10 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Chase Twichell will judge. Using only the online submission...

Omnidawn Publishing

Open poetry book contest.

A prize of $3,000, publication by Omnidawn Publishing, and 20 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Katy Peterson will judge. Using only the online...

Masters Review

Summer short story award for new writers.

A prize of $3,000 and publication in Masters Review is given annually for a short story by an emerging writer. Writers who have not published a book, self-published...

Jennifer Weiner Fellowships

Six fellowships of $5,000, professional mentoring from fiction and nonfiction writer Jennifer Weiner, and access to creative writing workshops at the Philadelphia-based...

Oxford Poetry

Oxford poetry prize.

A prize of £1,000 (approximately $1,268) and publication in Oxford Poetry will be given annually for a single poem. Submit a poem of up to 50 lines with a £10 (...

Gemini Magazine

Flash fiction contest.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Gemini Magazine is given annually for a work of flash fiction. The editors will judge. Submit a story of up to 1,000 words with an $...

Talking Gourds

Fischer prize.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a single poem. Juan J. Morales will judge. Submit a poem of up to three pages with a $10 entry fee ($25 for three poems) by August 31....

Cantor Prize

A prize of $1,000 will be given annually for a single poem about the state of Colorado or written by a poet residing in Colorado. Juan J. Morales will judge. Submit a poem of...

University of New Orleans Press

A prize of $10,000 and publication by University of New Orleans Press is given annually for a short story collection or novel. Using only the online submission system, submit a...

Creative Writing Award

Two prizes of £2,500 (approximately $3,171) each and publication in Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual are given annually for a poem and a short story. In addition, the...

Utica University

Eugene paul nassar poetry prize.

A prize of $2,000 is given annually for a poetry collection published during the current year by a resident of upstate New York. The winner will also give a reading and teach a...

Barthelme Prize for Short Prose

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Gulf Coast is given annually for a short work of prose. Submit up to three prose poems, works of flash fiction, or micro essays (or...

Louisville Review

National poetry book contest.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Fleur-de-Lis Press, and 25 author copies will be given triennially for a debut poetry collection. Jeanie Thompson will judge. Using only the...

Off the Grid Poetry Prize

A prize of $1,000 and publication in print and audio formats by Grid Books is given annually for a poetry collection by a writer over the age of 60. Gregory Orr will judge....

Ex Ophidia Press

Richard-gabriel rummonds poetry prize.

A prize of $2,000, publication by Ex Ophidia Press, and 10 author copies will be given annually for a poetry collection. Rebecca Lindenberg will judge. Using only the online...

Howling Bird Press

A prize of $2,500 and publication by Howling Bird Press is given in alternating years for a book of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction. The 2025 prize will be awarded in...

Prize in Translation

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Gulf Coast is given in alternating years for a group of poems or a prose excerpt translated from any language into English. The 2024...

Black Lawrence Press

St. lawrence book award.

A prize of $1,000, publication by Black Lawrence Press, and 10 author copies is given annually for a debut collection of poems, short stories, or essays. The editors and a...

Journal of Experimental Fiction

Kenneth patchen award.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by JEF Books is given annually for an innovative novel. Amy Kurman will judge. Submit a manuscript of any length with a $25 entry fee by...

Academy for Teachers

“stories out of school” flash fiction contest.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in A Public Space is given annually for a work of flash fiction about teachers and school, in which the protagonist or narrator is a K–...

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Submitting to Literary Magazines

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

OVERVIEW  

This section of the OWL seeks to demystify the process of submitting creative work to literary magazines. We’ll review topics such as how to figure out what to submit in the first place, how to find good potential homes for your work, and how to maximize your chances for acceptance. We’ve also included examples of writing relevant to the submission process such a cover letter and a biography as well as an acceptance and rejection letter to provide a look into what correspondence with literary magazines looks like.  

INTRODUCTION  

You’ve done it! Whether it was a lightning bolt of inspiration or weeks (months? years?) of writing and revising, you’ve crafted a piece of creative writing you’re proud of. Maybe it’s a sestina; maybe it’s a lyric essay. Whatever it is, you want to get it published. Reasons for publication are numerous: wanting to see what others think of your work, seeking a way to bulk up your CV, or hoping for a chance to get some hard-earned cash, just to name a few. Regardless of if you’ve submitted 100 times before or this is your first time, this resource will help you navigate the submission process.  

We’ll start by thinking through what you can submit in the first place. Next, we’ll move into thinking about where to submit, considering strategies for finding places to submit in the first place as well as how to discern whether or not a particular publication is a good fit for your work. After, we’ll think through the logistics of how to submit and talk through an example cover letter and biography (written materials you’ll almost certainly be asked to include in your submission). Finally, we’ll discuss what happens after you submit and review a few example rejection letters as well as an example acceptance letter.  

WHAT DO I SUBMIT?  

There are three main considerations when discerning what to submit: 1) whether or not a piece has already been published, 2) the genre of a piece, and 3) the length of a piece.   

First, if a piece has already been published, including on a personal blog, a website, and/or on social media, your piece is almost always not eligible for re-publication. The same goes for work that has already been self-published. Lit mags (also referred to throughout this document as literary magazines, literary journals, and journals) want to be the first to feature your work in question and not just “another place” that offers your work a home.  

Second, different lit mags accept different genres. For example, if you only write short stories, you won’t be able to publish in Rattle , which only publishes poetry. If you write in multiple different genres, you might find that you are able to submit your fiction to one magazine, and your essays to another.  

Third, lit mags often have length restrictions, which can vary widely. You might be able to submit poems only if they are 50 lines or less; or, you might be able to submit any type of prose so long as it is 6,000 words or less. If you tend to write particularly long pieces but want to submit to a lit mag that has length restrictions, try finding an excerpt of a larger work to submit or condensing your work for the sake of submitting it.  

WHERE DO I SUBMIT?  

After deciding to submit what work to submit, one question often looms: Where do I submit? Finding lit mags is just a Google search away. Chances are, you’ve heard of some flagship publications: The New Yorker , Paris Review , Ploughshares …. Just as there are myriads of different types of writing in the world, so too are there myriads of different kinds of lit mags. Some have been around for decades; some were founded earlier this year. Some only publish online; some only publish hard copy. Some are themed (nature poems only, zombie fiction only, Wyoming-themed work, etc.). Some operate through universities; others are independent. Some require payment to have your work read (usually a smallish fee, say, $3) whereas others allow you to submit for free. Some pay their contributors, though most don’t, or do only minimally. Some ask you to submit your work through Submittable (an online submissions-management platform) whereas a select few ask for hard copy submissions mailed to their office. (For more on this front, “How do I submit?” is a good place to start.) Seeking the right home for your work can be intimidating, but it’s not an impossible task. Below are four strategies to help you find places to submit to in the first place.  

1. This list from Driftwood Press: a good starting point!  

If you don’t know where to start, Driftwood Press keeps a massive “Where Else to Submit” list, linked above, that includes links to hundreds of different magazines and presses, what genres they accept, when their submission deadlines are, whether or not there is a submission fee, and whether or not they offer compensation for publication.  

The enormity of the list can be overwhelming, but you can always select a few lit mags on this list at random and begin scanning their websites to see what their publication is all about as you consider whether your work might find a good home there.

2. What writers do you like? Where did they publish?  

Do you have a favorite author? Favorite poet? Take a look at a book of theirs and see where they’ve published. This is especially relevant for books of poetry, essays, short stories, or other work often published as a collection. Just like musical artists often release a few singles before their album, it is commonplace for a writer to have portions of their work published in lit mags before putting out a book-length collection.  

In other words, if you like Writer X’s work, maybe you’ll like where she publishes, too! If you are reading contemporary work, it’s helpful simply to read the “Acknowledgements” pages and slowly get familiar with the names of different lit mags.   

3. Look local.  

If you are a Purdue student, maybe you’ve grown particularly fond of the cornfields in Indiana, and publishing work through a local journal is particularly appealing to you. If so, maybe you’d be especially drawn to the Sycamore Review , The Indianapolis Review , or any number of other journals based out of Indiana. To find local lit mags or publishers, a good start would be to visit a bookstore or library in your area and browse their shelves to see what lit mags they’re carrying. 

4. Consider submission windows.  

A vast majority of literary magazines do not accept submissions year-round; rather, they may have a “submission window” where they accept work. Some magazines only accept work one month of the year, whereas others may have two different three-month submission periods during the calendar year. Some magazines might have a month-long submission window (June 15-July 15, for example) that will automatically close once they reach a certain number of submissions. If, for instance, you only have time to commit to submitting your creative writing in the summer months, you’ll want to find magazines that accept submissions in the summertime. As you begin the process of finding lit mags you like and want to publish in, it might help to make a document to organize when you can submit to which magazine.   

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY WORK IS A GOOD FIT?  

Below are three considerations to help you gauge if your work seems like it could be a good fit for the journal you’ve found.  

1. Read the most recent issue.  

This is arguably the most time-consuming (and perhaps frustratingly obvious) tip, but it has to go first. Just like the best way to figure out if you like a restaurant is to try its food, the best way to figure out if you want to submit to a lit mag is to give it a read. If paying the $10 or $15 dollars necessary to order the lit mag (or pay for online access to it) isn’t possible or doesn’t appeal, fear not! There is often online content for your perusal. Most, though not all, lit mags have online features, so while you may not be able to read the most recent issue in its entirety, you can still read work that the magazine’s editors deemed fit for publication. Even if a lit mag doesn’t publish any of their work online (or a paywall prevents you from accessing it), lit mags that offer contests will often publish contest winners.

2. Read the “About Us.”  

Beyond growing familiar with work the lit mag publishes, check out the “About Us” page. This will often include the mission statement / vision for the journal, which can also be helpful in discerning if there might be aesthetic similarities and/or shared interested between you and the folks who run the journal. Further, it can be great to look into who runs the lit mag. If you’re sending in a short story, who is the fiction editor? Look that person up—maybe even read a short story published by the editor. Does this person seem like they might be interested in the kind of work you create?  

3. If you are in touch with other writers, use them as resources!  

Not everyone is in the position of having other writers nearby, but if you are in touch with other writers and/or know of writers who have publishing experience, feel free to ask them if they have any experience with the journal you have in mind. Maybe they won’t, but maybe they will—or know someone who does. (Consider this is a broader encouragement, too, to seek out community as you seek readers for your work.)  

WILL MY WORK BE ACCEPTED?  

It’s important to make a few concessions, here.  

Concession Number One: There are many more writers than there are literary magazines, journals, and publishers.   

Concession Number Two: Except for the most widely renowned writers (think, those who have entire bookcases devoted to them at big-name bookstores), creative writing is not a lucrative field, and likely will not become one.  

These two concessions combine for Concession Number Three: Readers and editors for literary magazines are swimming in submissions. It’s not unreasonable for a magazine to receive 700 short story submissions and only be able to publish five of them, or to receive 200 poetry submissions and only be able to publish eight.   

