Return to Literary Magazines Database
Where does the information about the magazines included in this database come from?
How frequently is this information updated?
What criteria must a magazine meet to be included in this database?
How do I apply to have my magazine included in this database?
How long will it take before my listing appears?
How do I update my listing?
If I have a listing in the database, how often do I need to update it?
Do you have a mailing list of the magazines included in this database?
Can I repost the information I find here on my website?
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
Where does the information about the magazines included in this database come from?
The information in each listing is provided and updated by the publication listed. While Poets & Writers’ staff does not fact-check all of the information, we do confirm that each magazine adheres to our standards for inclusion.
How frequently is this information updated?
We request that the information be updated at least every six months. Many magazines update more frequently than that. Each listing includes the date that the information was last updated. Before submitting your writing for publication, it is always advisable to check with the publisher directly for the most current submission guidelines and reading periods.
What criteria must a magazine meet to be included in this database?
Poets & Writers includes magazines and journals that meet generally accepted standards for professionalism in literary publishing and that are relevant to writers of poetry and literary prose, the group we primarily serve. All magazines are accepted at our editorial discretion, and our approval is based on the following criteria:
Magazines must primarily publish poetry and/or literary prose (fiction and creative nonfiction). (We do consider magazines that publish genre fiction, translation, and YA, but not those that publish primarily journalism, scholarly articles, and/or children’s literature.)
Magazines must have an open submission process (submissions may be open to only specific audiences, e.g. women, but not only open to members of a group, e.g. a writing or reading group, a closed collective, a college).
We do consider magazines that do not regularly accept unsolicited submissions (and accept queries or pitches).
Magazines must exhibit careful editing (those that publish everything they receive do not qualify), and be free of excessive typographical and production errors.
Magazines must prove an established track record by having published at least two issues or a comparable level of content, and be actively publishing. (An archive of past issues should include, at minimum, a list of contributors or tables of contents.)
Magazines must have an editorial process in place, and if they have a website, list their submission guidelines, editorial staff, and contact information online.
Magazines must not publish their own editors exclusively or excessively.
Magazines must not require writers to purchase a subscription in order to submit and/or publish their work.
Print magazines must have a circulation greater than 100.
Online magazines that use blog software to publish must distinguish themselves from personal blogs by meeting all criteria outlined here.
Magazines that have no online presence must send materials to us via postal mail or e-mail that include copies of their two most recent publications and submission guidelines. Please include an SASE if you would like your materials returned.
How do I apply to have my magazine included in this database?
1. Register or log in to an account.
2. Visit the Literary Magazines Database and click Add Literary Magazine Listing.
3. Review the criteria for listing to be sure your journal qualifies, then fill out the form and follow the prompts to complete your application. Be sure to save your changes and then click the “Submit Your Listing” red button at the top of the page to submit it for review. Please only submit one listing per magazine.
4. If your magazine has no online presence, mail copies of your two most recent publications and your submission guidelines for our review to Poets & Writers, Inc., Attn: Literary Magazines Database, 90 Broad Street, Suite 2100, New York, NY 10004. Please include an SASE if you would like your material returned. You may also send PDFs of the cover, masthead, table of contents, and submission guidelines for at least two recent issues via e-mail.
How long will it take before my listing appears?
Applications are thoroughly evaluated by staff, a process that can take up to one month, depending on the number of applications we receive. You will be notified via e-mail once we have made a decision. Please only submit one listing per magazine. Your patience is appreciated.
How do I update my listing?
1. Log in to the account associated with your magazine listing.
2. Under “My Database Listings,” click the Update link for your literary magazine listing.
3. Review the list of options to edit your listing and save your changes.
If, after logging in, the Update link for your literary magazine does not appear under “My Database Listings,” please e-mail the Database Administrator. Be sure to include your username along with the name of your literary magazine in all correspondence.
If I have a listing in the database, how often do I need to update it?
We require the information to be updated at least every six months. To make updates, log in and scroll down the “My P&W” page to find the “Update” link to your listing. Make any updates needed and remember to save your changes. Take particular care to update your reading period(s) as this information feeds into our Open Reading Periods page. If you’ve forgotten your login information, please contact us at literary_magazines@pw.org for assistance.
If your listing is not reviewed within six months, an e-mail reminder will be sent. Once you log in, you’ll see a “Confirm the information is current” red button at the top of the page. If the information is current, you can simply click that button to confirm. If you need to update your listing, click the “Edit” tab, make your changes, and be sure to click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom of the page. Please note that your listing risks removal from the database if it is not edited or confirmed within three weeks of the first e-mail reminder. If there is another contact taking over the listing, please send us a message at literary_magazines@pw.org to let us know.
Do you have a mailing list of the magazines included in this database?
No. Poets & Writers provides this online service for writers. The information included in this database is not intended for any commercial or promotional use.
Can I repost the information I find here on my website?
By providing this online service, Poets & Writers, Inc., does not give anyone permission to reproduce or republish literary magazine listings, in whole or in part. Contents may not be copied, mirrored, or reproduced for any commercial or promotional use. Literary magazine listings may not be held in any paper or electronic form, written, stored, or copied, without the express consent of Poets & Writers, Inc. This and all associated pages are copyright © 2007 Poets & Writers, Inc.
What if I have questions that are not answered here?
Please e-mail the Database Administrator, and we’ll be glad to help.