Best Literary Magazines in 2026

Online magazine for Art, Fiction, Short Fiction,

A new literary and art magazine dedicated to showcasing emerging artists and writers.

Submission guidelines →

Print & Online magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

A Public Space seeks work that is brave and unexpected. We are interested in writing that uncovers the extraordinary in the everyday, provides a rare glimpse, exposes an unexpected truth, or puts forth a daring hypothesis.

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

Ninth Letter is a collaborative arts and literary project produced by the Creative Writing Program and School of Art & Design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Edited and designed by faculty and students as part of the core curricula of both programs, the journal's mission is to present original literary writing of exceptional quality, illuminated by cutting-edge graphic design.

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

ZYZZYVA is a critically acclaimed print journal, introducing readers to new work from the best contemporary writers and artists since 1985. Based in San Francisco, we have established a vigorous tradition of finding and fostering new talent, in our backyard and beyond.

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

The Oxford American is a nonprofit, quarterly literary magazine dedicated to featuring the best in Southern writing while documenting the complexity and vitality of the American South. Over its quarter century, the Oxford American has won four National Magazine Awards — including an award for General Excellence in 2016.

Submission guidelines →

Online magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction, Scripts,

Narrative is dedicated to advancing literature in the digital age by supporting the finest writing talent and encouraging reading, as the gateway to understanding, across generations, in schools, and around the globe.

Submission guidelines →

Print & Online magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

Established in September 2003, The Cincinnati Review draws together within its pages the finest creative and critical work from across the country. We provide a venue for writers of any background, at any point in their literary careers, to showcase their best writing.

Submission guidelines →

Print & Online magazine for Art, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction,

F(r)iction is a triannual publication that boasts work from both industry legends and emerging writers. Each issue is carefully curated to evaluate an important cultural topic from vastly different perspectives. We accept short fiction, creative nonfiction, flash fiction, comics, and poetry submissions all year round, and also host contests featuring guest judges and cash prizes twice a year (each spring and fall). Every piece published in F(r)iction is also accompanied by custom artwork, making our journal a visual odyssey from cover to cover!

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Short Fiction,

PROMPTED is a celebration of the power of inspiration, and the places our imagination can take us with the slightest nudge. Each story is inspired by a one-sentence prompt, and written in a single week.

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction,

The Antioch Review, founded in 1941, is one of the oldest, continuously publishing literary magazines in America. We publish fiction, essays, and poetry from both emerging as well as established authors.

Submission guidelines →

Online magazine for Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Scripts, Short Fiction,

The mission of the Awakenings is to MAKE VISIBLE the artistic expression of survivors of sexual violence. Awakenings is home to a multi-media art gallery featuring the artistic expressions of rape and sexual abuse survivors. By showcasing stories of survival, we are helping survivors find peace while simultaneously challenging the cultural taboos that prevent an honest discussion of sexual violence.

Submission guidelines →

Online magazine for Art, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction,

The Racket Journal seeks to showcase all forms of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. We also like art, a lot. Each issue features 5-6 pieces of writing and 3-5 pieces of art. Maybe one of your pieces could be in the next issue. We'd really like that.

Submission guidelines →

Print magazine for Fiction, Poetry, Non-Fiction, Scripts,

EPOCH magazine publishes fiction, poetry, essays, cartoons, screenplays, graphic art, and graphic fiction. The magazine is edited by faculty in the Department of English Program in Creative Writing at Cornell University.

Submission guidelines →

Print & Online magazine for Art, Fiction, Poetry, Short Fiction,

On Spec adheres to a strong mandate that has served us well over the years. We discover and showcase quality works by predominantly Canadian writers and artists, in the genre we call “Fantastic” literature. We foster the growth of emerging writers in this genre, by offering support and direction through constructive criticism, education, mentoring, and manuscript development.

Submission guidelines →