Alaska Quarterly Review, hailed by many as one of the nation’s top literary journals, has made an indelible impression on our culture by publishing fresh, cutting-edge literary art. It all started 30 years ago when editor Ronald Spatz, wanting to revitalize the literary culture of Alaska, launched the magazine, housing Alaskan voices with both new and well-known writers of the lower 48.

As AQR has grown, their unique contribution has been appreciated with Pushcart Prizes, O. Henry Awards, reprints in the Best American series, a Governor’s award, and praise from the U.S. Congress. AQR publishes fiction, short plays, poetry, photo essays, and literary nonfiction in all styles, from literary to experimental. They simply seek to serve writers and readers by publishing outstanding, impactful literature.

AQR is published twice a year in print, and each issue contains work from about 50 authors, both new and award winning. They accept unsolicited submissions from August 15 to May 15. Submitting writers can expect a response within about 6 to 16 weeks.

Fiction and nonfiction writers may submit short stories, novel excerpts, or literary nonfiction, generally not exceeding 50 pages. Poets may submit up to 20 pages of poetry, but no light verse. Playwrights may submit short plays, generally not exceeding 50 pages. Photographers may query by email or post before submitting photo essays.

AQR accepts submissions by post, but not online or via email. A cover letter and SASE should accompany all submissions. AQR accepts simultaneous submissions and asks that they be labeled as such in the cover letter. They do not accept previously published work.

If you’d like to learn more or submit to Alaska Quarterly Review, please visit their website at https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/aqr/guidelines.cfm.