An independent, multi-genre literary journal that publishes narratives by new, emerging, and established writers in the genres of fiction, flash fiction, nonfiction, poetry, scripts for stage & screen, film, experimental narratives.

Exposition Review is also dedicated to creating opportunities for writers and artists to share their voices through our annual issue, Flash 405 contests, and #ExpoPresents events, which include staged readings, panels, and our signature micro-workshops in locations throughout Southern California (and beyond). 

We develop new projects and events to benefit the Los Angeles literary community and also publish the podcast Transposition and the Expo Blog.

Not just words. These magazines publish paintings, comics, illustrations, and other visual art alongside or instead of traditional text-based work.

Magazines That Publish Comics, Art, or Other Visual Works

Community poll results. In an internet drowning in AI and advertising, your real recommendations are everything.

Where The Cool Kids Are Submitting Their Writing: Part 2

Digital publications chosen for Best of the Net. These journals demonstrate consistent excellence in identifying digital fiction that deserves wider recognition and readership.

Fiction Magazines Featured in Best of the Net Anthologies

Online publications putting forward exceptional short stories for Best of the Net.

Fiction Magazines That Nominate for Best of the Net

A targeted resource for short story placements with potential for Pushcart recognition.

Fiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Specialized publications that recognize exceptional brief fiction through Pushcart nominations.

Digital publications advancing very short fiction for Best of the Net consideration.

Flash Fiction Magazines That Nominate for Best of the Net

Publications with ultra-short stories under 400 words selected for this anthology series. The definitive collection for the microfiction form.

Lit Mags Featured in Best Microfiction Anthologies

Digital publications with work selected for inclusion across genres. These journals consistently publish online work of exceptional quality that stands out in the digital literary landscape.

Lit Mags Featured in Best of the Net Anthologies

Publications with narratives under 1,000 words selected for this anthology series. These journals consistently identify short-short fiction, exemplifying the artistry possible in compact narratives.

Lit Mags Featured in Best Small Fictions Anthologies

Journals that forward outstanding nonfiction to this respected anthology series founded in 1986. These publications identify exceptional essays that might reach the broader readership BAE provides.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for Best American Essays

Best Microfiction, edited by Meg Pokrass and Gary Fincke, celebrates the art of the extremely brief narrative. These publications have editorial teams with particular sensitivity to the craft.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for Best Microfiction

Identifies publications that put forward outstanding online work for this respected digital anthology established in 2006.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for Best of the Net

Publications that nominate work for this respected anthology series founded in 2015 by Tara Masih to celebrate fiction under 1,000 words.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for Best Small Fictions

Essential publications that nominate short fiction for the O'Henry Prize anthology, one of America's most venerable literary awards. Established in 1919.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the O'Henry Prize

A comprehensive guide to journals that regularly nominate work for the Pushcart Prize.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

BASS represents the most mainstream recognition for short fiction in America. These journals serve as the initial screening layer for potential inclusion in this widely-read collection.

Literary Mags That Nominate for Best American Short Stories

All-time most competitive literary magazines. Getting published in these is a significant achievement for any writer.

Most Competitive Literary Magazines of All Time

Explore the most popular literary magazines of all time. These long-established publications are a staple in the literary world for writers of all genres.

Most Popular Literary Magazines of All Time

Digital publications chosen for Best of the Net. These journals consistently publish digital essays and memoirs that exemplify the best of what's possible in online creative nonfiction.

Nonfiction Magazines Featured in Best of the Net Anthologies

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Nonfiction Magazines That Nominate for Best of the Net

Highlights publications that regularly put forward essays, memoirs, and other creative nonfiction for Pushcart consideration.

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Online journals that specifically champion poetry for Best of the Net consideration.

Poetry Magazines That Nominate for Best of the Net

Focuses specifically on poetry journals with established histories of Pushcart nominations.

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Exposition Review

We accept submissions of memoir, personal essays, and creative nonfiction up to 5,000 words. Pieces that exceed this limit will NOT be read.

Nonfiction

We accept submissions of up to three pieces* of flash or microfiction. Each piece should be no more than 1,000 words; there is no minimum word count. The shorter, the better! 
Pieces that exceed this limit will NOT be read.
Note that we tend to lean toward literary fiction, but exceptional genre fiction that fits the theme will be considered.
*Please include all flash fiction in a single document!

Flash Fiction

We accept submissions of short stories and stand-alone novel excerpts up to 5,000 words. Pieces that exceed this limit will NOT be read. Note that we tend to lean toward literary fiction, but exceptional genre fiction that fits the theme will be considered.

Fiction

We accept up to five pieces of art and/or photography per submission. If submitting more than one piece of art, please compile into one file (PDF or otherwise). Please include a brief artist’s statement or statement about the work (1–3 paragraphs), and include appropriate credit lines for all pieces (Artist Name, Title of Work, Year. Medium, Dimensions.)

Visual Art

We accept submissions of up to three poems of any form and in traditional or experimental styles. Any additional poems will NOT be read. *Please include all poems in a single document!

(Prose Poetry)

Poetry

We accept submissions of one-act plays, scenes, and short film and screenplay excerpts up to 15 pages. Please format according to the standard unpublished playwriting or screenwriting format. For plays that are unpublished but have been performed, please mention the original date and location performed in your cover letter.

Stage & Screen

We accept submissions of short, self-contained literary art comics. This includes hybrid forms (i.e., a poem in comic form, graphic nonfiction, graphic flash fiction, etc.). All comics must be previously unpublished. We accept three pages per comic, three comics per submission. Anything longer or incomplete will not be considered.

Comics

We accept submissions of short films in live-action narrative, documentary, and animation up to 15 minutes in length. Please include a brief summary and credits list in the cover letter of your submission.

Film

Our February 2026 Flash 405 Contest will be judged by Nonfiction Editor Heather Vaughan!
From Heather:
“Tell us about a time you—or someone else—messed up, biffed it, dropped the ball. Mistakes happen, and they usually come with a good story. Whose fault was it? What were the consequences? Did anyone learn their lesson?”
Fiction. A complete story, up to 405 words (get it?).
Nonfiction. A complete story, up to 405 words.
Poetry. One poem, up to 5 lines (including prose poems).
Stage & Screen. A complete scene, up to 4 pages. Please format according to the standard unpublished playwriting or screenwriting format.
Experimental. A complete short-form narrative utilizing innovative techniques and/or hybrid forms. Consider the spirit of flash as well as the limits of other categories for length guidelines.
The winners will all receive publication on the website. Our first and second place winners will also receive a cash prize, but here’s the fun part—there’s no limit to how much you could win. The more entries we receive, the larger the prize! Here’s a breakdown:
1st prize: Online publication + 40% of all entry fees.
2nd prize: Online publication + 20% of all entry fees.
Honorable Mention: Online publication.
Flash 405 entries are judged anonymously: please remove your name, contact information, or any other all identifying information from your submission document.
We still require your name and a brief bio with your Submittable submission cover letter, but this will not be shared with the judge.

Exposition Review

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