Space within magazines, especially print ones, is at a premium; the time of the person reading your submission is at a premium, too. It is actually a great sign of encouragement when, in response to your submission, you receive what’s known as a personalized rejection rather than a form rejection. That is, you might receive a note informing you that, while the journal cannot publish your work at this time, they enjoyed reading it and would love to hear more from you in the future. (Read more below on I submitted: Now what?)  

So, will your work be accepted? Statistically speaking, it’s unlikely. But, it’s also unlikely for an NFL team to win a Super Bowl, or a scientist to win a Nobel Prize, or a student to get admitted into Harvard, but these things happen every single year. If publishing is something important to you, don’t let the odds stop you from trying.   

WHAT CAN I DO TO MAXIMIZE MY CHANCES OF BEING PUBLISHED?  

While publication percentages may not be particularly confidence-inspiring, there are things you can do to increase the chance your work will get picked up.  

1. Submit your best work.  

This is perhaps obvious, but it bears noting. As discussed above, readers for lit mags are often inundated with submissions. Submit your best work first to help yourself stand out. If you’re unsure which is “best,” ask a trusted reader for their opinion. Further, if you are submitting a packet (two different flash fiction pieces, or five pomes) rather than an individual work, start with the strongest. 

2. Read the submission guidelines!  

For better or worse, lit mag readers and editors are almost always looking for ways to easily shrink their stack of 1,000 submissions, to, say, 100. And then to 10. There is no easier way to get your submission denied than by neglecting to follow every submission guideline. This means that you should not submit four poems when the magazine only accepts three, submit a PDF when the magazine asks for a Word doc, or submit your fiction to the nonfiction category. Similarly, do not send in a 2,500-word essay when the journal asks for a 2,400-word maximum.  

Follow all submission guidelines exactly, not because it is so important to, say, have your bio in third-person as opposed to first-person, but because following these guidelines will allow the reader to immediately dive into the important material—your work—without getting bogged down by any logistical hiccups. Further, adhering to the submission guidelines shows that you yourself are a careful reader and that you respect the journal by following said guidelines in the first place.  

3. Make sure your work is a good fit in the first place!  

Revisit “How do I know if my work is a good fit?” above.  

4. Consider simultaneous submissions.  

Most journals accept simultaneous submissions, which is, as the term suggests, submitting your work story to multiple different journals simultaneously. Most journals will clarify in their guidelines whether or not they accept simultaneous submissions (a vast majority do, so long as you let Journal B know that your piece is no longer available as soon as Journal A accepts it .) If there’s a short story you really want in the world, consider sending it to a handful, maybe even two handfuls, of places.  

CONTESTS VS. GENERAL SUBMISSIONS 

Another consideration for submissions is whether you’d prefer to submit to magazine’s general submissions, their contests, or a mix of both. Contests, offered by some—not all—journals, are generally more competitive and more expensive to enter (fees usually range between $20-$30). But, winning them almost always comes with clout as well as prize money, ranging from modest sums ($100) to larger ones ($1,000+). Sometimes, contest winners are selected by a guest judge (generally a respected and perhaps well-known writer), and other times they are chosen by the editors of the magazine themselves.  

One thing to note is that even if you don’t win the contest, it can be possible to still be picked up for publication by the journal as a finalist or simply as someone who caught the attention of the judges. Whether or not finalists and/or semifinalists are published alongside the contest winner (or winners) is up to the magazine’s discretion.  

HOW DO I SUBMIT?  

On the websites of most journals, there will most likely be a tab that says “Submit” or “Submissions.” Occasionally, this tab is slightly buried somewhere on the webpage. (Look in the “About Us” or “Contact Us” sections of the site if you have trouble finding it.)  

In terms of actually submitting, a vast majority of journals only accept—or greatly prefer—online submissions. Generally, this is done via a platform called Submittable that allows you (as the submitter) to manage and track your submissions, just as it allows the journal editors to track and view their submissions. Sometimes, submitting is done via an in-house submission portal, and, in the rarest of circumstances, a magazine will only accept mailed, hard copy submissions. Regardless, the lit mag will (or should ) have their submissions process clearly demarcated on their website in terms of 1) how to submit, 2) what time(s) of year they accept submissions, and 3) what they are looking for in terms of submissions (genre, page length, etc.).  

As noted previously, following these submission guidelines exactly is in your best interest. Beyond preparing your piece of writing for submission and figuring out the journal’s guidelines so you can follow them, there are two other pieces to the submission puzzle you’ll need: a strong cover letter and a solid, succinct bio.    

COVER LETTER + EXAMPLE  

The cover letter is your chance to briefly let the journal know 1) what you are submitting as well as 2) why you are submitting to that magazine in particular. The best-case scenario for a cover letter is that you’ve presented yourself in a professional manner as an eager, capable writer with a strong reason for submitting to the journal. What follows is an example cover letter:  

Dear Audrey Li and the entire Coffee Journal team,  

Please consider my following poems, “Exciting Poem 1,” “Clever Poem 2,” and “Memorable Poem 3” for inclusion within an upcoming edition of Coffee Journal . I especially admired Ash Lever’s “Brilliantly Titled Poem” in your latest edition and would be honored for my work to be considered for publication in an upcoming edition of your journal.  

This is a simultaneous submission, and I will let you know immediately if any of these poems are accepted elsewhere.   

Thank you in advance for taking the time to consider my work.  

Best,  

It’s helpful to make a few quick notes on this example cover letter and what this writer does well. She…  

• Addresses, by name, the relevant genre editor to whom she has addressed the cover letter.  
• Includes the name of the work she is submitting, as well as the professional, polite request to consider her work in an upcoming edition of the journal.  
• Mentions something she specifically admires about the journal in question, revealing herself as someone who has “done her homework”—that is, she is showing that she really does have (at least some) vested interest in this magazine.  
• Notes that her submission is simultaneous; that is, she is submitting these poems to other magazines as well. As previously noted, this is fine to do if the magazine accepts simultaneous submissions so long as she lets Coffee Journal know that one (or more) of her poems is no longer available as soon as she learned another journal has accepted them.   
• Concludes the note by thanking the editor(s). Remember, these cover letters are being read by readers who are often underpaid or unpaid and who have, more often than not, dozens and dozens of pieces to read. Kindness in a cover letter is important here just as it is elsewhere.  

For more, The Adroit Journal has a great piece further explaining the ins and outs of cover letter writing with an annotated example.  

BIOGRAPHY + EXAMPLE  

The biography is your chance to briefly give a glimpse of who your writer-self is. Common information to include is where you are from, where you went to or are going to school, what you do for work, and where you have been previously published (if applicable). Writing in third person is the best way to go.   

Generally, these are expected to be professional. That said, if the journal you are applying to is particularly quirky, or you have no desire to confine yourself to the constraints of a traditional cover letter, feel free to be quirky. The best-case scenario for a biography is that, similarly to the cover letter, you’ve presented yourself as a professional and given the magazine a small glimpse of who you are.  

For those of you asking, “What do I put for publications if I haven’t published anywhere yet?” the answer is simple: nothing. Don’t let your lack of publishing be a catch-22 stopping you from trying to publish in the first place. And take heart: Many magazines exist specifically with the mission to promote new and emerging writers.   

What follows is an example biography:  

A. Writer is a poet from Indiana. She received her MFA in poetry from A Super Excellent University, and her poems have appeared in This Cool Journal and are forthcoming from Another Cool Journal . She lives in West Lafayette where she teaches high school English.

I SUBMITTED! NOW WHAT?  

Congratulations! Even if your work is not selected by the particular lit mag you submitted to, you are putting your work out in the world. At this point, you wait. Response times vary widely, from several weeks to up to a year (or more). Many magazines have submission guidelines indicating about how long you should expect to wait to hear back. Some will also ask that they not be contacted with an inquiry about your submission until a certain amount of time has passed.  

During the waiting process, don’t let your writing life be put on hold! A common saying in the journalistic field applies here: “Work is never finished, it just meets deadline.” Feel free to continue shaping the writing projects you submitted, or leave them until you hear back from journals and allow yourself to start writing in new directions.   

REJECTION LETTERS: TWO TYPES + EXAMPLES  

Generally speaking, there are two different types of rejection letters a lit mag can give, and—perhaps surprisingly—one of these is actually good news. The first type is a form rejection letter. This is a generic rejection, meaning this letter is copy and pasted to each person who receives it (with the exception of changing the submitter’s name and the title of their submitted work). A form rejection might look like this:  

Dear A. Writer,  

Thank you for submitting “Exciting Poem 1,” “Clever Poem 2,” and “Memorable Poem 3” to Coffee Journal . Unfortunately, we decided your work was not a fit for us at this time.  

Sincerely,  

The Editors  

A personalized rejection, on the other hand, while still a rejection, often includes some kind of encouragement. Two different examples, followed by an explanation of why a personalized rejection is good news, follows:  

Thank you for submitting “Exciting Poem 1,” “Clever Poem 2,” and “Memorable Poem 3” to Coffee Journal . While we are not able to find a place for it at this time, we found your work exciting and greatly enjoyed reading it. We would look forward to reading more of your writing in the future.  

Thank you for submitting to Coffee Journal . Though we have decided against publishing your work at this time, we found “Clever Poem 2” particularly moving. Please keep up in mind for future work.  

On the outset, the form rejection letter and the personalized rejection letters don’t have much of a difference. But take heart: That extra line in the personalized rejection letters is a big deal. Anything such as an invitation to resubmit, a specific, encouraging note about your work, and / or commentary about your specific pieces or writing are signs your rejection was personalized rather than a form rejection. This means that out of the large amount of work that journal received, while your work wasn’t part of the teeny percentage chosen for publication, it stood out to the editors. It’s not a bad idea to consider submitting again a future reading period for that lit mag; if you do so, consider adding a note in your cover letter that you’ve been encouraged to resubmit.    

DEALING WITH REJECTION  

In an interview with Michigan Quarterly Review , poet Hannah Ensor spoke well on creative writing awards (and, perhaps by extension, publication): “I think that it means a lot when you do win, but it means almost nothing when you don’t.”   

In a world where editors and readers for lit mags are swimming in submissions, a rejection is not so much a condemnation of your work as a “out of the 100 pieces we received, this is not one of the five we are able to accept.” This isn’t to say that rejection doesn’t sting; no one likes getting turned down. For better or worse, rejection is simply part of the process.  

Further, being rejected from a particular journal is not necessarily a suggestion that your work isn’t a good fit for the journal; much is up to chance in terms of who first reads your work. Many lit mags, especially larger ones, have teams of readers that will curate a small portion of submissions for more serious consideration by the section or genre editor(s). Your submission to Coffee Journal this year may be read by a completely different set of eyes than last year.   

Finally, consider the following positive spins on rejection:  

• Rejection is an invitation to keep writing.   

