25 Best Lit Mags of 2023
Chill Subs Community Favorites
Not about prizes or prestige. Solely based on the writing community's nominations.
Out of our 3000 lit mags, 600 were nominated with over 1500 total nominations. These lit mags were celebrated over and over for their kind editors, diverse publishing habits, inclusive communities and encouraging everyone to have some goddamn fun with all of this.
Taco Bell Quarterly
It's the taco bell f*cking quarterly, what other reason do you need?
Taco Bell Quarterly is a US-based magazine founded in 2019 that is fee-free, pays writers..
About
Is this real? A joke? A literary psy-op? We don’t fully know. We just decided to write about Taco Bell. We are absolutely not affiliated with Taco Bell and make no profits. We can’t even get extra sauce in the drive-thru.
What Writers Love
Publishes great work, paying market, personalized rejections, very cool and handsome and approachable editors, better than the Paris Review!
Genres
Fiction
$100
Nonfiction
$100
Poetry
$100
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They nominate work for BOTN
They are in the Top 1% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They are well-established on social media (20K+ following)
SmokeLong Quarterly
Friendly, quick, generous, paid
SmokeLong Quarterly is a US-based magazine founded in 2003 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 7 days.
About
We are dedicated to bringing the best flash narratives to the web quarterly, whether written by widely published authors or those new to the craft.
What Writers Love
“They showcase emerging and established writers and make an enormous contribution to building a strong, vibrant and connected writing community. Huge opportunities to learn from very generous editors and contributors”
Genres
Fiction
$100 (per piece)
Flash
$100 (per piece)
Poetry
$100 (per piece)
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
They are in the Top 1% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They are well-established on social media (20K+ following)
Listed in Erika Krouse's Top 500 Fiction Magazines
The Hooghly Review
International reach, beautiful layout and art
The Hooghly Review (Issue 2 & Weekly Features) is a IN-based magazine founded in 2022 that is fee-free, responds within 7 days.
About
The Hooghly Review is a digital non-profit and free-access magazine of literature & arts with the aim to shine a light on emerging and underrated writers, storytellers, poets, artists, and other creatives across the globe.
What Writers Love
“Absolutely wonderful, supportive, kind editors. Fast responses. Clear and open communication. Respectful editorial process. Based in India, global reach and perspective.”
Genres
Nonfiction
Fiction
Poetry
Drama
Art
Photography
Comics
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions.
Submit via their form
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
Our records show that they are active on social media
Roi Fainéant Press
They pay their writers and it’s just like this one guy doing it
The Roi Fainéant Press is a US-based magazine founded in 2022 that is fee-free, responds within 30 days.
About
We are a small-but-mighty literary press starting out in the digital sphere (for now). We strive to bolster and empower the next wave of brilliant writers and wordsmiths regardless of background.
What Writers Love
“Mixing genuine literary chops with a sense of fun and swagger, I think the last kings bring something really unique to the table. Plus they promote and champion their writers wonderfully well.”
Genres
Fiction
Flash Fiction
Flash
Nonfiction
Poetry
Interview
Humor
Play
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
Our records show that they are active on social media
Stanchion
They pay their writers and it’s just like this one guy doing it.
Stanchion is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, pays writers.
About
This humble literary zine also stands ready to shine a light onto deft skill, a soft touch, and if lucky, a thunderbolt you won't see coming.
What Writers Love
“The editor Jeff is so supportive of past and present contributors, and even local poets/writers who haven't been published with his magazine. He is a champion of writers, and cares deeply about the work he puts into his magazine and press.”
Genres
Fiction
$15
Flash
$15
Nonfiction
$15
Poetry
$15
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
Our records show that they are active on social media
ONE ART
Transparency, quick response, easy vibe.
ONE ART: a journal of poetry is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, responds within 7 days.
About
ONE ART is a home for good poems. We aim to publish poetry that adds value to the life of our readers. We hope to offer, sustain, and nourish a kind, inviting, and thoughtful community.
What Writers Love
“Stellar poetry. Clean design. The one poem a day model keeps it from being overwhelming; I don't feel daunted by reading the journal. I can check in, read a great poem, and go one without feeling like I'm shortchanging the journal.”
Genres
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN
Our records show that they are active on social media
They are in the Top 10% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
After Dinner Conversation
There’s nothing else like it
After Dinner Conversation is a US-based magazine founded in 2019 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 90 days.
About
A monthly magazine that publishes short fiction stories that ask interesting ethical or philosophical questions.
What Writers Love
“Fast response time. Lovely editors. Very prompt payment. Great communication. Very careful editing. Proofs provided before publication. Good publicity for story. Free digital 1-year subscription for contributors, as well as payment.”
Genres
Fiction
$75 (per piece)
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They are open to some previously published works
Submit via their form
They nominate work for Pushcart
They are in the Top 2% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They are well-established on social media (20K+ following)
Listed in Erika Krouse's Top 500 Fiction Magazines
Cosmic Daffodil
Wonderful editors, diverse authors, and beautiful presentation
Cosmic Daffodil Journal is a US-based magazine founded in 2022 that is fee-free, responds within 21 days.
