LitMag: Annual Writing Contests for Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry

LitMag Submission Guidelines

LitMag seeks work that moves, inspires, and captivates. Their team of exceptional creators are drawn to big minds, large hearts, and sharp pens—always in search of writing that combines intellectual depth with emotional resonance and exceptional craft. The organization provides annual awards for three individual categories each year: short fiction, flash fiction, and poetry.

• Virginia Woolf Award for Short Fiction: 3,000 - 8,000 words

• Anton Chekhov Award for Flash Fiction: 500 - 1,500 words

• Emily Dickinson Award for Poetry: Up to 3 poems

Submissions should adhere to their word count limits: up to 15,000 words for print and 4,000 words for online publication.

When submitting, please send one story or essay at a time per category or up to three poems per submission. Their team kindly requests that those submitting wait to hear back from their submissions team prior to submitting additional work in the same category.

All submissions must be previously unpublished, including work shared on personal blogs or social media platforms. Their team prioritizes discovering writing that challenges, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impact.

If a piece was published in a known journal that has since closed and is currently unavailable, the magazine will consider a reprint, though acceptance would be rare and only after a full disclosure of previous publication circumstances.

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What They Publish

• Fiction: Short stories, novellas

• Nonfiction: Creative nonfiction; essays on literature, art, culture, and music; biography, memoir

• Poetry: No restrictions on style or form

  
  

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What They Look For

LitMag seeks work that moves, inspires, and amazes. Their editorial team values bold ideas, emotional depth, and exceptional craft.

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Word Count Limits

• LitMag Print: Up to 15,000 words

• LitMag Online: Up to 4,000 words

  
  

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Payment Rates

• LitMag Print:
  

  • $300 for fiction/nonfiction (5,000 words or more)

  • $150 for fiction/nonfiction (2,500-4,999 words)

  • $100 for short fiction/flash fiction or a poem/group of poems

• LitMag Online:
  

  • $125 upon acceptance

Rights: LitMag acquires First English-language print and electronic rights. Copyright reverts to the author upon publication.

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Submission Periods

• Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry:
  

  • October 1 - December 15

  • February 1 - May 31

• LitMag Online Submissions (All Categories):
  

  • October 1 - December 15

  • February 1 - May 31

  
  

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General Guidelines

• Submit only once per category during each submission period.

• Wait for a response before submitting new work.

• Simultaneous submissions are allowed; please withdraw promptly if accepted elsewhere.

• Expect responses within four months, though high submission volumes may extend this timeframe.

Detailed contest guidelines are available on our website.

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Bard Books

Bard Books, an independent publisher affiliated with LitMag, accepts submissions from:

• February 1 - May 31

• September 1 - December 31
  

Visit www.bardbooks.com for more information. Thank you for submitting your work. We look forward to reading it!