On the one hand, it’s an opportunity to return to your work: What might be revised? How might you make your work come more fully into its own? On the other hand, it can be an opportunity to dive into something new, with all the knowledge and experience you’ve now gained from writing what you’ve already written. (If having writing that never gets published is a depressing thought, consider this encouragement by accomplished writer Anne Lamott in an essay of hers embracing the messiness of first drafts: “Just get it all down on paper, because there may be something great in those six crazy pages that you would never have gotten to by more rational, grown-up means. There may be something in the very last line of the very last paragraph on page six that you just love, that is so beautiful or wild that you now know what you’re supposed to be writing about, more or less, or in what direction you might go – but there was no way to get to this without first getting through the first five and a half pages.”)  

• Rejection is an opportunity to revisit why you write in the first place.  

Why did you write that story, that poem, that essay in the first place? Rejection can provide a tangible time to revisit your “Why?” as a writer. If you’re writing for the money and you’ve gotten numerous rejections from paid awards, perhaps writing is not the most prudent path forward. If you’re writing because you feel you have something to say, because you love language, because it’s a way for you to discover what you’re thinking and how you feel about the world, well…rejection can’t touch those motivations. Remind yourself why you got into writing in the first place and keep at it.  

ACCEPTANCE LETTERS: YOU’RE IN! WHAT’S NEXT?  

The purpose of acceptance letters is simple. You’re in! Like a job offer, an acceptance letter from a lit mag means you have an offer for publication—they want you if you want them. After your work is accepted, there a few things that will happen:  

• You will need to read and sign a contract detailing:  
• What the lit mag needs from you (such as an updated bio) between that moment and publication.  
• What happens with the rights of your creative work ( this page by Poets & Writers details copyright information in more depth).  
• What compensation you will be provided with (if applicable).  
• You may correspond with an editor from the journal to perform final edits and/or revisions of your creative piece(s).  
• You may need to submit an updated author information, such as a bio, and/or a finalized version of your creative piece(s).  
• You need, if applicable, to immediately withdraw the work that is being published from any other lit mags you submitted it to. This is generally done by contacting the magazines through Submittable or by emailing the editors—lit mags’ Submissions page will generally clarify how they’d like to be notified if you need to withdraw part or all of your submission.  

EXAMPLE ACCEPTANCE LETTER  

Thank you for sending us “Exciting Title Number 1” and “Memorable Title Number 3.” We greatly enjoyed both of them and would like to publish them in Coffee Journal ’s next edition.  

As per our submission guidelines, we offer three free copies of the edition in which your work appears. Please click here to confirm acceptance.   

Thank you for sending your work! We look forward to hearing from you.  

Audrey Li  

Coffee Journal Poetry Editor  

Just a few things to note, here:   

• Getting an acceptance does not necessarily mean the journal is accepting every piece of work your sent; it simply means they are accepting one (or more) of your pieces.  
• Generally, acceptance letters are more personalized; the magazine has chosen your work and is eager to make a good impression on you just as you’ve made a good impression on them. In this vein, acceptance letters are generally sent from the particular editor who chose your work or oversees your genre, whereas a rejection letter is often from the unnamed “Editors”.  

CLOSING THOUGHTS  

Submitting work can be any number of things: exciting, gut-wrenching, confusing, tedious. Regardless of your personal attachment to—or detachment from—the submission process, it’s an important process to understand as a creative writer. Even though the odds may be that a rejection is much more likely than an acceptance, you never know unless you try.   

Imagine if the writer of your own favorite book never took the chance to submit it for publication in the first place. Thank goodness they did take that chance so their writing could change you and others—in however big or small a way. This chance, submitting work for publication, is one that you can take, too.  

Best of luck, and happy submitting!  

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

Submission Etiquette: The Cincinnati Review has a short, helpful article on submission reminders.   

Writing Cover Letters: The Adroit Journal has a great piece explaining the ins and outs of cover letter writing.  

Submission Opportunities: Driftwood Press: Where Else to Submit  

The Invisible Art of Literary Editing : an in-depth look into the inner workings of literary magazines.  

Submittable : a common platform lit mags will request submissions through.  

Copyright Information : This page by Poets & Writers explains relevant copyright information for writers.   

REFERENCES  

Jenkins, Marlin M. Somatic Pinging: An Interview with Hannah Ensor, Michigan Quarterly  Review Blog, Mar 25, 2019, https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/mqr/2019/03/somatic-pinging-an-interview-with-hannah-ensor/ .  

Lamott, Anne. "Shitty First Drafts.” Language Awareness: Readings for College Writers. Ed. by  Paul Eschholz, Alfred Rosa, and Virginia Clark. 9th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2005: 93-96.  

Short Story Submissions: 10 Easy Steps to Go From Writing to Published

by Sarah Gribble | 0 comments

How do you submit a short story for publication? It's a lot to think about and I've seen more than one writer throw in the towel and say they're happy to just be writing. To make it easier, there are ten steps you can take to tackle short story submissions.

It may seem overwhelming, but once you know what you're doing, getting short stories published isn't as scary as it seems.

In this article, you'll learn the ten steps needed to submit a short story for submission and hopefully get it published.

The 10 Steps to Submit Your Short Story for Publication

If you're looking for a quick guide, here are the ten steps to follow in order to submit your short story for publication. Click each step to jump to more details.

• Read the guidelines.
• Pay attention to deadlines.
• Format your manuscript properly.
• Prepare a bio.
• Prepare an elevator pitch.
• Write a cover letter.
• Submit again.
• Record your submission.

Read on for a detailed explanation of how to master each step of the process and get your short story published.

Writing to Getting Published: The Full Journey to Short Story Publication

I focus on fiction in this article, but the vast majority of this information applies to creative nonfiction writers and other nonfiction submissions like critical essays or book reviews. If you already have a story on hand to submit, jump down to learn exactly where and how to get it published.

But if you don't have a short story ready to publish, or if you want to write a new story specifically for publication, we've written a series of articles on how to write your best short story and maximize your chances of getting it published.

Here's the full process from idea to publication, with links to our articles about each step:

• Choose your publication.  The best way to publish a short story is by choosing a publication and then writing a story for that publication. Why is this the best way? Because your story will already be tailored for a publication rather than a story that sort of fits. Stories that sort of fit have a lower likelihood of being accepted for publication. For more on how to choose your publication, read our guide to finding the best publications for you .
• Plan your story.  Once you've chosen where you want to submit, it's time to plan the story. If you're stumped for writing ideas, check out our 100 Best Short Story Ideas , then read our guide for how to turn your idea into a brilliant short story plan .
• Write your first and second drafts. I always recommend writing the first draft of a short story in one sitting. It'll be more cohesive that way. Be sure to take a break in between drafts so you can edit with fresh eyes! Here's how to write your story like a pro .
• Get feedback and edit your final draft.  I can't stress how important getting feedback is to the writing process. You need to know if your story makes sense or leaves the reader bored. And, trust me, you'll miss typos. Guaranteed. If you don't have a writing group to give you feedback, consider checking out The Write Practice Pro . And to help you make the most of your feedback, read our guide to editing your story .
• Submit!  Read on for where to submit and the step-by-step process of submission.

5 Places to Publish Short Stories

The first step in publishing your short story is deciding where to publish. There are quite a few options to choose from when you're ready to publish your short story:

1. Anthologies

Anthologies are a collection of short stories by different authors, and most will take an unsolicited submission. (An unsolicited submission means they did not approach you; you are pitching to them.) They're often themed and either pay per word or a flat token payment. Some pay royalties, but this is rare.

When you publish in an anthology, you sell your publication rights to them for a specified period. (Note: This DOES NOT mean you sell copyright. Copyright is ALWAYS yours from the moment you pen the story. Never sell copyright to anyone.)

What this means is you are not allowed to republish the story anywhere else until the agreed-upon time runs out. Then all rights revert back to you and you may publish the story elsewhere as a reprint.

2. Literary magazines/literary fiction journals/online fiction journals

Literary magazines are publications that focus on creative writing. They aren't just for literary fiction. There are plenty of genre literary magazines out there!

Lit mags can be printed or exist solely online (e-zines). They're normally published at least quarterly, but some are only yearly and some are published monthly.

Unfortunately, a lot of literary magazines aren't able to pay their contributors, or they pay in token payments (a one-time flat-rate, sometimes with additional copies of the magazine), or contributor copies, rather than paying royalties.

As with anthologies, you sell your publication rights to the magazine or online fiction journal for a specified period.

Check out our list of literary magazines to start your lit mag search. I recommend buying an upcoming issue if you can afford it to see exactly what they like and print.

3. Podcasts

Everyone loves a good podcast, and there are plenty out there that buy short stories. These podcasts are pretty cool. They take your story and produce it with sound effects and voice actors. Think old-time radio show.

4. Self-publication

Thanks to the internet, everyone is able to publish their own work. Amazon and Draft2Digital make it fairly easy to self-publish on all online retailers, as well as libraries. You can even make your story available in print through these companies.

The benefit here is you get royalties each time you sell a copy. The downside is you're less likely to sell a ton of copies.

5. Your website

If you don't have an author website, you should strongly consider setting one up ( here's how ). You can share your releases there, build up an email list, and show up in a Google search. Sites are also a cool way to introduce your work to your readers with free stories.

How do you find places to publish your short story?

You can search for open calls for submissions for podcasts, literary magazines, and anthologies on sites like Duotrope , The Grinder , and Horror Tree . We also keep a list of our favorite literary magazines .

Make sure to follow writing groups on Facebook as well for more chances to submit.

How to Choose Where to Publish Your Short Story

Now that you know your options, how do you choose?

The answer depends on your goals for the story.

Do you want to share it with a select group of people? Are you wanting to build your email list or social following? Go with your website.

If you're wanting to move toward building a wider readership, you're going to want to go bigger. You'll want to look into anthologies, literary magazines, and podcasts. International submissions are great, too, if they're in the language your story is in.

If money is your main motivator, I'm going to tell you right now you'd better forget about that.

Most short story publications have little to no money to pay contributors. Some offer no monetary payment at all. It's up to you if you are okay with taking no monetary payment or a token payment.

Again, think of what you're goal is.

Either way, you're not going to get rich publishing short stories. Even the publications that pay professional rates only normally pay up to eight cents a word. I've never seen more than ten cents a word offered.

And that's fine! Why?  Because the point of publication is to build readership.

Fortunately, there are many reputable publications out there, but there are also unreputable ones.

Watch out for publications that charge a reading fee or submission fee. This warning doesn't apply to writing contests, where it often makes sense to charge a small fee in order to raise funds for prize money.

And I'm not saying all publications that charge a nominal reading fee are evil, I just don't agree with them taking advantage of short story writers who desperately want to be published.

Also beware of publications that don't offer payment specifics. They might promise “professional rates” but it's a bit weird to  not  detail out what they consider to be a professional rate. Do some extra research in this situation to make sure they're a reputable publication.

How to Submit a Short Story for Publication: The Complete 10-Step Process

Once you've gotten your story polished to the shiniest it can be, you're ready to submit. But how do you go about doing it? What is the professional etiquette for submitting? What should you prepare before you email an editor?

