29 Literary Magazines That Welcome Creative Nonfiction Submissions
Are you an aspiring writer seeking a platform to showcase your creative nonfiction pieces? Look no further. We’ve curated a comprehensive list of literary magazines that not only accept creative nonfiction but also offer a diverse range of genres. From essays and fiction to poetry and art, these magazines provide an avenue for your unique voice. And the best part? Many of them compensate writers for their contributions. Let’s dive in!
1. Reckoning
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Essays, Fiction, Poetry, Art
Theme: Environmental Justice
Pay: $0.10/word for prose, $50 for reviews, $50/page of poetry
Reckoning welcomes thought-provoking creative nonfiction pieces related to environmental justice. Whether you’re passionate about activism or want to explore the dynamics of power and agency, Reckoning’s issue 8 is the platform for your voice. Submission deadline: 22 September 2023. Guidelines.
2. Counterclaim Review
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Art
Focus: Countering Normative Art
Deadline: 31 August 2023
Counterclaim Review is a unique production company that seeks out-of-the-box creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and art that challenges traditional norms. If your work pushes boundaries and defies conventions, this is your opportunity to shine. Details.
3. Shooter Literary Magazine
Theme: The Unknown
Accepts: Stories, Essays, Memoir, Poetry
Pay: £25 for prose (2,000–6,000 words), £5 for poetry
Shooter Literary Magazine invites submissions that explore the theme of “The Unknown.” Dive into unfamiliar territories, whether cultural clashes or otherworldly experiences, and express them through engaging and elegant writing. Submission deadline: 24 September 2023. Guidelines.
4. Clinch Literary Magazine
Genre: Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Poetry
Theme: Martial Arts
Pay: $15
Clinch Literary Magazine is seeking fiction and creative nonfiction that captures the intensity and creativity of the martial arts. Whether it’s an experimental piece or a conventional essay, your work should evoke emotions and style. Submission deadline: 30 September 2023. Details.
5. The Paris Review
Genre: Prose (Opens on 1st September)
Pay: Unspecified
The Paris Review, a prestigious literary journal, is reopening for prose submissions on 1 September. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this renowned platform. Details.
6. Split Lip Magazine
Genre: Memoir, Flash Fiction, Short Stories, Poetry, Art
Pay: $75 for web contributions, $5/page for print, $50 for interviews/reviews
Split Lip Magazine is your destination for voice-driven writing with a pop culture twist. They publish various genres, from memoirs to interviews, offering fair compensation for your contributions. Submission windows open during specific months. Guidelines.
7. Brick
Genre: Literary Nonfiction
Word Limit: 1,000–5,000 words
Pay: $65–720
Brick, a highly regarded Canadian literary journal, seeks literary nonfiction submissions within a specific word range. If your writing stands out for its quality and originality, don’t hesitate to submit during their open months. Details.
8. Gordon Square Review
Genre: Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry
Pay: $25 for prose, $10/poem
Deadline: 1 October 2023
Gordon Square Review is dedicated to showcasing nonfiction, fiction, and poetry that captivates readers. Your submission could earn you compensation while reaching a wider audience. Details.
9. Alternative Milk Magazine
Genre: Essays, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry
Pay: Small Honorarium
Deadline: 1 September 2023
Alternative Milk Magazine is accepting submissions for its second issue. Express your ideas through essays, creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry, and receive a small honorarium for your contribution. Details.
10. The Stinging Fly
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry
Payment: Varies (€40-€150)
Submission: Opens for Spring 2024 issue in November 2023
Prepare your creative nonfiction, fiction, or poetry submissions for The Stinging Fly’s Spring 2024 issue. Your work could be part of their well-respected literary platform. Details.
11. The Masters Review
Genre: Narrative Nonfiction, Fiction, Essays
Pay: $100
Opportunity: New Voices section
The Masters Review offers fee-free submissions for their New Voices section, focusing on narrative nonfiction and fiction. If you’re an emerging writer, don’t miss this opportunity to be featured. Details.
12. Channel
Genre: Fiction, Poetry, Nonfiction
Theme: Nature and Ecology
Pay: €50/poem, €50/page of prose
Channel is dedicated to writings that speak to our bond with the planet. Their submissions are open for various genres, providing compensation for thought-provoking pieces. Guidelines.
13. Mangoprism
Genre: Various (Essays, Reviews, Political Screeds, etc.)
Pay: At least $0.10/word
Mangoprism welcomes a wide array of submissions, from personal essays to political screeds. If your work is as delightful as a juicy mango, this is the place for your unique voice. Details.
