Literary Journal

Ignatian Literary Magazine

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About the magazine

Ignatian Literary Magazine is a biannual print and digital publication affiliated with the Ignatian tradition, founded to foster literary and artistic expression that engages questions of meaning, justice, and the human condition. Rooted in the spiritual and intellectual heritage of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the magazine seeks work that reflects a deep attentiveness to experience—what might be called a contemplative rigor—without prescribing a particular religious or ideological stance. Its pages have featured poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art that explore the complexities of faith, doubt, social responsibility, and personal transformation. Since its inception, Ignatian has maintained a commitment to publishing emerging and established voices side by side, with an emphasis on craft and moral seriousness. The magazine is not a house organ for any single institution but rather a gathering place for writers and artists who value the examined life. Its editorial vision is ecumenical in the best sense: open to all who grapple honestly with the world, while remaining anchored in a tradition that prizes discernment, eloquence, and compassion.

Editorial focus

Ignatian is a student-run publication at the University of San Francisco that aims to showcase an array of original pieces of art and writing from diverse voices, genres, and mediums. Ignatian does not promote hatred, violence, or oppression of any kind in its featured pieces. Work published in Ignatian is varied and eccentric, reflecting the creativity of writers and artists in the Bay Area and beyond.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodNov 1 to Feb 1

Reading feeYes

PaymentContributor copies only

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsNo

Writers and artists should approach Ignatian with an awareness of its dual commitment to literary excellence and reflective depth. The magazine welcomes submissions in poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art. There is no requirement that work be explicitly religious, but editors respond favorably to pieces that demonstrate a genuine engagement with questions of meaning, ethics, or interiority. Before submitting, read several recent issues to understand the range of voices and forms the magazine publishes. Follow the submission guidelines on the website carefully, including reading periods and formatting requirements. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify the editors promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Because the magazine values discernment, it is wise to submit only your most polished and considered work—pieces that have been revised with care and that reflect a distinctive perspective. Include a brief cover letter that situates your work within the magazine's mission, but avoid over-explaining; let the writing speak for itself.

Read official guidelines