Here are the steps to submitting a short story to a publication:

1. Read the guidelines

Ninety-nine percent of publications have guidelines posted on their websites. (These might be listed as submission requirements or writer guidelines rather than submission guidelines.)

If you're having trouble finding them look harder. There will be a link to submission guidelines somewhere, it just might not be in the header menu bar. Check the bottom of the page if it's not in the header menu.

If you've been following this blog series, you most likely already read the writer guidelines when you chose your publication, but read them again.

Guidelines are extremely important and you need to follow them. There are publications out there that will reject your story without reading it if you don't follow the rules.

If that sounds petty, it may be, but as someone who's edited anthologies before, I can tell you it's a huge pain if the author didn't follow instructions. And the last thing you want is to annoy the editor.

Remember, they get a huge volume of submissions from writers (I'm talking hundreds of submissions) every time they're open for a submission period. They don't have time to deal with an author who can't follow instructions.

Plus, it's rude, unprofessional, and shows a lack of enthusiasm for the publication to ignore the rules.

I repeat: Read the guidelines and follow them.

2. Pay attention to deadlines

Deadlines are there for a reason. They'll be listed on the publication's website and you need to abide by them. Don't think you can sneak in a day late with an excuse. If you miss the deadline, you'll have to wait until the publication opens for another reading period or submit it elsewhere.

Pro tip: Write deadlines down on a calendar or use an app to keep track. You should keep track of these like you would a word deadline.

3. Format your manuscript properly

An improperly formatted manuscript is another annoyance for editors. Some publications will have specific formatting guidelines they want you to follow (again, check the submissions guidelines), but most will simply want your story in standard manuscript format (Shunn) .

Shunn is the gold standard for formatting. Go to that link and read the entire document thoroughly! Here's a final checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Some things to pay special attention to:

• DO NOT use tab or space to indent your paragraphs. You need to set up indents in your word processor (.5 inch is standard).
• Use a normal font. Times New Roman or Courier are preferred. Do not get fancy. Black, 12 point, double-spaced font is also standard.
• Margins should be 1 inch.

It makes it a lot easier if you format your stories in Shunn format as you write them so you don't have to tweak later.

4. Prepare a bio

You should always have an updated, short author bio ready to go. Bios are written in third person and are often required to be under one hundred words. (You may want to prepare two: one under fifty words and one under one hundred.)

If you have published stories in other publications, you can list them. Choose your three most recent or your three most prestigious. Don't list everything you've ever published, though.

If you don't have publications, don't worry! Just leave that part out.

Here's an example:

Sarah Gribble is the best-selling author of dozens of  short stories  that explore uncomfortable situations, basic fears, and the general awe and fascination of the unknown. She’s currently cooking up more ways to freak you out and working on a novel. Follow her  @sarahstypos on Twitter, @sarahgribblewriter on IG, or join her email list for free scares at sarah-gribble.com .

5. Prepare an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is pretty much what it sounds like: a one- to two-sentence summary of your story (what you could get out in the time it takes to ride an elevator). You’ll also hear it called a premise , a summary, or a  logline .

IMPORTANT: Not every publication will want this. In fact, most don’t. If they don’t specifically say they want a premise, short summary, elevator pitch, etc. in the guidelines, do not send them one.

I do recommend you prepare one at this stage, though. It’ll be easier later on when you’ve forgotten the exact point of your story and you need to have one. It’s also less stressful to have one prepared before submittal.

6. Write a cover letter

A cover letter is different from a query letter and is not nearly as daunting as it might seem. A cover letter is really just a few sentences introducing yourself and your story.

You don’t need to fill a page with several paragraphs. In fact, don’t do that! Editors don’t want to spend more time reading your cover letter than they do reading your story, and they don’t need to know what made you want to write or how many pets you have.

Here’s what you need in a cover letter:

• Salutation (Dear Editor is normally fine, but use the editor's name if it is on the website.)
• Story title and word count (Always include your word count. Even online publications only have so much space for stories and your word count will be taken into account.)
• Optional: Elevator Pitch (Again, DO NOT do this unless the publication asks for it.)
• Your previous publication history (It's fine if you don't have any publication credits. Just skip this. DO NOT say you're a novice or this is your first story.)
• Thanks and sign

Dear Editor, Please consider my 1,800-word short story, “Story Title,” for publication in Random Magazine. My writing has appeared in a variety of online and print publications, including  Random Anthology I, Unusual Anthology Vol. II,  and  Titled Magazine . Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Your Name

That’s it! See, not so bad.

The days of mailing a paper submission to literary journals and short story magazines are over. Most publications use electronic submissions now. The majority will take email submissions.

Some use other electronic submission systems, like a submission form on their site, an online portal, or a submission platform like Moksha, Hey Publisher, Duotrope, or Submittable. You’ll find where and how to submit your story in the publication’s submission guidelines.

Tip: It might be worth signing up for a submission platform like Duotrope. Some of them charge a membership fee, often because they have access to better calls for submission, but those fees are normally tiny.

If you're writing and submitting a ton of short stories and getting published frequently, it might make monetary sense to sign up.

Pay special attention to the submission guidelines. (I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I can’t stress this enough.)

Paste your cover letter in the body of your email. Most likely, unless your story is a piece of flash or you’re submitting poems, you will attach your story to the email. This is the standard way to submit, but make sure that’s how your chosen publication wants it.

Make sure you take note of what kind of file the publication wants. Some are okay with a simple DOCX format, but some want an RTF. You can change how the file is saved in the SAVE AS menu.

Make sure your story is attached before sending the email! (Seems ridiculous, but I’ve sent emails without attachments several times.)

If the publication requires a “blind read,” make sure you don’t have any identifying information on the document.

Make sure you have the correct email subject line typed. (Guidelines, again.) If you don’t, it might get lost in a spam filter. If there are no specific guidelines regarding the email subject, go with: SUBMISSION — Your Story Title — Your Last Name.

Proofread your email!

After you’ve done all that, take a deep breath. It’s time.

8. Submit again

Hooray, you have a piece under consideration! But you're not going to sit on your laurels.

Check to see if your chosen publication allows simultaneous submissions. If they do, that means you can submit your story to other publications while you're waiting for a decision. [FYI: Multiple submissions allowed means the publication will take more than one story from you at once.]

I highly recommend submitting to as many publications as you can. The acceptance rate for anthologies and magazines is quite low, so you're increasing your odds of being published if you get that story out there to as many editors as possible!

9. Record your submission

You need to keep track of where you've submitted, when you submitted, when you expect to hear back, and what the response was.

There are online options for this, such as The Grinder , but you can use anything that makes you feel comfortable and that you'll keep accurate. A spreadsheet or notebook would be fine. I double up on my tracking and use a site as well as my own spreadsheet.

You'll most likely be waiting a while before you hear anything from the publication. This isn't a quick process and it's often agonizing to wait for an answer, especially if you're new to the whole submission process.

Most publications will have their expected response time listed in their guidelines, but they're often late. Be patient. Their editorial team is sifting through hundreds of submissions.

Sometimes, if you submitted through an online portal, you can check the submission portal for an update on your piece.

Whatever you do, DO NOT email them to ask for an update (unless their guidelines say you may after a certain time). It's unprofessional to do so and won't earn you any points in the editor's eyes. All that does is clog up their inbox, and we all hate that.

How to Publish Your Short Story…and Actually Reach Readers

What's the point of publishing? To get your work read, of course!

Here's the thing: Publishing alone won't get you readers. You have to share your work!

No matter where you publish, it's your responsibility to promote your work. Editors won't do it. Big publishing houses won't do it (or won't do most of it).

You have to do it.  You have to share your work with the world. 

Once you've published, share your work on social media, on your website, in your newsletters. Talk about it around the water cooler and at family functions. Never shut up about your work!

That's how you get readers. You promote yourself, your publications, and your writing. (And it never hurts to help a fellow writer out by promoting their work as well!)

Publish, Publish, Publish!

Getting short stories published is a pretty simple process once you know what you're doing. (Way simpler than writing!) Getting your writing out there with short story publication is the best way to keep your work on your readers' minds.

If you get a few rejections along the way, don't give up! We all get them. It's part of the writing process.

And so is publishing.

So get your latest story polished and submit that baby to some publications! It's an amazing feeling to see your story in print!

Have you submitted a short story to a publication before?  Let me know in the comments !

Imagine a writer has submitted a short story to a prestigious literary magazine and has just received a rejection. The rejection was a personal note from the editor (which is rare!), explaining why the piece was turned down.

Write the post-rejection scene. Start out with what the editor said in the rejection email. Write for fifteen minutes .

Share your writing here in the practice box below so we can all check it out. Don’t forget to read and comment on your fellow writers’ work!

Sarah Gribble

Sarah Gribble is the author of dozens of short stories that explore uncomfortable situations, basic fears, and the general awe and fascination of the unknown. She just released Surviving Death , her first novel, and is currently working on her next book.

Follow her on Instagram or join her email list for free scares.

Work with Sarah Gribble?

Bestselling author with over five years of coaching experience. Sarah Gribble specializes in working with Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Horror, Speculative Fiction, and Thriller books. Sound like a good fit for you?

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15 Magazines That Accept Freelance Writing Submissions

Author: Kara Wilson

March 31, 2021 6 Comments

Do you love to write but don’t know where to find work as a freelancer ? Whether you’re a beginner, a college student wanting to earn a little extra spending money, a stay-at-home mom who needs a creative outlet, or someone who is looking for a career change, you could be writing for magazines. 

There are publications in every niche all over the world that pay freelance writers for their work.

Check out this list of 15 online and print magazines, and start pitching today from the comfort of your home.  

Popular Parenting Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

1. Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family has an ongoing list of submission topics that they are currently accepting. At this time of writing, topics included topics like Back to School with a Twist and Adjusting to No Schedule Days. Check out this page for submission calls.

• Article length:  50-300 words, 400-500 words, and 800-1,200 words
• Pay:  $50, $125, and $375 respectively upon acceptance

2. Her View From Home

Her View From Home is an online magazine that has over 1,000 contributors on its site but welcomes new writers. Articles are personal and written from the heart, with topics focusing on motherhood, marriage, kids, faith, grief, and living. Read their  submission guidelines .

• Article length:  600-800 words or less
• Pay:  Based on the number of unique page views your article receives within 30 days of publication

3. Mother.ly

Motherly stories are first-person insights into motherhood to inspire other moms, provide hope, and reassure them that many others share their experiences. It’s a non-judgemental, inclusive space. They are also looking for expert columnists if you are one of their listed experts. See their  submission guidelines .

• Article length:  700-900 words 
• Pay:  Writers earn $50 per article after publishing two posts ‘to ensure the writer’s voice and style aligns with Motherly’s voice and style’

Top Business and Finance Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

4. incomediary.

