Literary Journal

Cleaver Magazine

Open now

Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

Cleaver Magazine is an online literary and arts journal founded in 2013 by Karen Rile and Lauren Rile Smith. From its inception, Cleaver has sought to publish writing that is 'sharp, insightful, and unexpected,' with a particular emphasis on flash fiction, poetry, and craft essays. The magazine's ethos is rooted in a commitment to editorial rigor and a belief that brevity can be as powerful as length. Over the years, Cleaver has expanded to include visual art, book reviews, and interviews, maintaining a quarterly publication schedule that balances emerging and established voices. Its core mission is to provide a platform for work that challenges conventional narratives and demonstrates a keen attention to language and form.

Editorial focus

Founded in 2013, Cleaver is Philadelphia’s international quarterly literary magazine. It publishes cutting-edge contemporary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, interviews, essays on craft and the writing life, and book reviews.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeYes

PaymentNo payment

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should familiarize themselves with Cleaver's aesthetic by reading several issues before submitting. The magazine favors concise, well-crafted pieces that demonstrate originality and emotional resonance. For flash fiction, aim for under 1,000 words; poetry submissions should include 3-5 poems. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify promptly if work is placed elsewhere. Cleaver does not charge submission fees for general submissions, though occasional themed calls may have a fee. Response times vary, typically 1-3 months. Include a brief cover letter with publication credits, if any, and a third-person bio.

Please follow the submission guidelines on our website. In addition to our quarterly literary magazine, we publish occasional craft essays, author interviews, book reviews, and weekly writing tips; if you would like to query us about a craft essay or writing tip, check the info on our website and email us.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

1 listed

Open