In addition to our monthly deadlines posts, we like to include quarterly forecasts of lit mags with themed issues along with a list of magazines that have recently re-opened for submissions. September marks a very active time for literary magazines, so get your submissions ready!
THEMED SUBMISSIONS
subTerrain – subTerrain’s Winter theme is “I Live in an Apartment.” Send in your stories inspired by the cramped apartment you live in, or the penthouse suite you wish you lived in. The only requirement is that all entries must be accompanied by a photo or drawing of your apartment—whether it’s the one you live in or otherwise. Pieces selected will be paid $50 per page, or $50 per poem. Deadline: Sept. 15
Glimmer Train – Glimmer Train’s monthly themes are well-known, and September’s is Family Matters. But this lit mag is also open to general submissions, which are free to enter and which only occurs twice a year. Submit your stories to both categories by Sept. 30. More information here. Deadline: Sept. 30
NANO Fiction – “The best, brightest, and queerest fictions.” That’s what NANO Fiction is looking for to fill their Queer Issue, which will be released in Spring of 2016. As always, submissions must be 300 words or fewer. Those pieces deemed the queerest by NANO Fiction’s staff will earn publication, two contributor copies and $20. Check it. Deadline: Oct. 1
Bitch Magazine – Nonfiction writers, this one is for you. Bitch Media is looking for articles to be featured in their Money issue. “This issue is all about the Benjamins: We want to hear your take on the places where feminism, pop culture, and money meet.” Submission details can be found here. Deadline: Oct. 1
Indiana Review – Beginning September first, the Indiana Review is opening submissions for their Fiction Prize, judged by Laura van den Berg as well as general submissions for their “Ghost” issue. Both submission windows close on October 31. More details here.
Riptide – Seize the day and submit to Riptide’s 11th volume, under the theme of “Carpe Diem.” All stories submitted must reflect on this theme in some way and must remain under 5,000 words. This deadline isn’t until November 30, so you have some time to ignore Horace and push it off until tomorrow. Deadline: Nov. 30
Five Points – Submit up to two flash fiction submissions of 250 words for consideration in the fall 2016 issue edited by Josh Russell. Details here. Deadline: Dec 1
UPDATED: TIN HOUSE – Our favorite local magazine is now reading for Fall 2016 with their Sex, Again? Issue. From the site: “Sex, Again? Please, none of the usual fare. We’re tired of it as well. Sworn it off? Fine by us. Keep our relationship fresh after all these many years of reading awkward sex scenes. Surprise us, discomfort us, and make us remember that we’re not pandas.” Details here. Deadline: Dec 31
NOW OPEN
Many literary magazines close to submissions for the summer, but a great number re-open to unsolicited stories in the fall. Check out our list:
ZYZZYVA – Aug 1 – Nov 30
Alaska Quarterly Review – Aug 15 – May 15
Georgia Review – Aug 15
The Southern Review – Sept 1 – Dec 1
Gulf Coast – Sept 1 – Mar 1
The Normal School – Sept 1 – Dec 1
Crazyhorse – Opens Sept 1
Five Points – Open Sept 1
The Common – Sept 1 – Dec 1
The Kenyon Review – Sept 15 – Dec 15
A Public Space – Sept 15 – Apr 15
Granta – Oct 1 – Apr 1
Passages North – “Fall”
by Cole Meyer and Kim Winternheimer