A literary journal or literary magazine is a publication that is primarily focused on publishing writing of literary merit, that is, works that are worth rewarding or praising. Literary magazines tend to publish fiction, poetry, essays, literary criticism, visual art, book reviews, author profiles, interviews and letters.
Literary magazines first appeared in the early 19th century. The Edinburgh Review was established in 1802. In the United States two publications Philadelphia Literary Magazine and Monthly Anthology - which later became the North American Review - were established in 1803. Since the late 1990s many online literary journals have emerged.
Literary writing focuses on the quality of the writing - crafting your words together carefully, taking care over the sound and the flow, paying attention to the descriptive and emotive qualities.
The editors of literary journals are always on the lookout for something extraordinary, for example an amazing work by a new writer, or a lesser-known work by an established author.
Literary magazines are also known as "lit mags" and "little magazines", terms which reflect the limited circulation of these journals when compared to mainstream popular magazines.
Why Write for Literary Magazines?
Writing for literary magazines and journals is not always about the money. Some literary journals pay very well, while others pay nothing at all. It may depend upon the circulation and often on how the journal is financed. Some literary journals receive financial support from universities or government grants while others rely solely on subscriptions and advertising sales.
In addition to any income you might receive, the two primary benefits of writing for literary magazines are:
- Validation. To have your work published in a literary magazine is an achievement that you can be proud of and worth including on your writing resume.
- Marketing value. You'll be getting your name out there, attracting new readers and fans, and building your author platform.
Some Examples of Literary Journals
Tip: When targeting literary journals be sure to read the submission guidelines carefully and consider the style of other stories which the editors have published in recent issues.
North American Review, USA
The oldest literary magazine in America, published at the University of Northern Iowa. Interested in high-quality poetry, fiction, and nonfiction on any subject; especially interested in work that addresses contemporary North American concerns and issues, particularly with the environment, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and class.
Tin House, USA
American quarterly literary magazine publishing fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Artlink, Australia
A themed magazine which tries to make art relevant across society. Open to a very wide range of writers throughout Australia and encourages writers to make contact if they are interested in contributing.
Asia Literary Review, Hong Kong
A literary review publishing fiction, non-fiction, reportage, memoir, travel writing, literary essays, humour, documentary and themed photographic essays, photography, art and poetry from and about Asia. Non-paying market.
Poetry Salzburg Review, Austria
Poetry magazine published twice a year by Poetry Salzburg at the University of Salzburg. Publishes poems, interviews, essays and reviews of recent collections of poetry. Non-paying market.
In the free section of our Markets Database there are 85 publications in the Literary category. There are 250 markets under Literary in the Markets Plus section.
[This article has been revised from an article originally written in January 2012]
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