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Literary Journal

Fourth Genre

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#118 Overall · 45.7 ptsTier 3
Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

Fourth Genre is a literary journal dedicated to the essay, with a particular emphasis on memoir and personal narrative. Founded in 1999 at Michigan State University, it was among the first journals to treat creative nonfiction as a distinct genre deserving of serious critical attention. The journal publishes two issues per year, featuring a mix of established and emerging writers, and has played a significant role in shaping the contemporary essay landscape. Its mission is to showcase work that explores the boundaries of fact and memory, prioritizing voice, reflection, and narrative craft over topicality or sensationalism.

Submitting your work

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Before submitting, read several recent issues to understand the journal's aesthetic, which favors introspective, voice-driven essays over journalistic or academic prose. Submissions are accepted year-round via Submittable, but response times can be slow (3-6 months). Simultaneous submissions are permitted with immediate notification of acceptance elsewhere. Keep essays under 6,000 words; shorter pieces (1,500-3,000 words) are often more competitive. Include a brief cover letter with publication credits, if any, and a short bio. Avoid sending multiple submissions unless explicitly invited. The editors value polished, structurally inventive work that engages with the complexities of memory and selfhood.

Submission calls

1 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-11-30

Fourth Genre: General call

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