Literary Journal

River Styx Magazine

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About the magazine

Founded in 1975 in St. Louis, Missouri, River Styx is one of the nation's oldest independent literary and arts magazines. Named after the mythical river that separates the living from the dead, the journal has long served as a crossing point for writers and artists navigating the boundaries between tradition and innovation. Its mission is to publish work that is both formally adventurous and emotionally resonant, with a particular emphasis on poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that engages with the complexities of the human condition. Over nearly five decades, River Styx has maintained a commitment to showcasing emerging voices alongside established ones, fostering a literary community that values risk-taking and craft.

Editorial focus

As a multicultural magazine of poetry, prose and art with a 50-year history, River Styx publishes works of both new and established artists significant for their originality, energy, and deft of craft. They publish poetry, short fiction, essays, visual media, and multimedia. River Styx publishes two themed print editions per year. We publish online throughout the year. Our annual fiction and poetry contest begins in the spring (check out website for details).

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31

Reading feeYes

PaymentCash

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

River Styx accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. They recommend that writers familiarize themselves with the magazine's aesthetic by reading recent issues before submitting. Submissions should be sent during their reading periods, which are typically announced on their website and social media. They value work that demonstrates a strong command of language, a clear voice, and a sense of emotional or intellectual stakes. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but writers should notify the magazine immediately if their work is accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your submission, and always adhere to the stated word limits and formatting guidelines. Response times can vary, so patience is advised.

We are open for submissions for most of the year. We will temporarily close our portal if we experience a sharp spike in submissions in order to catch up. We always notify our followers via email and socials ahead of time.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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