Literary Journal

ELJ: Elm Leaves Journal

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Journals & literary magazines2 open opportunities listed

About the magazine

Elm Leaves Journal (ELJ) is an online literary journal that has carved a distinct niche through its thematic, edition-based calls. Rather than maintaining a continuous open submission, ELJ organizes its publishing schedule around focused prompts—such as the "Me" Edition for nonfiction—inviting writers to engage in sustained, introspective work. This model reflects a founding ethos of curatorial intentionality: each issue is conceived as a coherent conversation, not a miscellany. By operating remotely and without a physical headquarters, ELJ prioritizes textual resonance and editorial care over institutional infrastructure, positioning itself as a nimble, author-centered venue within the digital literary landscape.

Submitting your work

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Writers should first review the current edition's theme and guidelines, as ELJ does not accept general submissions outside of its announced calls. For the "Me" Edition, nonfiction submissions should be personal, reflective, and attuned to the prompt's introspective spirit; avoid generic memoir or thinly veiled fiction. Since ELJ is online-only and remote, all correspondence is via email—expect a response time of several weeks to a few months. Simultaneous submissions are typically discouraged unless explicitly permitted; always check the specific call. Polish your piece for concision and emotional clarity, as the journal favors work that feels curated rather than merely submitted.