Not Quite Right is a queer-run literary magazine for work that resists easy labels. We publish poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that lives in the in-between. 

Not Quite Right is a literary magazine for work that resists easy definition.

We’re interested in writing that exists in the in-between—the pieces that don’t sit comfortably in a single category, the voices that complicate neat narratives, the moments that feel unresolved, contradictory, or unfinished in the best possible way.

We publish poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction, and hybrid work. We’re especially drawn to writing that is emotionally honest, stylistically intentional, and unafraid to take risks—whether that means experimenting with form, voice, structure, or subject matter.

We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for work that feels alive.

That might look like:

- a poem that holds tension without resolving it
- a story that lingers in ambiguity
- an essay that questions its own conclusions
- a piece that blends genres or refuses to choose one

If your work feels like it doesn’t quite fit anywhere else, it might belong here.





General Submissions

We accept general submissions year-round, as well as submissions for specific themed issues.

Please submit only one piece (or one group of poems) at a time, and wait to hear back before submitting again.

We aim to respond to submissions in a timely manner. We’re real people reading your work, and we take that responsibility seriously.




A Final Note

Not Quite Right is built on the idea that some of the most meaningful work doesn’t arrive fully resolved. It lives in tension. It asks questions. It leaves space.

We’re not interested in work that has everything figured out.

We’re interested in work that stays open.

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

Fiction Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

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

Literary Magazines That Nominate for the Pushcart Prize

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

Not Quite Right Literary Magazine

Submissions are open year-round. We’re looking for poetry, fiction, and essays that don’t quite fit—work that challenges form, embraces ambiguity, and lingers.

Not Quite Right Literary Magazine

Highlights

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NOT QUITE RIGHT - ONGOING POETRY

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