Literary Journal

folklore

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About the magazine

Folklore is an independent literary magazine founded on the belief that the stories we inherit—myths, family legends, regional tales—shape contemporary writing in profound ways. Since its inception, the magazine has provided a platform for emerging and established voices that engage with folk traditions, oral histories, and the uncanny. Its mission is to publish work that feels both timeless and urgently new, often blurring the boundaries between poetry, short fiction, and essay. The magazine is known for its carefully curated issues, each orbiting a loose thematic concern, and for its commitment to fostering a community of writers who take the past seriously without being nostalgic.

Editorial focus

The editors believe writing is a form of art, and should never be gatekept, elitist, or afraid to try new things. They want the things that shock them, the things that shake them to the core just a little bit, the things that look for deep emotional truths and leave them with a new understanding of the world. They welcome new and aspiring authors, and they respect any vision that is well thought out.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentNo payment

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Before submitting, read at least one full issue to understand the magazine's aesthetic range—it favors work that engages with folklore without being derivative or overly literal. Submissions should be polished, but the editors value voice and atmosphere over strict adherence to conventional plot. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter that situates your work in relation to the magazine's interests, and avoid generic flattery. Response times vary, so query after three months if you haven't heard back.

Folklore does not and will never charge a submission fee. They also try their best to offer feedback for your work. Current categories are: poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art or other.

Read official guidelines