Literary Journal

Pacifica Literary Review

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About the magazine

Pacifica Literary Review is a literary journal founded in 2014 with the aim of publishing work that engages with the complexities of the human experience. Based in the Pacific Northwest, the review has established itself as a platform for both emerging and established writers, with a focus on poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Its founding ethos emphasizes careful attention to language and a commitment to diverse voices, avoiding trends in favor of enduring literary quality. Over the years, it has maintained a biannual print and digital presence, fostering a community of readers and writers who value thoughtful, resonant work.

Editorial focus

Pacifica Literary Review publishes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction three times a year. Based in Seattle, it invites writers from all backgrounds, races, orientations, and occupations to send work.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeYes

PaymentCash

Response timeLess than 3 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should review past issues to understand the journal's aesthetic, which favors precise language and emotional depth over gimmickry. Submit only during open reading periods, typically announced on the website and social media. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify promptly if work is placed elsewhere. Expect response times of 3-6 months; do not query before then. Include a brief cover letter with publication history, if any, and adhere strictly to genre guidelines—poetry up to 5 poems, fiction and nonfiction up to 5,000 words.

Fiction/CNF submissions should be under 5,000 words, paginated and double-spaced. Please include the title on the first page of your submission. Novel excerpts are acceptable, but must be able to stand alone. Flash submissions should be less than 1,000 words individually. Please include no more than three separate pieces in one document; do not submit flash pieces individually. For poetry, submit up to three poems in a single document. For Folio submissions, please refer to the directions on our Submissions page. Our general reading period is open year-round. Pacifica will close submissions for two weeks at the beginning of September, January, and May for issue production, after which the portals will reopen as usual.

Read official guidelines