I previously wrote about literary magazines and their submission process. However, in many general literary magazines that accept submissions from all age ranges, it is difficult for young writers to gain a foothold in the competitive industry. Therefore, here is a (very incomplete) list of literary magazines that accept submissions exclusively from young writers:
Juven Press: This is the literary magazine of The Young Writers Initiative. While it accepts both genre (mainstream) and literary fiction, it is most likely to publish prose works written in a straightforward style. Juven is not currently accepting submissions but will likely open submissions to Issue V soon. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but previously published pieces are not.
Paper Crane Journal: This literary magazine only accepts works from writers under twenty-years-old. If you meet their rotating theme, you can be published in their print editions, but their online gallery is open to all types of works. They are also currently running a poetry competition. Simultaneous submissions and previously published works are permitted.
SeaGlass Literary: SeaGlass accepts submissions from writers between thirteen and thirty years of age. You can submit multiple pieces at a time (with restrictions based on genre) ranging from fiction to poetry to art. It is currently accepting submissions for its themed issue relating to equinox, with a focus on balance and harmony. You can request feedback for submissions.
Ice Lolly Review: They accept all types of works ranging in style and length from writers between twelve and twenty-six years of age. They also accept works in languages other than English. Although their issues are unthemed, many of their works relate to love and connection. It is currently closed to submissions. Ice Lolly also accepts blog post submissions. They provide feedback and allow previously published works and simultaneous submissions.
The Borderline LitMag: Borderline accepts prose, poetry, photography, and artwork, but most of its published pieces are either poetry or poetic/literary works. It accepts submissions from students aged thirteen to twenty-six. Previously published pieces and simultaneous submissions are welcome. It is currently accepting submissions to its unthemed Issue V.
The Global Youth Review: They publish pieces of all formats as long as they relate to the theme of global. This includes pieces about culture, love, and social justice. They accept previously published works and simultaneous submissions. It is currently closed to submissions, but should open submissions to Issue V soon.
Polyphony Lit: It accepts submissions from high school writers in all short-form writing types. Additionally, accepted writers are eligible for the Claudia Ann Seaman Young Writers Award. All submissions receive feedback, and previously published pieces and simultaneous submissions are welcome. Submissions for Volume 19 are open until September 30th.
Outlander Zine: While submissions to Outlander Zine are not open to the public, you can apply to become a staff writer. This would include writing and publishing two pieces on Outlander’s online gallery each month. Because you will be working closer with their editors, you will be able to work on honing your writing skills. While they accept short prose and personal essays, most published pieces are poems.
This is, by no means, an exhaustive list. All of these literary magazines are run by and for young writers and may be more likely to reflect and welcome your writing style than general literary magazines. Please read and follow the detailed submission requirements on the website of any literary magazine you are interested in submitting to.
I have been published in Juven and the Paper Crane Journal. Have you ever submitted to a literary magazine? Let me know in the comments!
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