antae was first established in 2013 as an academic journal, and was relaunched in 2024 as a journal of creative writing. Since then they’ve published three issues with writing from 22 to 29 contributors. The issues are thoughtfully designed and available to read for free as downloadable PDFs.

antae holds three submission periods each year: June 1 through August 31, October 1 through December 31, and February 1 through April 31. They also sometimes hold additional submission periods for special issues, contests, and events.

Poets may submit up to four poems in any style. Although there’s no length limit, if any poem exceeds three pages, only one poem may be submitted. Authors of prose—fiction or creative nonfiction—may submit 1,000 to 3,000 words in any genre or style. They also accept excerpts from longer works in both poetry and prose.

antae also accepts scripts, creative criticism, reviews, and other works that don’t fit into the categories they’ve outlined.

Authors of scripts may submit 1,500 to 4,500 words in any genre or style. Authors of creative criticism may submit works of any length, using past issues of antae as a guideline. Authors may also contact antae to pitch reviews of creative works—such as novels, essay collections, poetry anthologies, and plays—or to ask about submitting writing that does not fit into their usual categories—such as interviews, videos, and artwork.

In addition to writing in English, antae also accepts English translations from Maltese. All submissions undergo a three-stage review process, and writing is considered without the author’s name attached. 

antae accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. antae does not accept simultaneous submissions or previously published writing. Authors may submit once per submission period. Submissions to one issue may be considered for later issues as well. Authors will be notified when this is the case.

antae only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to antae, please visit their website here. 

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

149 Review launched in 2025, and since then they’ve published two online issues, with writing from twelve and thirteen contributors. Both the journal and the website as a whole  are thoughtfully designed. The journal is published twice a year, in the summer and winter. They also offer craft essays and other craft resources, as well as a podcast about submissions.

149 Review is open to poetry submissions twice a year: from February 1 through April 30 for their summer issue, and August 1 through October 31 for their winter issue. Poets may send one submission per reading period. They are open to fiction and nonfiction submissions year-round, and authors in these categories should submit no more than once every three months.

Poets may submit three to five poems. Authors of fiction and creative nonfiction may send one short story or essay, 5,000 words or fewer (keeping in mind that they prefer stories and essays under 3,000 words).

Every issue, 149 Review awards a non-monetary prize to one poem, one story, and one creative essay with exceptional craft: “It takes an incredible amount of time to develop a command over one’s craft toolkit, and as writers ourselves, we want to put that effort on display.” All submissions are considered for these prizes. 149 Review also plans to nominate writing published in the journal for all the major anthologies.

149 Review accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept writing generated or assisted by AI.

149 Review only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to 149 Review, please visit their website here. 

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

Shadowplay was established in 2023, and since then they’ve published three yearly issues. The most recent issue contains writing by 36 contributors, with six pieces available to read for free online. The print edition is distributed in bookstores, libraries, academic institutions, and through online retailers.

Shadowplay is open to submissions from October 15 through March 15. Poets may submit up to five pages, with each poem beginning on a separate page. Authors of fiction and nonfiction may submit up to 2,500 words. Authors may send one submission per genre per reading period. Submitting authors can expect a response within six months.

Authors published in Shadowplay receive one contributor copy of the print journal, and Shadowplay nominates authors published in the journal for the Pushcart Prize.

Shadowplay accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.

Shadowplay only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Shadowplay, please visit their website here. 

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

So far, the Carrier Bag has published one issue, themed “A New Leaf,” featuring eight poems and five stories. The digital journal is thoughtfully designed and free to read.

Now through February 13, The Carrier Bag is accepting submissions for their second issue, themed “A Look Into the Future”. For this issue, they are especially interested in speculative and science fiction (though in general they are open to all genres), and they are looking for writing that focuses on small future moments, rather than the future as a whole.

Authors of fiction may submit up to 3,000 words, and poets may submit up to three pages. Submitting authors can expect a response by March 14.  The Carrier Bag pays authors published in the journal $10.