If you’re an expert at creating awesome websites, social media, driving traffic, or making money online, IncomeDiary would love to hear from you. Your article needs to be engaging and of the highest standard to be published. You can subscribe for paid writing jobs so that you’re notified when opportunities arise.  Submit your article here .

• Article length:  Minimum of 1,500 words
• Pay:  Up to $200

5. BC Business Magazine

Focusing on business in British Columbia, BC Business Magazine is looking out for stories on the issues, trends, and people shaping BC companies. If you have an engaging writing style and would like to get an article in front of their 6 million readers, see their  writer’s guidelines  for more information. 

• Article length:  Features vary from 2,000-3,500 words
• Pay:  Rates vary depending on standard and writer’s experience

6. Success Magazine

Offering advice on best business practices and helping people (in particular, entrepreneurs) gain more control over their personal and financial situation, this magazine is seeking pieces on admirable self-made business owners. For your first pitch, send them a 300-word article following their  submission guidelines .

• Article length:  300 words initially
• Pay:  $0.50 per word

Great Food and Drink Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

7. eating well.

For those of you who enjoy cooking delicious and nutritious food, why not write for a popular publication with over 1 million readers. If you can write about nutrition or recipes in a journalistic and authoritative voice, Eating Well would love to hear from you. Familiarize yourself with their  writers’ guidelines .

• Article length:  Unspecified
• Pay:  Up to $1 per word

8. Extra Crispy

A site more than a magazine, Extra Crispy is big on breakfast and looking for “opinion pieces, reported stories, personal essays, works of humor, illustrated narratives, breakfast-y profiles of people, original recipes, how-tos, and unusual points of view on the beloved morning meal we all love.”  Here’s how to pitch Extra Crispy .

• Article length:  800-1,000 words
• Pay:  Approximately $0.47 per word

Do you have some amazing stories about food and travel you’d like to share with the world? This loved and well-known magazine is the global guide to cooking, entertaining, and food travel. Follow its  guidelines for submitting stories , with links to your past work if possible. 

• Article length:  Unspecified
• Pay:  Up to $1 per word, varies whether published in print or on the website

Top Health and Fitness Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers

10. healthy living magazine.

Covering a full spectrum of health, wellness, beauty, and parenting content, this popular magazine usually has a quick turnaround time. You can expect to hear back from the editors within six days of submitting your full article. Check out their  submission guidelines .

• Article length:  Ranging from 450-3,000 words
• Pay:  $150 per article

11. Vibrant Life

Vibrant Life is a bimonthly lifestyle publication that focuses on physical and mental wellbeing and spiritual balance from a practical, Christian perspective. The tone should be informal, easy-to-read, and engaging with a person-centered approach. Submit your completed articles ready for publication, following their  submission guidelines .

• Article length:  Short articles of 450-650 words are always in demand
• Pay:  Ranging between $100-$300 based on quality, accuracy, and relevance

12. Whole Life Times

This publication is always searching for writers and is open to stories on “holistic and integrative health, alternative healing, green living, sustainability and organic food, yoga, spirituality and personal growth, social responsibility, conscious business, and the environment.” The magazine is local to Southern California, but if your topic is broad, include local sources or angles. See their  writer guidelines .

• Pay:  Ranges from $75-$150 

Best Magazines That Pay Personal Essay Freelance Writers

13. buzzfeed.

Buzzfeed READER is Buzzfeed News’ home for cultural criticism, personal essays, fiction, and poetry. Their editors welcome personal or critical essays with a strong voice on any topic that’s fresh and meaningful. See if you’re a good fit and find out  how to pitch your piece .

• Article length:  1,500-2,500 words for personal essays
• Pay:  Competitive rates

14. New York Times

New York Times accepts opinion essays on any topic for their daily print and online page, the Sunday Review, the International edition, and other themed series. All submissions must be original, well-written, with a fact-based viewpoint. Read  how to submit an op-ed essay .

• Article length:  400-1,200 words
• Pay:  Up to $300 per published article

This magazine is looking for submissions for short fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from writers with a fresh voice and compelling story to share. The great thing about Slice is that they use the space to publish emerging and established writers side-by-side. Each issue has a theme, so they look for work that plays off that theme. Find out more from their  submission guidelines . 

• Article length:  5,000 words maximum
• Pay:  $400 for stories and essays

There you have it – 15 magazines in five writing niches that pay freelance writers (and pay them well!), but there are so many more to be found globally. Any topic you can think of most likely publishes a print or digital magazine, so just keep searching.

Need help writing your pitch? Check out this blog post for some helpful tips.

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About the Author

Kara Wilson

Kara Wilson has been an enthusiastic freelance writer for over 8 years. She is also a web content editor, infant sleep educator, and mama to two young children. When she isn't building forts with her kids, or hiding in her office to write, she loves to cook, read, and fantasize about traveling. If you're looking for a professional writer for your parenting website or blog, you can contact her at [email protected] .

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Reader Interactions

March 14, 2023 at 1:46 pm

My name is Kathy Pierce. I’m a freelance writer; I write about my kids and me and what we had to endure. I want to thank you for this article about who hires freelance writers.

March 15, 2023 at 7:12 am

You’re welcome, Kathy!

March 1, 2022 at 10:14 am

Just wanted to let you know – Slice is no longer accepting submissions. Their final issue was published last year’s fall.

March 1, 2022 at 1:44 pm

Thanks for letting me know.

October 15, 2021 at 8:22 pm

FamilyFun is no longer publishing. You’re giving 2013 info.

October 16, 2021 at 6:54 am

Thanks for letting me know. I’ve replaced that one with a different paid writing opportunity.

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A Journal of The Literary Arts

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enter contest

Grist: A Journal of the Literary Arts,  seeks high quality submissions from both emerging and established writers. We publish craft essays and interviews as well as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry—and we want to see your best work, regardless of form, style, or subject matter.

Past issues have included such writers as Dan Albergotti, Dorothy Allison, Ellen Bass, Richard Bausch, Katherine Boo, Maud Casey, May-lee Chai, Peter Ho Davies, Timothy Donnelly, Denise Duhamel, Tom Franklin, Elizabeth Gilbert, Joy Harjo, Lyn Hejinian, Bob Hicok, T.R. Hummer, Adam Johnson, Fady Joudah, Dorianne Laux, Dorothea Lasky, Dana Levin, Julia B. Levine, Lisa Lewis, Thomas Lynch, Khaled Mattawa, Joseph Millar, Ander Monson, Danielle Pafunda, Ron Rash, Hilda Raz, Maggie Smith, Maura Stanton, Michael Steinberg, Virgil Suárez, Julie Marie Wade, William Wenthe, and many others.

We read between May 15th and August 15th. Please note that we do not accept snail mail submissions. Please do not mix genres in the same submission. For each genre, please wait until we have responded to your current submission before submitting another. We do not consider previously published work. We discourage the submission of multiple drafts of the same work during a submission period unless a revision was requested by an editor.  We do not consider work from those currently or recently affiliated with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as we are immediately notified if the piece has been accepted elsewhere. While we can’t always personally respond to each withdrawal or partial withdrawal notice, rest assured that the information has been entered into the system. We’re sorry, but  Grist  does not accept authors in back-to-back issues.

Grist  is committed to diversity, inclusivity, cultural interchange, and respect for all individuals. In the case of all submitted and/or accepted work, if an author behaves or speaks publicly—or is revealed or accused to have behaved or spoken, even in private—in ways that contradict these expressed values of the journal, then we reserve the right to disqualify an author’s submission, release the author from any contract, and/or remove their work from our archives.

Our submission fee ( waived for subscribers ) is $4 for three to five poems, for one work of fiction up to 7,000 words, or for one work of non-fiction up to 7,000 words (in all of our prose categories, we are also open to considering flash pieces as long as they are submitted in one document and do not total over 7000 words). The bulk of our reading fee goes to paying our writers; the rest covers our Submittable fees and a portion of our publishing costs, which helps us to make a high-quality home for a wide variety of the best national and international creative and literary work available to us. We hope that you will regard this fee as an investment in you, the writers who keep us going, while also serving as a sign of your support for the literary art we all value so much.

Average response time is 2-4 months. If you have not received a response after four months, send a query email to your genre’s editor.

Submissions will be considered for publication in either the print issue or here online. Payment is $10 per poem or 1 cent per word for prose (up to $50), as well as a contributor copy. Additional copies are also available at a reduced price for contributors.

To submit your work to the journal, please read our guidelines below and then submit via our online submissions manager,  Submittable . To pitch ideas or submit reviews or craft essays please read our submission guidelines on this page. To submit to our annual ProForma contest, please see our  Contest  page.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

ISSUE 16 GRIST STAFF

Read online content.

Origin Story

Danielle Cadena Deulen is the author of four books. Her most recent poetry collection is Desire Museum (BOA Editions, 2023). Her previous books include Our Emotions Get Carried Away Beyond Us, which won the Barrow Street Book Contest; The Riots, which won the AWP Prize in Creative Nonfiction and the GLCA New Writers Award; and which won the Miller Williams Arkansas Poetry Prize and the Utah Book Award. She served as a Jay C. and Ruth Halls Poetry Fellow at the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing. She has been the recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award, an Oregon Literary Fellowship, and a Pushcart Prize. She is co-creator and host of “Lit from the Basement,” a literary podcast. She teaches for the graduate creative writing program at Georgia State University in Atlanta. Her website is danielledeulen.net. Shara Lessley is the author of The Explosive Expert’s Wife and Two-Headed Nightingale , and co-editor of The Poem’s Country: Place & Poetic Practice, an anthology of essays. A former Wallace Stegner Fellow, her awards include an NEA fellowship, the Mary Wood Fellowship from Washington College, the Diane Middlebrook Poetry Fellowship from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing, an Olive B. O’Connor Fellowship from Colgate University, and a “Discovery”/The Nation prize, among others. Shara’s poems and essays have appeared in Ploughshares, The Gettysburg Review, The Kenyon Review, and IMAGE , and have been included in the Pushcart and Best American Poetry anthologies. She is Consulting Editor for Acre Books.

Most Non-Compete Clauses are Legally Unenforceable

Robert Walikis is a writer, playwright, poet, and songwriter. His short stories “Terrafir” and “Peak Child” were semifinalists for the North American Review ‘s 2023 and 2022 Kurt Vonnegut Speculative Fiction Prizes. His very short story “Funerary Rumors” was second runner-up for PRISM International ‘s 2022 Grouse Grind Lit Prize for V Short Forms. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in Post Road, PRISM International, Bridge Eight, and elsewhere. Rob lives in Maine with his wife-partner-writer Diana Mullins. He makes maps and tells stories. Read more at www.robertwalikis.com.

We Could Fix You

Alan Sincic teaches at Valencia College. His fiction has appeared in the New Ohio Review, Greensboro Review, Saturday Evening Post, and elsewhere/ His short stories have won contests sponsored by the Texas Observer, Driftwood Press, Prism Review, Westchester, American Writer’s Review, Broad River Review, and Pulp Literature. The opening chapter of his novel, The Slapjack , won the 2021 First Pages Prize.

