Literary Journal

Bluestem

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About the magazine

Bluestem is a literary magazine affiliated with Eastern Illinois University, founded to provide a platform for emerging and established writers. Its mission centers on publishing compelling poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that reflects a diversity of voices and styles, with an emphasis on work that is both accessible and artistically ambitious. The magazine has maintained a consistent presence in the small press and university literary scene, offering contributors a thoughtful editorial process and a committed readership.

Editorial focus

Bluestem , a nationally recognized literary journal that publishes the brightest new, emerging, and established literary voices, has been published since 1966 and is produced by the English Department at Eastern Illinois University. The journal has largely been run by women of perception and talent for the past several decades; Bluestem finds and publishes impactful work by writers who are quietly creating beauty in their respective corners of the world.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Feb 15

Reading feeNo

PaymentNo payment

Response timeGreater than 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should submit polished work that demonstrates a clear command of language and a fresh perspective. Bluestem appreciates poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that balance emotional resonance with technical skill. Before submitting, review recent issues to understand the magazine's aesthetic range. Follow the guidelines on their website carefully, including reading periods and formatting requirements. Simultaneous submissions are typically accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Response times can vary, so patience is advised.

We enjoy work that is a bit weird, attentive to the possibilities of language, and surprising. We love discovering new voices and publishing emerging writers, as well as more established writers.

Read official guidelines