The Carrier Bag accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They do not accept simultaneous submissions, and they only accept one submission per author per category. They do not accept previously published work.

The Carrier Bag only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting. They do not accept writing generated or assisted by AI.

If you would like to learn more or submit to The Carrier Bag, please visit their website here. 

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

Root Smoke will begin publishing in February of this year, and right now they are seeking submissions for their first publications. They plan to publish three times a week, featuring poetry every Tuesday, fiction every Thursday, and an essay, interview, or artwork every Sunday. Then on the last Wednesday, they will share a compilation of everything published that month.

In general, Root Smoke is looking for memorable writing with emotional resonance and “clarity balanced with mystery”. Poets may submit up to five poems. Authors of fiction may submit up to three flashes or short stories, totaling 8,000 words or fewer. Authors of creative nonfiction may submit up to two pieces, totaling 6,000 words or fewer. Root Smoke also accepts book reviews, interviews, and hybrid writing.

Root Smoke accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept writing generated or assisted by AI.

Root Smoke only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Root Smoke, please visit their website.

Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.

The quarterly lit mag features selections from five zines and is available to read for free online. The full-length zines are also available for purchase; they are created by paid artists and folded by hand.

The zine vending machine is a pop-up installation that can be found at museums, bookstores, art galleries, festivals, and more, mostly in the Southern United States. You can find out where it will be here.

Zine Machine is open for submissions four times a year: from January 1-31 for the Spring edition, April 1-30 for the Summer edition, July 1-31 for the Fall edition, and October 1-31 for the Winter edition.

Authors may submit up to two mini zines. The whole zine must fit on one side of an 8.5” x 11” paper, which will be folded into a zine no larger than 4.25” x 2.75”.  They offer a mini zine design guide to help with this. Zines may include writing and/or artwork of any kind.

All zines accepted for publication will be published online, and will be available in the zine vending machine. Authors published by Zine Machine will receive $20.

Zine Machine accept submissions online using Submittable, not via email or by post. They only accept original writing and artwork. Zines that include collage or found elements must meet fair use guidelines.

Zine Machine only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Zine Machine, please visit their website here.  

Baubles from Bones launched its first issue in the summer of 2024, and since then they’ve published seven quarterly issues. Each issue is available to read for free online, or to purchase in print or as a digital edition. The issues are thoughtfully designed, and most feature writing from twelve contributors.

Right now, Baubles from Bones is accepting submissions through January 29. Authors of fiction may submit sci-fi and fantasy, 1,000 to 8,000 words. They accept stories on most themes, but they are especially interested in, “compelling adventures, folk-retellings, stories of hope in the dark, emotional healing, love of all sorts, environmentalism, and the humanity (or lack of it) among the fantastical and speculative.” Authors may submit one story at a time.

Poets may submit poems of 40 lines or fewer. They accept all forms and styles of poetry, but it must explore, “the fantastical, supernatural, or speculative.” They also accept short prose, 600 words or fewer. Authors may submit up to three poems and/or short prose pieces at once.

Baubles from Bones pays authors published in the journal. Authors of fiction receive $.01/word. Authors of poetry and short prose receive $10/piece. With this payment, they purchase first serial rights (electronic, print, and audio) for one year, after which authors may publish their pieces elsewhere.

Submitting authors can expect a response by March 18.

Baubles from Bones accepts submissions using an online form, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept writing generated or assisted by AI.

Baubles from Bones only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Baubles from Bones, please visit their website here.

Gramarye has been published twice a year since 2012, and is available in print and as a paid eBook. Each edition contains writing from around fifteen contributors.

Right now Gramarye is open to submissions through March 21, 2026. In addition to fairy tales and fantasy writing, they are also seeking Gothic literature, magical realism, science fiction, and speculative fiction.

Poets may submit up to four poems, totaling four pages/240 lines or fewer. Authors of short stories may submit one story or several, totaling 3,000 words or fewer. Gramarye also accepts long poems and flashes, as well as both traditional forms and experimental writing.

Gramarye is also seeking articles (up to 8,000 words) and book reviews (up to 1,000 words) on the same genres listed above.

