Secret cult of fish girls. 
Come submit your weird girl lit to join us. 
Formerly: Sardine Can Collective

We are fish girls. Made from scale and bone.  

Always in search of oddities.


Every year, we try to highlight some up-and-coming lit mags that were founded in the past year. The lit mag world is ever-changing, and the scene is always shifting to include more and more amazing, diverse publications. For 2025, these are the 20 new magazines (not that it was easy to decide!) we think everyone should keep an eye on.

20 Lit Mags Founded in 2025 That We Think Will Be the Next Big Thing

Basically what it says in the title. Our top most bookmarked fee-free lit mags that nominate for the Pushcart Prize.

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize (and Don’t Charge Fees)

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.

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

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

These magazines have the fastest response times, so you won't be left hanging for months. No more endless waiting. Just, you know, regular waiting.

Literary Magazines with the Fastest Response Times

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

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

Nonfiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

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

Poetry Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

Fish Girl Collective

Fish Girl Collective is one of the girls' girls in the lit mag scene.
This magazine has such, SUCH a special place in my heart. You can read a more in-depth review I wrote here:
https://meibackof.substack.com/p/magbog-1-fish-girl-collective

Our general submissions are currently open. 

hint: we love love love magical realism.

General Submissions

I’m always on the lookout for a guest editor to work with me for three months. See the link for more information. Query fishgirlcollective@gmail.com with any questions.  

Fish Girl Collective

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