Thursday, December 29, 2016

8 Literary Journals You Must Submit To (Like Absolutely Right Now)


(photo by Pham Anh Huy)

There are so many awesome online journals and magazines to send your stuff to that it is almost daunting to begin. Right now there are probably over 1000 venues to consider. You can always check out Duotrope, but even that’s become ungainly if you are not a premium subscriber, and even then. I’d like to share a list of the 8 Must Submit Journals. They have been building a steady readership and may be on the verge of taking it to the next level.

Don’t get left out. Take a look at the following sites and examine their submission guidelines. Then give it a whirl.

1—New Pop Lit

This is an amazing new online journal, hailing from Detroit that has given a slew of talented writers an opportunity to express their voices. It is the brainchild of Karl “King” Wenclas. Part of their mission is to judo flip the enterprise of contemporary American Literature, make it more engaging. They also offer an interactive Poetry Blog. New Pop Lit wants to connect and build an ongoing dialog.

2—Blunderbuss

With a kickass name, and a dedicated following, Blunderbuss has burst onto the literary scene like a supernova. They cover a wide swath of topics and tones. They call themselves “genre-flexible” which is encouraging for those of us that dabble with our writing styles. Humor is also a plus. I had the great opportunity to catch them at last year’s Poetry Festival at Governor’s Island in New York.

3— Ad Hoc Fiction— A Bath Flash Fiction Award Project

Are You jonesing for writing juicy prompts and an International readership? Clack on! This Uk-based Web Community puts out a weekly E-book that is chockablock with great writers. It is for the fearless of sinewy prose. You respond to their weekly prompt and write a drabble (150-word or less piece that is a fully-formed story). It must be submitted anonymously and then the stories (if chosen) will be voted forward. Any way you slice it, it’s a killer challenge and experience.

4— Right Hand Pointing

Founded by Dale Wisely in 2004 this smart mag has survived the turbulence of the online writing world. What has upended numerous contemporaries has made them stronger. F. John Sharp is the current fiction editor. No nonsense. Pure lit with guts and gills. They’re a fantastic spot for pithy writers (and especially good for new blood). They also have an imprint. Oops, was I supposed to mention that?

5—Daily Science Fiction

Wield your swords, stir your potions. Sink your fangs into this sweet zine. This is one of the best sites for SciFi, Fantasy, and Slipstream Scribes. There’s room for everybody here. Whether you are a zombie wonk, a dragon slayer, an alien aficionado, a pixie fiend or nut for slimy, spindly-backed creatures of other realms, you will feel right at home. Best of all, there is fresh meat every day.

6 – Storychord

Possibly the coolest collaborative site anywhere. Sarah Lynn Knowles founded this creative cornucopia back in 2010. The concept rocks! Each Monday they pair a story with artwork and music. How can you beat that? They’re the badass kids from back in high school (or college) that you always wanted to hang with.

7—Freeze Frame Fiction

This one caters to Flash Fiction, tight stories of 1000 words or less. Any genre is welcome although the hardcore monster/horror fiction is not really their bag. They pay a stipend, definitely a major plus for the starving artist (though you’re not gonna get rich). One of the really cool things about them is that they are rather generous with feedback.

8— Gravel

This is a truly fantastic creative writing outlet. It’s a monthly zine. Gravel is produced by University of Arkansas’s MFA Program. They’ve got a dedicated and supportive staff. In addition to fiction, they also take creative non-fiction, photography, artwork, and videos.

Give these journals a shot. They are well worth the effort, and if you are lucky enough to land a few placements all the better.




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