About
This journal is born out of love for art; poetry, fiction & non-fiction, short stories, paintings, sculptures, everything, and anything creative.
What Writers Love
“Variety of work published, ease to submit, as a one-time contributor (so far, anyway) communication with editors was timely and my work felt appreciated and taken care of.”
Genres
Fiction
Flash
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Duosuma
They nominate work for Pushcart
HAD (Hobart After Dark)
HAD continues to change the game
HAD is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, responds within 1 day.
About
We had an idea for a journal that, like most things Hobart-related, started as something of a joke... until it became a real thing. If submissions are open, we've probably had a couple drinks. We're Hobart After Dark. Best source of parenting content on the internet.
What Writers Love
“The pure insanity and anxiety of HAD's model is next level. 60 seconds to get a piece submitted before the submissions are capped. Exhilaration and frustrating all in one, and you're dying to read the pieces the made the cut.”
Genres
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They have a solid social media presence with 10K+ followers
BULLSHIT LIT MAG
great writing, deeply cool
BULLSHIT LIT MAG is a US-based magazine founded in 2021 that is fee-free, responds within 20 days.
About
Online lit mag, based in Philadelphia. new shit every W/T/F. lovers of bad poems, ugly prose, + lazy lore.
What Writers Love
“EIC is incredibly passionate about every aspect of BULLSHIT, very thoughtful about submissions, hypes up authors and does a lot of social media promo, no fees. I have nothing but good experiences with BULLSHIT!”
Genres
Fiction
Flash
Nonfiction
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
They nominate work for Pushcart
They are in the Top 2% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
Our records show that they are active on social media
Milk Candy Review
Lightning fast response times, interviews with every author
Milk Candy Review is a US-based magazine founded in 2018 that is fee-free, responds within 7 days.
About
We're here for your beautifully weird flash fiction.
What Writers Love
“Fast responses. One of the most supportive and kind editors I’ve ever encountered. Lots of communication and a transparent publication process. Love the interview with the author feature. The quality of the stories there are absolute fire. The website is great.”
Genres
Fiction
Flash
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
They are in the Top 10% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
Our records show that they are active on social media
Flash Frog
Spotlights amazing writing, their selections never disappoint!
Flash Frog is a US-based magazine founded in 2021 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 7 days.
About
An online flash fiction magazine featuring stories under 1,000 words. We like our stories like we like our dart frogs: small, brightly colored, and deadly to the touch.
What Writers Love
“Enthusiastic and thoughtful editor, beautiful presentation of work with bespoke artwork for each piece, great communication, active promotion on social media, publishes weekly which gives each story space to breathe.”
Genres
Fiction
$25 (per piece)
Flash
$25 (per piece)
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via email
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
They are in the Top 2% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
Our records show that they are active on social media
Rattle
Best poems
Rattle is a US-based magazine founded in 1995 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 180 days.
About
A publication of the Rattle Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the practice of poetry, and is not affiliated with any other organization.
What Writers Love
“Tim Green is the embodiment of kindness, generosity and community building. His Rattlecast and Critique of the Week webcasts are invaluable for all poets trying to better their craft and discover new work by established poets.”
Genres
Poetry
$200
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They are in the Top 1% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They have a solid social media presence with 10K+ followers
Voidspace
Such innovative issues and submission calls
The Voidspace is a magazine founded in 2021 that is fee-free.
About
We are looking for work the reader can interact with or influence in some way.
What Writers Love
“Interactive and beautiful, mesmerizing and bizarre, different journeys that make our inspiration fly. Unique and unafraid, stares into the void and laughs with passionate intensity - smart, clever, brilliant writing, intelligent and aware, curated with finesse and elan.”
Genres
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They are open to some previously published works
Submit via email
Our records show that they are active on social media
SWWIM Every Day
Love the energy of this journal
SWWIM Every Day (Supporting Women Writers in Miami Every Day) is a US-based magazine founded in 2017 that charges fees and responds within 90 days.
About
An online daily lit mag. We raise the voices of women.
What Writers Love
“Refreshing, surprising poetry that opens the day and the heart. Careful and attentive editors. Generous readers.”
Genres
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN
Our records show that they are active on social media
Reckon Review
Diversifying grit lit!
Reckon Review is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 84 days.
About
Inspired by dirt roads, switchbacks, wildflowers, porch sitting, cicada songs, and the scent of something good cooking in the kitchen; The Reckon Review is a journal of prose that publishes one incredible story, per week.
What Writers Love
“Strong focus on a local vernacular - southern grit. Beautiful prose.”
Genres
Fiction
Nonfiction
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions.
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
Our records show that they are active on social media
trampset
Fearless and amazing
trampset is a US-based magazine founded in 2017 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 90 days.
About
A literary journal, trampset publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry on a rolling basis. We welcome diverse voices, including writers working outside academia.
What Writers Love
“Consistently great writing. Fast response time and easy-to-work-with editors.”
