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.
A literary journal or literary magazine is a publication that is primarily focused on publishing writing of literary merit, 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 new online literary journals have emerged.
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.
Literary writing is very much about the quality of the writing. It is about how the words are crafted together. It is about the sound and the flow. It is about descriptive and emotive qualities in the writing.
Literary journals are always looking for something extraordinary, for example an amazing work by a new writer, or a lesser-known work by an established author.
When targeting literary journals read the submission guidelines for writers very carefully and consider the style of other stories published in recent issues.
Why Write for Literary Magazines?
You might not write for the money. Some literary journals pay very well. Others pay nothing. It depends upon the circulation and how the journal is financed. In addition to subscriptions and advertising sales some literary journals receive financial support from universities or government grants.
Aside from the income you may or may not receive, the two primary benefits of writing for literary magazines are validation and marketing. Having your work published in a literary magazine is an achievement that you can be proud of and is worth including on your writing resume. You are also getting your name out there. Readers are becoming more familiar with you and this is an important part of building your author platform.
Here are several examples of literary journals.
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.
There are 85 publications in the Literary category of our Free Database.
There are 250 publications in the Literary category of Markets Plus: http://goo.gl/2FnxS
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