Gramarye accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They do not accept simultaneous submissions or previously published writing.

Gramarye only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted here.  Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Gramarye, please visit their website here. 

Lamplit was established earlier this year, and so far they’ve published two out of four quarterly issues. Their first and second issue featured 19 contributors in each issue. Both issues are thoughtfully designed and available as free digital downloads.

Right now Lamp Lit is seeking submissions for their winter issue.

Poets may submit three to five poems of any length, though very long poems will need to be exceptional to be published. Authors of fiction may submit up to three stories, 6,000 words or fewer each. Lamp Lit also accepts flash fiction, and authors of flash may submit up to three stories, 1,000 words or fewer each. Authors of creative nonfiction may submit one personal essay, 6,000 words or fewer.

They also welcome other writing that stands on its own but doesn’t fit a genre category, as long as it’s 6,000 words or fewer.

Authors submitting to Lamp Lit can expect a response within three months. Lamp Lit nominates authors published in the journal for The Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net.

Lamp Lit accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept writing previously published in another literary journal; however, they do accept writing published on personal websites or social media.

Lamp Lit does not accept submissions generated by AI. They only accept submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online, so please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Lamp Lit, please visit their website here. 

Wild Greens has been published monthly since 2020, and each issue contains work from around ten to fifteen contributors—both authors and visual artists alike. Some issues also contain forms that combine image and text, such as collage and erasure. 

Each issue of Wild Greens is themed, and past themes have included “protection,” “time,” and “mending.” Now through December 15, Wild Greens is seeking submissions on the theme “The Great Unknown”.

Poets may submit up to five poems of any kind. Authors of fiction may submit one piece, 1,000 words or fewer, in any genre. Wild Greens also accepts longer fiction to be serialized across multiple issues. Authors of creative nonfiction may submit one personal essay, 2,000 words or fewer.

Wild Greens accepts a wide variety of other work too, including cultural commentary—such as responses to current events or reviews of television shows, 2,000 words or fewer—and visual art—such as photographs, paintings, sketches, digital images, and photos of handmade items. They also accept musical recordings.

All submissions should respond to the monthly theme.

Submitting authors can expect a response within one week of the deadline. Authors published in Wild Greens will receive a small honorarium.

Wild Greens accepts submissions using an online form, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but they do not accept previously published work.

Wild Greens only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Wild Greens, please visit their website here. 

Shift was established in 2018, and since then they’ve published seven annual issues. Each edition is available online as a free digital journal, and in print. Most issues contain writing from around 40 contributors.

Now through January 15, 2026, Shift is seeking submissions for their eighth issue. Authors of fiction and nonfiction may submit pieces up to 4,000 words. Poets may submit poems up to 75 lines. Authors may submit up to five pieces across all categories (poetry, fiction, and nonfiction), and each piece must be sent as a separate submission. This includes poems, which should be submitted one at a time. Submitting authors will receive a response by May 31, 2026.

All authors published in Shift receive a print copy of the journal. Shift also nominates authors published in the journal for prizes and anthologies like Best of the Net, The Pushcart Prize, and others.

Authors of especially strong submissions might be invited to join Ringling’s Visiting Writers Forum, “a conversation series with authors and other literary professionals.” You can learn more about the Visiting Writers Forum here.

Shift accepts submissions using an online form, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.

Shift does not accept writing generated by AI. They only accept submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online, so please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Shift, please visit that website here. 

Months to Years was founded in 2017, by two writers who had each experienced the loss of a spouse. So far, Months to Years has published 27 issues, each with writing from around fifteen to twenty contributors. You can read the journal for free online, on their webpage or as a thoughtfully designed digital flipbook. They also offer the journal in print.

Months to Years is published four times annually—in the spring, summer, fall, and winter—and they hold four corresponding submission periods each year. This year, they’re accepting submissions from October 15 through December 1 for their Spring 2026 issue, from January 15 through March 1 for their Summer 2026 issue, from April 15 through June 1 for their Fall 2026 issue, and from July 15 through September 1 for their Winter 2027 issue. They also sometimes put out additional calls for themed publications.

