Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts

Submitting your work

Gulf Coast accepts submissions through its online portal during designated reading periods, typically from September to November and January to March. Fiction submissions should be under 7,000 words; poetry up to five poems; nonfiction up to 6,500 words. Simultaneous submissions are permitted with immediate notification of acceptance elsewhere. The journal values work that demonstrates a strong command of craft, fresh perspective, and emotional or intellectual resonance. Avoid genre fiction and overly familiar themes unless approached with exceptional originality. Include a brief cover letter with publication credits, if any. Response times average three to six months; please do not query before then. Payment is in copies and a modest honorarium. For visual art, submit a portfolio of 5–10 images via email with a statement. Always review past issues to understand the journal's aesthetic range.

We read submissions for Online Exclusives from January 26 to December 20. We read submissions for the Print Edition from September 1 through March 1.