If you are just starting to submit your work to literary journals, or perhaps you just want to avoid rejection, this list is for you.
All of the literary journals in this list accept at around half of what is submitted to them. So the odds of your work being accepted just went up.
These are not the most prestigious journals, publication in them will in all likelihood not change your writing life in any way, but they are not a bad place to start if you are new to submitting or writing.
Make sure you read the guidelines before submitting to know if your work fits. Just because they are approachable doesn’t mean that they will accept angry poetry when they only publish nature poetry.
Not all literary journals in this list are currently open to submissions, but most are. It is also important to note that this information is subject to change, although often once a literary journal gets the reputation of being “approachable” it stays that way. The list is in no particular order.
All of the information used to ascertain if the market is approachable or not was found through research done at the websites Duotrope and The Submission Grinder.
They only publish poetry about nature and ecology. They publish a little under half of the work they receive. You can submit here.
Story Shack
An online journal devoted to publishing illustrated flash fiction. They publish over 60% of what is submitted. You can learn more here.
Fifty Word Stories
As their name suggests they publish only fifty word stories. They read submissions every month between the 1st and the 15th. They publish over 50% of what is submitted to them. Learn more here.
The Fable Online
This Dubai based online publisher focuses on mostly genre works of fiction, flash fiction, micro fiction, and poetry. They accept around half of the work they receive. Learn more here.
Danse Macabre is published monthly. They are interested in poetry, short stories, essays, and works of creative non-fiction. They are also open to most genres. They accept about 70% of what is submitted to them.
Down in The Dirt
Down in the Dirt is published as a perfect-bound 6″x9″ paperback book. They publish fiction and poetry. They have an acceptance rate of 70%. Learn more about submitting here.
Eskimo Pie
If you are a poet who really hates rejection, submit to this online literary journal. They accept almost 100% of what is submitted. They only publish poetry. Submit here.
Page & Spine is an online literary journal that focuses on publishing the work of emerging authors. They accept poems, limericks, micro flash fiction (under 150 words), flash fiction (up to 1,000 words), short stories, articles, essays, and poems. They accept aproximetly half of the work they receive. Learn more here.
The Horror Zine
An online journal of horror short fiction and dark poetry. They accept 50% of what is submitted to them. Learn more here.
Mused
An online journal of upbeat and warm fiction, poetry, art, and essays. They accept over half of their submissions. Learn more here.
The Stray Branch
The Stray Branch, a print publication of poetry, fiction, art and photography. Producing two print issues per year The Stray Branch looks to publish well crafted material. Learn more here.