GRIST STAFF

Emily Jalloul Editor-in-Chief Elysia Mann Art & Design Editor Jeffrey Amos Fiction Editor Jacque Scott Nonfiction Editor Ashley Dailey Poetry Editor Andrew Butler Poetry Editor Marisa Stickel Managing Editor Bess Cooley Managing Editor, Online Content Sarah Yancey Reviews Editor Katie Haire Social Media Editor Rachel Harper Events & Promotions Coordinator

• Mission and History
• The University of Tennessee Creative Writing Program
• Back Issues
• Grist Merchandise
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• CNF Reviews
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Submissions

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A Fan of Grist?

• Purchase Back Issues of Our Print Publication
• Buy Merchandise
• Submit to Print or Online Publication​

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Publishing 101: how to submit creative writing for publication.

Trying to get creative writing published can seem like a daunting task. When I first started back in 2016, I submitted a few poems to my school’s literary magazine. A few months later, they declined my work. At the time, rejection felt like the end of the world. I felt like my writing wasn’t good enough, and I didn’t submit poems for another two years.

If you’re thinking about sharing your creative writing with the world, it’s helpful to learn some tips and tricks that you can use on your publishing journey . I highly recommend you make sure you feel good about your work before sending it out to magazines, so you won’t dwell in self-pity if your pieces don’t get chosen. Knowing that I sent in my best work made rejection slightly easier to handle.

Find the Right Journals

Track your submissions.

When I am actively submitting my creative work, I usually have a spreadsheet going. I organize my submissions by journal, genre, submission date and the response — that is, whether the pieces have been accepted, rejected, or if I am still waiting to hear back. I even color-coordinate each row: green for accepted, red for rejected and yellow for pending. It’s very satisfying to see the colors change.

Over time, you should notice a pattern in your submissions. If certain pieces are being rejected over and over again, they may need to be revised. If you believe the work is at its very best, then maybe it just needs to be submitted to different journals. The process of submitting creative writing for publication can take months, so be patient.

Read the Submission Instructions

Submit a cover letter.

Writing a cover letter might sound pretty terrifying, but it’s really not that bad. All you need to do is address the letter, “Dear Editors,” then write a short paragraph explaining that you are sending a certain number of pieces. End with something nice, such as “I look forward to hearing back from you” or “Have a nice day,” and you’re done! A cover letter doesn’t need to be overly formal, and in most cases, you do not need to try to impress the editors. The decision of what work to publish usually comes from an evaluation of a writer’s work rather than their credentials.

Don’t Use Crazy Fonts

While writers want their work to stand out, they also need to be careful to not stand out in the wrong way. Try to use Times New Roman for prose or Garamond for poetry. Other editors will have their own font preferences , but as long as you stick to something pretty basic, you should be good to go.

Follow Up If It’s Been More Than Six Months

Don’t take rejection personally.

This statement is easier said than done. But as an editor, there is only so much work that I am able to publish, and many of the poets who submit to my magazine will be rejected. It’s not because they are bad writers; it just means that their work wasn’t the very best fit. The process of deciding what goes into a magazine and what doesn’t is very subjective. For instance, the editor may be tired or in a bad mood, or they may have very specific preferences for the type of work they accept. Maybe the magazine already took a piece similar to yours that week. Anything can happen, so it’s best to stay optimistic and keep submitting your work.

One last tidbit before I go: When it comes to publishing your work, the writing is often the greatest reward. No one can take that part of the process away from you. So, I urge you to revel in your time when the writing belongs to you and to you only. It makes sharing your work later on so much better.

Audrey Bowers, Butler University

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WEEKLY WRITING PROMPTS

Join (probably?) the world's largest writing contest. Flex those creative muscles with weekly writing prompts.

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Turn up the heat, set your story during the hottest day of the year..

LIVE – Summer

Center your story around an unexpected summer fling.

Write about a character who is allergic to heat., start or end your story with a heatwave announcement., write about a summer vacation gone wrong..

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Write a story in the form of a series of thank you cards.

Write a story about an unsung hero., write a story about a cynic who has been told to start a "gratitude journal," and does so — begrudgingly., write a creative nonfiction piece about something you're grateful for., write a story about a character trying to find a way to express their gratitude to someone., subscribe to our prompts newsletter.

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Write a story using the most clichéd twist of all; it was all a dream.

Write a story that includes the line, "i didn't see that one coming.", write a story about someone who realises the story of their life has been pre-determined — until they decide to divert from the expected path., write a story in which a character learns something unexpected about someone they thought they knew well., write a story with a big twist., set your story in a world where conversation about one particular topic is banned — but there are ways to get around the rule., in a small town, a powerful family have a dark secret that nobody wants to discuss. one day, an outsider arrives, who's not happy to simply drop it., write a story that includes the line, "is nobody going to say it"., place your characters in a tough situation, where nobody wants to acknowledge the reality of what's happening., write a story about two people who aren't admitting their true feelings for one another, despite it being obvious to outsiders., win $250 in our short story competition 🏆.

We'll send you 5 prompts each week. Respond with your short story and you could win $250!

Contest #262 LIVE

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Contest entries, closes at 23:59 - aug 09, 2024 est, recent contests ✍️.

#261 – Gratitude

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Creative Writing Prompts

When the idea to start a weekly newsletter with writing inspiration first came to us, we decided that we wanted to do more than provide people with topics to write about. We wanted to try and help authors form a regular writing habit and also give them a place to proudly display their work. So we started the weekly Creative Writing Prompts newsletter. Since then, Prompts has grown to a community of more than 450,000 authors, complete with its own literary magazine, Prompted .  

Here's how our contest works: every Friday, we send out a newsletter containing five creative writing prompts. Each week, the story ideas center around a different theme. Authors then have one week — until the following Friday — to submit a short story based on one of our prompts. A winner is picked each week to win $250 and is highlighted on our Reedsy Prompts page.

Interested in participating in our short story contest? Sign up here for more information! Or you can check out our full Terms of Use and our FAQ page .

Why we love creative writing prompts

If you've ever sat in front of a computer or notebook and felt the urge to start creating worlds, characters, and storylines — all the while finding yourself unable to do so — then you've met the author's age-old foe: writer's block. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the time but not the words to be creative. Enter our directory! If you're ready to kick writer's block to the curb and finally get started on your short story or novel, these unique story ideas might just be your ticket.

This list of 1800+ creative writing prompts has been created by the Reedsy team to help you develop a rock-solid writing routine. As all aspiring authors know, this is the #1 challenge — and solution! — for reaching your literary goals. Feel free to filter through different genres, which include...

Dramatic — If you want to make people laugh and cry within the same story, this might be your genre.

Funny — Whether satire or slapstick, this is an opportunity to write with your funny bone.

Romance — One of the most popular commercial genres out there. Check out these story ideas out if you love writing about love.

Fantasy — The beauty of this genre is that the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dystopian – Explore the shadowy side of human nature and contemporary technology in dark speculative fiction.

Mystery — From whodunnits to cozy mysteries, it's time to bring out your inner detective.

Thriller and Suspense — There's nothing like a page-turner that elicits a gasp of surprise at the end.

High School — Encourage teens to let their imaginations run free.

Want to submit your own story ideas to help inspire fellow writers? Send them to us here.

After you find the perfect story idea

Finding inspiration is just one piece of the puzzle. Next, you need to refine your craft skills — and then display them to the world. We've worked hard to create resources that help you do just that! Check them out:

• How to Write a Short Story That Gets Published — a free, ten-day course by Laura Mae Isaacman, a full-time editor who runs a book editing company in Brooklyn.
• Best Literary Magazines of 2023 — a directory of 100+ reputable magazines that accept unsolicited submissions.
• Writing Contests in 2023 — the finest contests of 2021 for fiction and non-fiction authors of short stories, poetry, essays, and more.

Beyond creative writing prompts: how to build a writing routine

While writing prompts are a great tactic to spark your creative sessions, a writer generally needs a couple more tools in their toolbelt when it comes to developing a rock-solid writing routine . To that end, here are a few more additional tips for incorporating your craft into your everyday life.

• NNWT. Or, as book coach Kevin Johns calls it , “Non-Negotiable Writing Time.” This time should be scheduled into your routine, whether that’s once a day or once a week. Treat it as a serious commitment, and don’t schedule anything else during your NNWT unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Set word count goals. And make them realistic! Don’t start out with lofty goals you’re unlikely to achieve. Give some thought to how many words you think you can write a week, and start there. If you find you’re hitting your weekly or daily goals easily, keep upping the stakes as your craft time becomes more ingrained in your routine.
• Talk to friends and family about the project you’re working on. Doing so means that those close to you are likely to check in about the status of your piece — which in turn keeps you more accountable.

Arm yourself against writer’s block. Writer’s block will inevitably come, no matter how much story ideas initially inspire you. So it’s best to be prepared with tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself on track before the block hits. You can find 20 solid tips here — including how to establish a relationship with your inner critic and apps that can help you defeat procrastination or lack of motivation.

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• Marketing & Publication / Writing & Lifestyle

Creative Writing Magazines: Where to Submit and Why You Should

by Ashley · February 1, 2018

As creative writers, most of us want to share our stories and publish. I’m not gonna lie, I want to. Paradoxically, most of us are terrified to publish because of potential failure and rejection. What if I release my work to the world and they hate it? (By the way, remembering these 4 things when someone doesn’t like your writing may help with that fear.) Or, no one wants to read it? Or, no one knows about it and it goes unnoticed forever? Well, maybe you should start with a smaller audience.

As you develop your writing style and ideas, try writing short pieces of fiction to publish in magazines.

Doing so allows you to:

• Find out what you can work on to improve your writing.
• Get you used to working with the publishing process.
• Expose yourself little by little to more audiences.

I was only published in one magazine–in high school–

Hold on…in high school? That doesn’t even count!

Let me make my point! I was published in one magazine in high school. It was small and barely anyone read it. However, the teachers and students running it helped me to edit and revise my work to prep it for final publication after it was selected for its content. Then, I got a copy and felt so proud. It was out there, where anyone could read it–and some did. I was afraid because my name was on it and teens are cruel. Nevertheless, I did it. I think I still have the copy somewhere in a box.

It really did help me build the confidence to keep writing.

Now, I could come up with an awesome list of magazines that accept submissions for your creative writing. I was going to do that and enlighten you all but I was enlightened instead. As soon as I started my research, I found other blogs that compiled those lists for me. Why do extra work, right?

You’re so lazy!

The blogs and articles listed are not sponsoring me, nor am I representing their views and work. I merely found their article helpful in developing my own. Find out more about my terms and conditions and each of theirs when you get to their sites.

Top 50 Literary Magazines from Every Writer Resource

9 Literary Magazines for New and Unpublished Writers from Aerogramme Writers’ Studio

A List of Creative Writing Journals Accepting Submissions from Almond Press

So many options, right?