Genres
Fiction
$25 (per piece)
Flash
$25 (per piece)
Nonfiction
$25 (per piece)
Poetry
$25 (per piece)
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN
They are in the Top 1% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They have a solid social media presence with 10K+ followers
RockPaperPoem
They are consistently great
RockPaperPoem is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, responds within 30 days.
About
We publish poems that rally to great causes, speak to daily lives, reveal personal passions.
What Writers Love
“Excellent contemporary poetry, attractive design, reader and contributor friendly.”
Genres
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart and BOtN
Our records show that they are active on social media
Fractured Lit
Best stories out there
Fractured Literary is a US-based magazine founded in 2020 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 60 days.
About
We want to find Flash with emotional resonance and characters we care about, who come to life through their actions and responses to the world around them. We’re searching for Flash that investigates the mysteries of being human, the sorrow and the joy of connecting to the diverse population around us.
What Writers Love
“Seeks to publish a variety of writers and is constantly finding new ways to introduce new flash and micro styles to the world.”
Genres
Fiction
$50-75
Flash
$50-75
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They are open to some previously published works
Submit via Submittable
They are in the Top 5% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They have a solid social media presence with 10K+ followers
Listed in Erika Krouse's Top 500 Fiction Magazines
fifth wheel press
Inclusive of queer & otherwise marginalized writers. Kickass team of editors
fifth wheel press is a US-based magazine founded in 2019 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 45 days.
About
An independent community-focused publisher of art and writing by queer, trans, and gender non-conforming creatives.
What Writers Love
“They've built an awesome community for LGBT+ creatives, and visiting their Discord daily has helped me feel more part of it.”
Genres
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They are open to some previously published works
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN
Our records show that they are active on social media
They are in the Top 2% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
BRUISER
Very supportive, unpretentious, indie/punk vibes
BRUISER is a US-based magazine founded in 2022 that is fee-free, responds within 21 days.
About
BRUISER publishes new work in all mediums — prose, poetry, image, audio, video, comix, whatever. Submissions always open. Get weird.
What Writers Love
“Very supportive, unpretentious, indie/punk vibes.”
Genres
Fiction
Nonfiction
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via their form
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN
Our records show that they are active on social media
They are in the Top 10% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
Variant Lit
Careful, beautiful editing
Variant Lit is a US-based magazine founded in 2019 that is fee-free, pays writers and responds within 60 days.
About
A small nonprofit press + mag committed to publishing diverse voices at all stages of their career. Our staff is entirely volunteer run and all proceeds go towards creating new books and paying writers.
What Writers Love
“We strive to do right by our authors during selection, the editing process, and promoting the published work.”
Genres
Fiction
$10 (per piece)
Flash
$10 (per piece)
Nonfiction
$10 (per piece)
Poetry
$10 (per piece)
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for BOtN, Best Small Fictions
They are in the Top 5% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They have a solid social media presence with 10K+ followers
Split Lip Magazine
Beautiful presentation of work, transparent editors
Split Lip Magazine is a US-based magazine founded in 2012 that charges fees, pays writers, and responds within 120 days.
About
A literary journal that’s totally bonkers-in-love with voice-driven writing, pop culture, and the kind of honesty that gets you right in the kidneys.
What Writers Love
“Just the best team who made me feel so welcomed when I was accepted. They run a little feature where they ask writers about the inspiration for their pieces, and another little feature where they ask everyone in the issue what they're listening to recently. When I somehow forgot to send a revised version of my poem for literal months, and panic-emailed last-minute about it, their team was super sweet and understanding and made me feel much better about it. Split Lip is just great!”
Genres
Fiction
$75
Nonfiction
$75
Poetry
$75
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
They are in the Top 1% of most popular magazines on Chill Subs
They are well-established on social media with 20K+ followers
Mom Egg Review
Very responsive editors. Great quality work
MER - Mom Egg Review is a US-based magazine founded in 2002 that charges fees and responds within 180 days.
About
A literary journal on motherhood.
What Writers Love
“1) Fantastic writing relating to motherhood (everyone had a mom) 2) Features book reviews and promotes diverse writers 3) Creates spaces for community to connect via readings and online forums 4) Nominates for awards 5) Offers print and online publication 6) Has a solid reputation for integrity and quality.”
Genres
Flash
Poetry
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
Submit via Submittable
They nominate work for Pushcart, BOtN, Best Small Fictions, Best Microfiction
Our records show that they are active on social media
Fiction on the Web
Has been publishing great stories for decades
Fiction on the Web is a GB-based magazine founded in 1996 that is fee-free, responds within 30 days.
About
Fiction on the Web has been online and continuously publishing since July 1996, which makes it the oldest short stories website on the Internet. Thousands of stories have been enjoyed by millions of readers.
What Writers Love
“Every story gets reader comments. Free to submit. One of the web's oldest lit mags, so no fear of it closing down anytime soon.”
Genres
Fiction
Details
They accept simultaneous submissions
They are open to some previously published works
Submit via email
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