Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listedCanada
About the magazine
The Ex-Puritan is a Toronto-based literary magazine founded in 2014 by a collective of writers and editors seeking a venue for work that is formally adventurous and intellectually rigorous. Its name signals a departure from the dour moralism sometimes associated with Canadian literary traditions, embracing instead a spirit of irreverent inquiry and aesthetic risk. The magazine publishes poetry, fiction, essays, and interviews, with a particular openness to hybrid and cross-genre forms. Over time, it has become a vital platform for emerging and established voices alike, known for its discerning editorial eye and commitment to work that challenges conventional expectations.
Editorial focus
The Ex-Puritan is an online, quarterly publication based in Toronto, Ontario committed to publishing the best in all forms of literary storytelling. They embrace work wherever it lands on the conceptual spectrum, so long as it is original, intelligent, and engaging.
PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation
Submitting your work
Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeNo
PaymentCash
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes
Before submitting, read several issues to understand the magazine's aesthetic and editorial preferences. The Ex-Puritan favors work that is formally inventive, intellectually ambitious, and avoids cliché. Simultaneous submissions are typically accepted, but notify promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Follow the specific guidelines for each genre and reading period, which are clearly posted on the website. Include a brief, professional cover letter. Response times vary, so patience is advised; do not query before the stated period has elapsed. The editors appreciate concise, well-crafted pieces that demonstrate a clear command of language and a fresh perspective.