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Literary Journal

Outskirts Literary Journal

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About the magazine

Outskirts Literary Journal is an independent online publication founded in 2018 with the aim of showcasing writing that exists at the periphery of mainstream literary culture. The journal was established by a collective of writers and editors who sought to create a space for voices that are often marginalized or overlooked by larger commercial and academic presses. Its core mission is to publish poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that challenges conventional narratives and embraces formal experimentation, with a particular emphasis on work that engages with themes of place, identity, and displacement. The journal is committed to fostering a community of readers and writers who value literary risk-taking and intellectual curiosity. Since its inception, Outskirts has maintained a biannual publication schedule, featuring a mix of established and emerging authors. Each issue is curated around a loose thematic thread, though the editors prioritize work that transcends easy categorization. The journal operates on a volunteer basis, with a small editorial team dedicated to providing thoughtful, constructive feedback to contributors. While Outskirts has no physical office, its online presence serves as a dynamic archive of contemporary writing that resists the center.

Submitting your work

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Writers should familiarize themselves with past issues to understand the journal's aesthetic, which favors work that is linguistically inventive, emotionally resonant, and unafraid of ambiguity. Submissions are accepted via Submittable during reading periods, typically announced on the website and social media. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but please notify the editors promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your submission, and ensure that prose pieces do not exceed 5,000 words. Response times vary, but generally range from one to three months. The editors appreciate concise, well-crafted work and encourage writers to submit their most daring pieces.

Submission calls

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