Well, you can’t publish to them all–nor should you. Your writing may not fit for every magazine. Thus, it may go out to the wrong audience and get more backlash than it would have from the audience it was intended for. Before you start trying to decide which magazines to go with, check out the “ 7 Signs a Literary Magazine is a Good Fit for Your Creative Writing ”; maybe it’ll help you narrow it down.

Have you ever published your work to a magazine? What was your experience like? Do you know of any other magazines that accept creative writing submissions? Let us know below and on social media. I recommend you also take a step further and sign up for bi-weekly Writer’s Wisdom for more writing tips, tricks, and topics.

Tags: Resources stories storytelling Writers Writing

My passion for storyology started at a typical young age, but with a desire to do it forever. That's why before I started my true writing journey, I taught writing and reading in high school classrooms in AZ. Later, I started writing part-time toward a goal of being published. All the while, trying to help others like me with my storyology blog.

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The poetry market is a smaller one that can be harder to break into. However, there is still a way to get your poems out there. You can publish your work in as simple as 6 steps if you really want to, and this book is how.

Home > Learn More About Creative writing > Top 50 Websites to Submit Your Creative Writing

Top 50 Websites to Submit Your Creative Writing

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Table of Contents

Congratulations on the completion of your creative writing learning! Right now, you must be scrolling Google to find creative writing websites where you can publish your work. Why not! Publishing your work online is an ideal way to gain publicity and confidence as a writer.

There is something magical about the old-fashioned way to write using pen and paper. But for beginners who have just put their first step in the digital world, they definitely need a platform to create a portfolio. For this, either they need to create their own website (that will cost more) or they write can write on various online platforms that accept creative writing submissions or can find the online magazines accepting submissions.

There are a variety of different methods you can pursue before bringing your work online, whether this is a story you have only dreamed of or a story you have been working about and preparing for months. There are new websites coming up at this stage every month seeking to get authors to post online, and it’s not about how to find a place to post, but more what websites are really cool to post to.

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A writer’s toolbox is always filled with gadgets and gizmos that assist a writer in crafting anything creative that comes up in his mind. Writing websites are the fantastic tools to showcase your hidden talent of writing and it also acts as your portfolio.

Tips to Enhance Your Creative Writing

Read widely and often.

• Read different styles and techniques
• Make a compelling write-up

Write Regularly

• Write every day
• Write freely

Find Your Voice

• Write in a natural way

Craft Strong Beginnings

• Start with an attractive opening that grabs the reader’s attention.

Revise and Edit

• First Drafts: Write down ideas around the topics and make your first draft
• Feedback: Share your work with others and be open to feedback.

Read Your Work Aloud

• Flow: Listening to your work to identify unevenness in the flow of writing or awkward phrasing or pacing issues.
• Engagement: Ensure your write-up is engaging and compelling.

Understand Your Audience

• Targeted Writing: Tailor your writing style and content as per your interest in the target audience.
• Feedback: Engage with your audience to understand their preferences and interests.

Join a Writing Community

• Workshops: Participate in writing workshops or classes to improve your Creative Writing skills.
• Support: Find a community of writers for support, feedback, and motivation.

Study Writing Craft

• Books and Courses: Invest time in reading Books of different genres, themes and authors. This will help you in learning about writing techniques and theory.
•  Embrace Persistence
•  Persistence: Keep writing, revising, and https://www.henryharvin.com/creative-writing-coursesubmitting your work regularly.

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Through this write-up, I have curated a list of the top 50 websites that accept creative writing submissions.

Henty Harvin: No#1 Creative Writing Submission Website

Henry Harvin is a well-reputed No. 1 educational firm providing a wide range of certified Technical Courses and Non- non-technical courses PAN India. In addition, it has robust placement assistance and training for our learners to get placed in top Hiring Companies after completion of the course.

Henry Harvin has an educational web portal that is technically sound and with high PR, PA and DA. In addition to promoting in-house courses such as Content writing courses, creative writing courses, language courses and many more, we accept various guest postings, article submissions, link exchange, advertising, and listicle submissions in various categories to enhance visibility and promote your creativity online. Simply write down your creative and submit it in the Henry Harvin web portal to reach target audience.

Check Henry Harvin Other Courses

• Technical Writing Course
• Content Writing Course
• Medical Writing Course
• Henry Harvin Provide Creative Writing courses in these Cities

Mumbai ,  Hyderabad ,  Indore ,  Jaipur ,  Chennai ,  Delhi ,  Noida

• Henry Harvin Creative Writing Course Ranks #1 in India by  India Today

Top 50 Creative Writing Websites to Submit Your Masterpieces

Here is the list of creative writing platforms that you can use to publish your creative writing. This will boost traffic to your creative which further turns traffic to your business website or landing page. Let explore the top Creative Writing Submission websites and reach a mass audience with similar interests.

1.  Wat.tpad

Wattpad is one of the largest writer’s communities that boast over 65 million users. It allows authors to start their author journey by meeting millions of potential readers. This website also allows contests to earn the next major hit. It’s an easy way to create a readership for fans. It has a writers’ portal that is supposed to be a modern writers’ resource center. This is one of the most interesting new features of Wattpad, perhaps. This latest investment in Wattpad writers is a direct effort to appeal to the authors who run this enormous culture. 

The social media element of writing is taken by Inkitt.com and taking it up to another level. Similar to Wattpad, authors will compose and post their work on Inkitt.com, but stories that do well in terms of reader reaction, reviews, and interaction will be published in three formats: 

Overall, the website is simple and convenient to use, and it is progressing every day. It may not have a readership as broad as Wattpad, but it seems like it’s a little more fresh, sleek, and simpler overall than Wattpad. So on Inkitt, essentially, your success could win you a publishing contract.

3. Storybrid

Storybird.com brings a variant wrinkle on the online writer publishing platform options or creative writing submissions. Writers can create stories by utilizing various images on the website. Yes, by adding pictures and videos to them, you will actually bring your stories to life, and eventually, I believe it provides a more enjoyable platform for readers, ensuring you will get good exposure with your creativity. If your stories draw a broad readership, they provide an opportunity to build your career and promote your work.

This website allows polls and stories to be generated by people. It is labeled very well, which makes it easy to browse. If you would like to read or post fan-fiction, Quotev is a wonderful spot. It’s not just fan-fiction, but that genre sure has a huge amount of content.

5. Commaful

Commaful is a great platform for fan-fiction and short stories. Overall, very fun to layout, if you want to get away from your writing’s seriousness, this can be a perfect spot for a little whimsy. 

6. Alter Stories 

Of all the authors who publish articles, this is the most peculiar approach. This reflects on working together to create stories. The first author will come up with an idea for a story and write the first few hundred words. Then people who love the story will pick up the story and write down what happens next. Scope Of Creative Writing i

Readers/audience reaction to your story determines if you potentially get traditionally published with Macmillan – Think Americas got Talent for authors. Stories that are selected for publishing will get in house resources to publish their book. You can use the app or website to read and write. It is restrictive as it only accepts Young and New Adult fiction. Also, it accepts full-length novels- no serials.

7. Swoon Reads

Medium is a popular platform that is known to every person who is looking forward to reading or writing online. Medium is a platform where any content can be published. Non-fiction and essays appear to be preferred over fiction, but fiction also has its place. If you look about where there are large communities for fiction, there are a few publications within the media and sub-communities. Overall, people on Medium are pretty knowledgeable.

9. Fiction Press

Fiction Press is a fairly popular community that mainly writes novels and plays. It is less popular than some of the other sites on this list, but through it, you will probably get some positive reviews and readership. Here, you’ll find many active writers also the participants of fandoms.

10. Smashwords

It is an e-publishing site where short stories and collections are also welcome, but most novels are entertained. Romance appears to be by far the most popular genre and most of the stories are sold for a price there. This is a very good choice if you are trying to market your book and don’t like Amazon. Here, you can write for free as well. To filter by free and by genres, there are really simple filters, so free books always get good visibility.

11. Archive of your own

If you are a fan-fiction writer (characters from movies or TV shows), then you will enjoy this platform. This community is incredibly involved with millions of readers and contributors. Feedback is hit or missed, but there are certainly some sophisticated readers who read and offer valuable guidance, even editors. 

12. Fanfiction

It is one of the main repositories of fan fiction. The majority of people who come to this site are interested in fan-fiction, so much like Archive of Our Own, if you are posting fan-fiction, only post here. For Fanfiction.net, many of the same notifications and recommendations for Archive of Our Own are also real.

Fanfiction and relatable fiction topics still flourish, while not solely a writing platform. The best opportunity here is that, not only on Tumblr but across the world, Tumblr posts still always go viral. Tumblr is a cultural center where you can tap into it. They will re-share it and get it in front of more individuals if people want it. Fandoms play a huge role in Tumblr, so posts will really take off if you have a fan-fiction piece and use the proper tags. Tags are very relevant, so do some research into the best tags to use to ensure the Tumblr community maximizes your exposure.

14. Writers Cafe

Such an old place at school, but still there! There are many users and authors on the web, packed with enjoyable writing challenges, who still use it. On the web, individuals often post short stories, poems, fairy tales, and more. Its specialty is that it also has a range of tools, from writing classes to tournaments.

15. Booksie

You can see from the style that this site is still a little old-school, but it still draws a lot of very talented authors. There are hundreds of thousands of novels, short stories, poetry, spanning a number of genres and subjects on the website. In order to help artists, the platform has competitions and instruments. The self-publishing perspective seems to have a priority. It’s evident, though, that there’s some good talent posting here.

16. RoyalRoad

It is a platform with a genuinely engaged audience, a niche web novel, and a fan-fiction destination. People are really nice and a large number of designers are still around whom also work on book covers. Over the past few years, there have been a variety of famous articles that have millions of opinions. The platform also has a forum for users to hang out, talk, and encourage each other, as well as Discord.

17. The young Writer’s Society

It was primarily built for young authors and contained several short stories. They have a semi-active forum to communicate and exchange ideas with individuals. The website has a tonne of novels and poems written in the genre of fantasy and teen fiction. This website is very teen-focused and also has a somewhat active audience, but it does not appear like many updates have been obtained from the actual site itself as of now.

18. FanStory

For its submissions, this platform has some cash prizes and a number of short competitions related to literature. There are several competitions including poetry, short fiction, and more. To keep it fun, the site has live rankings and prompts for regular writing. This old-style website from the early 2000s is still alive and has a group that is quite healthy. However, many of the features and competitions require payment, so it is not just free stuff. The platform appears to be growing very slowly, but for anyone looking to create an audience, it still has a good user base.

19. Boulevard

The printing of the best literature is devoted to Boulevard Magazine. They want papers on topics like literature, poetry, and non-fiction. They are welcoming freelancers to submit pieces of no more than 8,000 words and no more than 200 lines of poetry.

20. The Capilano Review

The Capilano Review reflects on Canadian authors writing content. They urge authors to submit fiction that does not exceed the maximum of 5,000 words and submissions of 600 words for poetry. The Capilano Review encourages prospective authors to only submit work on their platform, so before beginning the process, please check the details.

