Literary Journal

Poetry Northwest

Opens in 5 months

Journals & literary magazines0 open opportunities listed

About the magazine

Founded in 1959 as a literary journal associated with the University of Washington, Poetry Northwest is one of the oldest and most enduring poetry magazines in the United States. Over six decades, it has published a wide range of poets, from emerging voices to established figures, maintaining a commitment to the art of poetry in its diverse forms. The magazine has adapted to changes in the literary landscape, including a move to a nonprofit model and a shift to online publication, while preserving its core mission to present exceptional poetry to a broad readership.

Editorial focus

Esatblished in 1959, Poetry Northwest is committed to publishing the best in contemporary poetry, especially work willing to take risks. Edited and published in the Pacific Northwest, the magazine retains a strong sense of place while being open to submissions from around the globe, a forum where poetry, visual arts, and cultural commentary converge in a robust investigation of the complexity and richness and diversity of life, human and nonhuman alike.

PoetryCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodMar 1 to Mar 31

Reading feeNo

PaymentContributor copies only

Response timeGreater than 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Poets should submit carefully selected work that reflects a mastery of craft and a distinctive voice. The magazine values poems that demonstrate both technical skill and emotional resonance, without favoring any particular style. Before submitting, read recent issues to understand the current editorial preferences. Follow the submission guidelines on the website, which typically include a reading period and may require a fee. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your publication history, if any, but let the poems speak for themselves.

Current editor Keetje Kuipers has said, “I'm interested in accepting poems that I struggle with, that I don't understand, that I might even fundamentally disagree with in terms of either their craft or simply the argument they're making about the state of the world.” Founding editor Carolyn Kizer placed a special emphasis on encouraging the “raw, emerging talents, the neglected and overlooked.” Our dedication to employing equitable editorial practices that emphasize the rich diversity of today’s poets enhances our mission of publishing the most exciting work we can find.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

3 listed

ClosedDeadline · 2026-02-15

James Welch Prize for Indigenous Poets

ClosedDeadline · 2026-09-16