Authors of nonfiction—essays, memoires, and other creative forms—may submit one piece, up to 2,500 words. Poets may submit one poem. Authors should send only one submission per submission period.

Months to Years does not accept fiction. And while they do accept writing about the death of pets and animals, they are primarily interested in writing about the death of humans.

Months to Years accepts submissions online using Submittable, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, including writing published on personal websites and social media. And they do not accept writing created by AI.

Months to Years only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Months to Years, please visit their website here. 

This tactile quality is a central part of Barbara’s mission: “We seek to challenge the increasing digitalisation of life and of writing. There is something more tangible, more delicious, about poetry that can be touched”. Barbara is created on a typewriter, photocopied, and distributed in person on the streets and in coffee shops: “You will find our publication out in the wild… These are wild words”.

Barbara also sometimes publishes very short prose—fiction and nonfiction—under 100 words.

So far, Barbara has published one issue, which explores the relationship between humans and nature and contains six pieces of writing. Although Barbara is only available to read in print, you can read other poems by the published authors by following the links provided here.

Right now, Barbara is seeking submissions for their second issue. Poets may submit up to four poems, 14 lines or fewer each. Barbara accepts all forms and styles of poetry: “from haiku to experimental freeform”. Again, they also sometimes accept prose—fiction and nonfiction. Authors of prose may submit up to four pieces, 100 words or fewer each.

Barbara accepts submissions from all authors, and they are especially interested in publishing writing by “those who consider themselves outsiders—whether in poetry or the wider world”.

Authors published in Barbara will receive a free digital copy of the broadside. Published authors are welcome to print the broadside and distribute it freely.

Barbara also plans to publish an anthology called Spine, which will include writing published in the broadside. All authors who are published in Barbara will be considered for Spine, unless they request otherwise. Authors published in Spine will receive a free digital copy.

Barbara accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, as well as writing previously published on blogs or social media.

Barbara does not accept writing created by AI. They only accept submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online, so please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Barbara, please visit their website here. 

They showcase authors of all experience levels—new, emerging, and established—and they publish writing from around the world. But all of the writing they feature—poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and hybrid—focuses on brevity.

DASH was founded in 2008, and they publish one print issue each year. Right now they’re returning from a one-year hiatus.

DASH is open for submissions through March 1, 2026. Submitting authors will receive a response in late May, and the journal will be published in late spring.

Author of fiction or creative nonfiction may submit one piece, 2,000 words or fewer. Poets may submit up to five poems, 30 lines or fewer each. DASH also accepts hybrid writing (no length limit is given, but keep in mind that the journal focuses on brief writing), and literary criticism, 2,000 words or fewer.

Authors published in DASH will receive a free print copy of the journal.

DASH accepts submissions online using Duosuma, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions, but they do not accept previously published work. They do not accept writing assisted by AI.

DASH only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to DASH, please visit their website here. 

Kismet launched earlier this year, and since then, they’ve published three online issues, each with writing from around 15 contributors. Starting in 2026, Kismet plans to publish three print editions each year. Kismet is run by Nearness, an organization that fosters connection through small groups that explore life’s big questions.

Kismet accepts submissions on a rolling basis. Authors of prose (fiction or nonfiction) may submit one piece. For essays, Kismet prefers pieces that go beyond the personal and stay relevant beyond the current news cycle. Poets may submit up to five poems. Kismet publishes poetry portfolios rather than individual poems. Kismet also accepts translations.

Authors published in Kismet are paid for their writing, though the specific amount for payment isn’t noted in the journal’s submission guidelines.

Kismet also plans to publish one book review per week, and they’re now accepting pitches. Books should align with the journal’s mission and should be forthcoming with a two to three month lead time. Reviews should be 1,500-2,000 words, and authors of published reviews will receive $250.

Kismet accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. Although they aim to respond to all submissions, submitting authors who don’t receive a response should consider their submission declined.

Kismet only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to Kismet, please visit their website here.