Literary Journals
Below is a list of literary journals and magazines, largely published in the United States. While this list is not exhaustive, these journals run the gamut of genres, styles, forms, and aesthetics. Some are published only in print, but most can be read, at least in part, for free online. Literary journals remain the best place to go for any writer looking to get a handle on contemporary literature.
If you’re looking for journals to which you can submit your own writing, this list is a fantastic place to start; but before submitting anywhere, read as much of the journal as you can to get an understanding of how your own work fits in with what they publish. If the journal doesn’t feel like the right place for your work, it’s likely not a good place to submit!
Discovering and understanding new literary outlets is a process for which there is no real shortcut. The journals below are nothing more than some of our favorites, and we’ve opted to leave off any identifying info in the interest of you creating your own relationship with them. Some names you’ll likely recognize, others you may not. In any case, enjoy!
And again, long before you begin submitting anywhere, read, write, and read some more. We’ve included a basic cover letter template at the bottom of this page for when you’re ready to make the leap.
Asian American Literary Review
South Florida Poetry Journal (SoFloPoJo)
Sample Cover Letter:
To the editorial team at [Journal]:
Please find enclosed [#] piece(s)—namely, [“title,” “title,” and “title”]
[If prose, state word count.]
I hope you’ll find something of interest here; I’d be honored to be published in an upcoming issue of [Journal].
Thank you so much for your time and attention, and for all the work you put into the world. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely yours,
[Full Name]
[Simultaneous sub notice] PS: Per your submission guidelines, I’d like to notify you that these poems are under consideration at a few other journals, and of course I will contact you should my work be accepted elsewhere. Thank you!
PPS: Here is a bio:
[Insert personal bio written in the third person, 50–100 words]
Cover letters are best left simple and unobtrusive. This template is one that will work or is adaptable for most journals, but make sure you always pay attention to each journal’s submission guidelines to ensure you’re covering all the relevant information!