21. Glimmer Train

A contemporary literature publication is Glimmer Train. They consider two kinds of submissions: competition and submissions for people. They assume that individual submissions would not surpass the sum of 12,000 words. Brand new authors are accepted by this magazine and their criteria and requirements have been listed on their blog.

22. Plough Shares

Plowshares is committed to standard literature printing. They are in search of content: poetry, longer fiction, and non-fiction, essays, and papers. For each group, they prefer posts to stick exclusively to the word count. This platform is not available for submissions during the year, although they have a very comprehensive page on their web with recommendations for submissions. Check for opening hours and before proposals are made, make sure the role blends into their brief.

23. The Southern Review

With a distinctive style and consistency, the Southern Review reflects on publishing literature. Among the genres of prose, verse, and essays (including artistic non-fiction and literary essays), their appeal for submissions is They assume that each submission would not reach the cap of 8,000 words. They choose to collect your manuscripts by fax.

24. Sub Tropics

Sub Tropics is a widely followed, well-respected publication that features comprehensive literary fiction, essays, and poetry. Essays, art, prose, and non-fiction are in search of material. It should be around 500 words for posts and 15,000 words for screenplays. 

With verse, short stories, and essays, AGNI publishes a diverse selection of content. In those three areas, they are currently in need of content. This website is only available for submissions at some times of the year, so before writing or sending, search their website.

26. Black Warrior Review

The literary quarterly Black Warrior Review focuses on writing comics, poems, novels, non-fiction, prose, and photography. They are now accepting proposals for prose, poetry, and non-fiction. Prose entries that are no more than 7,000 words are eligible.

27. Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse is committed to writing the finest literary articles. They require the following ingredients: prose, poetry, and non-fiction.

28. Grain Magazine

Grain Magazine is committed to presenting literary work that is insightful and enjoyable. They promote submissions from freelancers on poetry, prose, and literary non-fiction. They expect between 500 and 3,500 words to be both fiction and non-fiction.

29. Gulf Coast Magazine

Gulf Coast Magazine encourages quality literature and publishing. They require content like stories and essays, poetry, interviews, and literary selection reviews. They want submissions of essays of between 300 and 1,200 words.

30. Iron Horse

Iron Horse Review is a high-quality journal that deals with short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Prose manuscripts are supposed to be 5,500 words or fewer.

31. The Creative Pen

This site provides reviews and other services related to book writing, printing, and marketing, managed by the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Joanna Penn.

32. Writers Helping Writers

This one-stop shop for writing assets provides links to advertising, marketing, and consulting facilities for authors on insightful pages. Information on safeguarding your writing from scammers and cyber plagiarists can also be identified.

33. Publetariat

Proletariat offers functional networking information, websites for writers, and the publishing process. In the world of journalism, it also shares references to major news stories.

34. Positive Writer

For writers with questions, including the author of the website, Bryan Hutchinson, a Constructive Writer, was created to have inspiring posts to help authors keep writing.

35.  Blots and Plots

The blog of Blots and Plots instructs authors to keep in the habit of writing, targeting particular topics, and explaining how even with a full-time job, it is possible to write a book.

36. Writer’s Digest

All sorts of advice and resources for writers are offered by this well-known and informative platform. The site’s numerous creative writing prompts are of special interest. New challenges are released on a weekly basis, and in the comments section, writers share their findings.

37. Poets and Writers

It is a non-profit organization that supports innovative authors. You will read about career growth on this platform, interact with other writers in your field, and find weekly poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction writing prompts.

This is one of the best websites for authors to draw inspiration, with Reedsy’s collection of over 250 writing prompts to get you started on your next artistic idea. To help you locate prompts from your writing genre (e.g., romantic, fantasy, mystery), it also includes a search feature. There is an opportunity to upload your own writing prompts, too, if you want to link to the website and support other aspiring writers.

3.9 Live Write Thrive

Operated by C. S. Lakin, an experienced narrator, copyeditor, and writing mentor, Live Write Thrive offers a wealth of knowledge from proficient guest bloggers with the intent to teach, inspire, and promote young and seasoned writers.

40. Write it Sideways

Real-life advice (such as writing grants, author naming, and gift purchasing) as well as writing tips and tricks, such as finding dialogue flaws and learning how to generate suspense in your fiction, are illustrated in the posts for authors that can be found on Write It Sideways.

41. Warrior Writers

The best-selling author Kristen Lamb runs Warrior Authors, who advise authors to utilize extensive and informative articles that have a funny and easy-to-read sound.

42. Write to Done

For authors, this website specifically explains helpful subjects, such as curing impostor syndrome, healing from adverse feedback, and seeking a pen name.

43. Campus Diaries

As its name suggests, campus diary is a great platform for students who are looking to get their content publish.

44. Square Space

If you are progressing through creative writing content, this website will help you make a variance in showcasing your work. If you are in aesthetics, then this website will act as a huge bonus for you.

In case if you lose a brilliant idea, this website is a unique platform that helps you click your ideas and curate them till the time you’re ready to materialize them. It provides a writing interface with a 30-day trial period (paid afterward).

46. Big Bridge

Literature, poetry, photography, and non-fiction webzine founded in 1997, they retain a reputation as one of the most visited literary webzines in English. The Big Bridge is named for its guiding philosophy of constructing “bridges” between creative cultures to develop new ideas together.

47. Toasted Cheese

The Writer’s Digest has called Toasted Cheese one of the 101 Best Authors’ Websites four times. Toasted Cheese is both a literary magazine and a writers’ group, providing sound advice and a series of free contests for fiction. When reviewing submissions, the editors concentrate on consistency, so note to plan the work before submitting it!

48. Carve Magazine

Carve Magazine welcomes short stories, entries of poetry, and non-fiction from anywhere in the world. The authors they print are also compensated by them.

49. Short-Story.Me!

Readers and authors will score each other’s work with over 1000 stories published. Stories tend to be 2000 words or so.

50. Story Day

The month-long competitions for this platform to write a short story every day of the week are its highlight, but the writing prompts, Accountability Groups, Story A Day podcasts, efficiency tools and more are equally valuable.

Points to Remember

Before sending your write-up to the magazine accepting submissions or creative writing submissions, note to read previous articles and fiction on the internet. Ask yourself as well: 

• What sorts of fiction are written by them? 
• What is the intended demographic for them? 
• Does your short story fit their fictional tastes? 
• Take a look at their webpage for details and see who the editors are.

Bidding Words

Remember, if creative writing has worked for Shakespeare, why can it not work for you? Choose a spot or two and start reading other authors’ material. Interact with the groups, and then start writing about the one you think best suits your character and content. Note that on these pages, you don’t have to share your main idea; they will serve as a perfect forum for a side project. You can proceed to learn creative writing too. 

Look at these creative writing websites as a way to express your art and focus on it, to get reviews in real-time, while building an audience. Don’t forget about creative writing-related blog posts , which provide writers with all the tools and guidance they require to perfect their creative writing. It helps in understanding planning and drafting any type of creative writing. Focus on magazine accepting submissions or creative writing submissions and hit the leading world of creative writing.

Recommended Read-  

• Why Henry Harvin Content Writing Course
• Creative Writing Course in Navi Mumbai
• Best Content Writing Course in Bhubaneswar
• Top Content Writing Course in Noida
• Best Creative writing course in Varanasi
• Creative Writing Training in Lucknow
• Scope Of Creative Writing in India
• Top 10 Books on Creative Writing

Happy reading, creators!

Q1. What are the best platforms for submitting creative writing?

Ans. The best platform to submit creative writing are:

• Medium: A well-liked website that allows authors of all genres to publish their writing and connect with a large readership.
• Wattpad: Best platform for writers who want to interact with readers and get feedback.
• Submittable: A platform for managing submissions used by numerous literary magazines and competitions.
• Duotrope: A tool for tracking submissions and locating literary markets.
• Scribophile: A website dedicated to providing writers with feedback and reviews from their peers.
• Reedsy Discovery: An online book review and discovery platform for authors who self-publish.

Q2. What should I consider when choosing a platform for my creative writing?

Ans. Key points to consider while choosing an online platform for creative writing submission are: 

• Target Audience: Identify the platform’s primary audience and ensure it aligns and reaches your target readers.
• Genre Compatibility: Select the platform that supports your genre of writing.
• Engagement Opportunities: Submit your creative in a platform that is user-friendly and interactive such as comments or feedback. You must understand your reader’s interest and demand 
• Visibility: Consider platforms that provide good visibility and promotion for your work.
• Submission Guidelines: Review the submission guidelines to ensure they match your needs and capabilities.

Q3. Do these platforms charge fees for submissions?

Ans: There are various services provided by platforms with both paid and free option for submission, such as:

• Medium: Publication is free; membership is required for more services.
• Wattpad: Although there are premium services available, Wattpad is free to use.
• Submit table: Depending on the publication or competition, certain submissions can require a price.
• Duo trope: Full feature access requires a subscription cost.
• Scribophile: Basic membership is free; premium memberships are also offered.
• Reedy Discovery: Fees associated with sending books for review to Reedy Discovery.

Q4. How can I increase the chances of my work being accepted and read?

Ans: Checklist before submission of your creative writing , will enhance your audience. Here are the key points:

• Quality Work: High quality requires well-written, edited, and polished work.
• Research: Send your work to magazines and websites that complement your creative theme, genre, and style.
• Observe the Rules: Follow the platform’s submission rules.
• Participate: Take active participation in the community groups by sharing, reading, and leaving comments. This interaction will generate an audience that will participate and take an interest in your creative posts. 
• Promotion: To draw readers’ attention and generate traffic to your creative, use blogs, social media, and other platforms to promote your work.

Q5. How do I handle feedback and criticism from readers?

Ans. A feedback plays an essential role in improvement of your writing such as:

• Constructive Criticism: Pay close attention to criticism that can help you write better.
• Remain Positive: Keep your spirits up and see criticism as a chance to improve and grow.
• Engagement: Interact with readers who make comments in a courteous and professional manner.
• Balance: Strike a balance between the criticism and your personal writing objectives and vision.

Q6. Can I monetize my writing on these platforms?

Ans. There are various platforms that allow you to earn money for your creative writing, such as;

• Medium: Based on reader interaction, there is a chance to get paid through the Partner Program.
• Wattpad: Revenue-generating options include publication agreements and the Wattpad Stars Program.
• Submittable: For accepted entries, a few periodicals and contests give cash awards.
• Reedsy Discovery: Authors may increase book sales through reviews and receive advice from readers.

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With 3+ years of experience in technical writing, Kirandeep is a Technophile & Cybernaut who loves to learn and write on various emerging technologies like Data Science, Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Java, SQL, Digital Marketing, and so on. When she is not writing anything, you can find her playing mobile games, cooking, or surfing about technology trends. She is a music lover!

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Department of English

M.f.a. creative writing.

English Department

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