Literary Journal

subTerrain Magazine

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Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listedCanada

About the magazine

subTerrain Magazine is a Vancouver-based literary and arts publication founded in 1988 by a collective of writers and artists seeking an independent outlet for politically engaged, formally adventurous work. From its inception, the magazine has maintained a dual commitment to literary excellence and social critique, publishing poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, and visual art that challenge dominant narratives and explore the margins of Canadian culture. Its core mission is to foster a community of readers and writers who value risk-taking, intellectual rigor, and the transformative potential of the written word.

Editorial focus

“Strong Words for a Polite Nation.” subTerrain Magazine was founded in 1988 to publish writers from the other side of the tracks. Each issue features progressive and sometimes controversial writing, alongside timely book reviews and contemporary visual art. Praised by both writers and readers for featuring work that might not find a home in more conservative periodicals, subTerrain seeks to expand the definition of literary and artistic culture by showcasing the best in progressive writing and ideas.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Feb 28

Reading feeYes

PaymentCash

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers and artists should familiarize themselves with recent issues to understand the magazine's aesthetic and political range. Submissions are accepted year-round via Submittable, with reading periods for specific genres announced on the website. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter and a short bio. Prose submissions should not exceed 3,000 words; poetry up to five poems. Visual art submissions require a portfolio of 5–10 images. Response times vary from 3–6 months; query only after six months. Payment is upon publication.

Please do not send us formulaic genre fiction (e.g. romance, mystery, sci-fi etc.). Please do read a copy of the magazine. If you can’t find one on the newsstand, we will send you a copy for $5 (and we pay the postage!). Please do read our writer’s guidelines, before submitting, at www.subterrain.ca . We now accept electronic submissions via Submittable (we do not accept emailed submissions). Electronic submissions are charged a $3 fee to help pay for our Submittable account and thereby allow us to continue accepting electronic submissions; mailed submissions come with no charge (though you will have to pay for postage).

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2027-01-01