14. The Citron Review
Genre: Micros (up to 100 words), Flash Nonfiction (101–1,000 words), Poetry, Flash Fiction
Theme: Open to Creative Nonfiction
Deadline: 6 December 2023
The Citron Review is open to creative nonfiction submissions across various genres. Your concise yet impactful pieces could find a home here. Details.
15. Qwerty
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry
Pay: CAD15
Deadline: 31 August 2023
Qwerty, affiliated with the University of New Brunswick, is seeking creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. Be part of this academic literary journal and earn recognition for your work. Details.
16. Half Mystic
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Prose, Translations
Theme: Presto
Deadline: April 2024
Half Mystic focuses on the theme of Presto, inviting pieces that encapsulate the essence of rapid tempo and sudden magic. Submit your creative nonfiction, poetry, and prose that resonate with this theme. Details.
17. The Cincinnati Review
Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, Hybrid Works
Deadline: Open during specific months
The Cincinnati Review offers a platform for your creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid works. Keep an eye on their submission windows and seize the opportunity to showcase your writing. Details.
18. Aurelia
Genre: Personal Essays
Focus: Marginalized Genders
Pay: £50
Aurelia is dedicated to personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Share your unique perspective as a marginalized gender through personal essays and earn compensation for your contribution. Details.
19. West Trade Review
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Photography, Art
Theme: Personal Essays
Deadline: 15 December 2023
West Trade Review is interested in personal essays, memoirs, and other creative nonfiction pieces that blend style with substance. Your work could be part of a publication that leaves a lasting impact. Details.
20. Months to Years
Genre: Nonfiction (Grief and Loss), Poetry, Art
Deadline: 1 September 2023
If you’re interested in exploring themes of grief and loss through nonfiction, poetry, or art, Months to Years is the platform for you. Express your emotions and experiences in a meaningful way. Details.
21. Consequence Magazine
Genre: Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Translations, Art
Theme: War and Geopolitical Violence
Pay: $20–60 for poetry, $30–60 for prose
Consequence Magazine is dedicated to works that address the human experiences and consequences of war. Your nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or art could make a powerful impact on readers. Details.
22. Smoky Blue Literary and Arts Magazine
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Memoir, Poetry, Short Fiction, Art
Pay: Varies
Deadline: 15 December 2023
Smoky Blue Literary and Arts Magazine is open to various forms of creative expression. Share your thoughts and stories through creative nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and more. Details.
23. Abandon
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Hybrid Works, Craft Essays, Art
Pay: $15
Theme: Abandon Earth
Deadline: 30 September 2023
Abandon seeks work created with abandon, pieces that take risks and challenge norms. If your writing defies expectations and pushes boundaries, consider submitting to their Abandon Earth issue. Details.
24. Hominum
Genre: Prose, Poetry, Screenplays, Art
Mission: Exploring Human Experiences
Deadline: 30 September 2023
Hominum is focused on exploring the human experience through various forms of creative expression. Share your insights, emotions, and observations through prose, poetry, and art. Details.
25. Lunch Ticket
Genre: Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, Fiction, Translations, Visual Art
Pay: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 1 September 2023
Lunch Ticket provides a platform for creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, translations, and visual art. Your work could earn you awards and prizes while reaching a wider audience. Details.
26. After the Art
Genre: Personal Review Essays (Art and Text)
Theme: Enriching Art Experience through Text
Deadline: Quarterly
After the Art invites personal review essays that explore how reading enhances the experience of viewing art. Share your insights and perspectives on the interplay between art and written text. Details.
27. The Victorian Writer
Genre: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry
Theme: Rip
Pay: AUD70 for poetry, AUD100–200 for other writing
Deadline: 4 September 2023
The Victorian Writer is a platform for Australian writers to share their literary creations. Submit your pieces on the Rip theme and be part of this vibrant literary community. Details.
28. Months to Years
Genre: Nonfiction, Poetry, Art (Grief and Loss)
Deadline: 1 September 2023
Months to Years offers a space to explore themes of grief and loss through nonfiction, poetry, and art. Share your emotions and experiences in a meaningful way through your creative expression. Details.
29. Consequence Magazine
Genre: Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Translations, Art
Theme: War and Geopolitical Violence
Pay: $20–60 for poetry, $30–60 for prose
Consequence Magazine provides a platform for works that address the human experiences and consequences of war. Express your thoughts, emotions, and insights through nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or art. Details.
Explore these literary magazines and find the perfect home for your creative nonfiction pieces. Your unique perspective and writing style could resonate with readers and make a lasting impact in the literary world.