Literary Journal

Prime Number Magazine

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About the magazine

Founded in 2005 by Kevin Morgan Watson, Press 53 is an independent literary press based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Named for the year of its founder's birth, the press has cultivated a reputation for publishing poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction with a distinct editorial sensibility—one that favors accessible, emotionally resonant work over academic experimentalism. Its mission is to champion voices that might otherwise be overlooked by larger commercial houses, often focusing on short-form writing and collections that demonstrate a mastery of craft within traditional narrative structures. In addition to its book publishing arm, Press 53 operates Prime Number Magazine, an online literary journal that features poetry, fiction, and nonfiction on a rolling basis, further extending its commitment to fostering a community of writers.

Editorial focus

Prime Number Magazine ’s goal is to publish distinctive works of poetry, short fiction, and flash nonfiction regardless of theme or style. As of January 2023, Prime Number Magazine began publishing every four months, with guest editors for each issue. Submissions will be open the first two months of each quadrimester or until it reaches 199 submissions (101 for Flash Nonfiction). Prime Number Magazine, winner of two Pushcart Prizes, is an online-only publication by Press 53.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Feb 28

Reading feeNo

PaymentContributor copies only

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should familiarize themselves with Press 53's catalog and Prime Number Magazine before submitting, as the press has a clear preference for accessible, character-driven work with a strong sense of place and emotion. For Prime Number Magazine, follow the specific theme and deadline for each call (e.g., 'Flash Nonfiction for Issue 307, Jan-Apr 2027') and adhere strictly to word limits and formatting guidelines. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify immediately if your work is placed elsewhere. Expect response times of several months; patience and professionalism are key. Given the press's focus on short-form writing, ensure your submission is polished, tightly edited, and resonant rather than merely clever.

Please use our online submission manager (Submittable); do not submit by mail or email. Please format your submissions appropriately—double spacing, page numbers, and word count (for prose). Please include your name and contact information on your submission. Submissions for poetry and short fiction are open the first two months of each quadrimester. With each new issue (January, May, September), we introduce a new set of guest editors who will be reading for a future issue. To see who is currently reading, go to our Submittable page.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

7 listed

ClosedDeadline · 2026-03-31