Literary Journal

The Southern Review

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Journals & literary magazines1 open opportunity listed

About the magazine

Founded in 1935 at Louisiana State University, The Southern Review is one of the oldest and most respected literary journals in the United States. Established by Robert Penn Warren and Cleanth Brooks, it emerged from the Southern Agrarian movement but quickly evolved into a premier venue for poetry, fiction, and essays that prioritize craft, intellectual rigor, and formal ambition. The journal has never been tied to a single aesthetic; instead, it has maintained a commitment to work that is deeply considered, whether traditional or experimental. Its mission is to publish writing that matters—work that engages with history, place, and the complexities of human experience without resorting to easy sentiment or trend-chasing. In recent years, The Southern Review has continued to adapt, expanding its online presence while preserving the curated, print-first sensibility that has defined it for nearly a century.

Editorial focus

The Southern Review is one of the nation’s premier literary journals. Hailed by Time as “superior to any other journal in the English language,” they have made literary history since their 1935 founding. The Southern Review strives to discover and promote a diverse array of engaging, relevant, and challenging literature—including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and translation from literary luminaries as well as the best established and emerging writers.

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodSep 1 to Jan 1

Reading feeYes

PaymentCash

Response time3 to 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

The Southern Review accepts submissions of poetry, fiction, and essays. Work should demonstrate a high level of craft, a distinctive voice, and an awareness of literary tradition without being derivative. The editors value clarity, depth, and structural control; they are less interested in work that relies on shock value or topicality alone. Before submitting, read several recent issues to understand the journal's range—it is broad, but consistently serious. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify immediately if accepted elsewhere. Expect a response time of three to six months; do not query before then. Include a brief cover letter with prior publications, but avoid lengthy bio notes. The journal does not consider previously published work, including work that has appeared on personal blogs or social media. For online submissions, use the portal on the website; postal submissions are accepted but discouraged. Payment is in copies and a modest honorarium for print publication.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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OpenDeadline · 2027-01-01