Literary Journal

North Carolina Literary Review

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Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

Founded in 1992 at East Carolina University, the North Carolina Literary Review (NCLR) is a biannual print journal dedicated to the state's literary heritage and contemporary writing. Its founding ethos is one of scholarly rigor and regional stewardship: each issue combines new fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction by North Carolina writers with critical essays, interviews, and archival explorations of the state's literary past. Published by the ECU Department of English, NCLR operates as both a literary magazine and a research annual, often featuring thematic sections—such as the coastal environment, civil rights, or specific authors—that situate current work within broader cultural and historical contexts. The journal's mission is to document, interpret, and celebrate North Carolina's diverse literary voices, from established figures to emerging talents, while maintaining an academic commitment to accuracy and depth.

Editorial focus

A cross between a scholarly journal and a literary magazine, NCLR publishes creative writing by and interviews with North Carolina writers and essays about NC writers, literature, and literary history and culture.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 15 to Mar 1

Reading feeNo

PaymentCash

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

NCLR welcomes submissions of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction from writers with a strong connection to North Carolina, as well as critical essays and interviews on the state's literary topics. Before submitting, review several recent issues to understand the journal's blend of creative and scholarly work. Submissions are typically read between September and February; check the website for specific reading periods and genre guidelines. Use the online submission system when available, and include a brief cover letter noting your North Carolina affiliation. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify the editors promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Because NCLR is theme-driven, consult upcoming calls for papers to align your work with planned issues. Response times can be slow (often 3–6 months), so plan accordingly. Payment is typically in contributor copies, not cash.

Read our guidelines (on our website). Note that we only publish North Carolina-related material and that the special feature section is only a portion of each issue. Please support the literary magazines in which you would like to see your writing published: subscribe.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2027-01-15