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Literary Journal

Thin Air Magazine

Closes in 10 days
Visit website Submission calls
Journals & literary magazines5 open opportunities listed

About the magazine

Thin Air Magazine is a literary journal founded in 2005 at Illinois State University's Publications Unit. It publishes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, with a particular emphasis on work that is urgent, risk-taking, and formally inventive. The magazine's ethos is rooted in the belief that literature should challenge readers and reflect the complexities of contemporary experience. Each issue is thoughtfully curated, balancing established voices with emerging writers, and is produced by graduate students in the Publications Unit, who gain hands-on experience in editing, design, and production.

Editorial focus

Based at 7,000 feet, Thin Air Magazine has no choice but to invite work that takes us to dizzying heights with its innovation and insight. The editors aspire to foster diversity, authenticity, surprise, and excitement while making the literary world accessible to everyone. Three decades in, they still can’t forget these words from their founders: “All too often, the literary world takes itself too seriously ... Thin Air hopes to change that.”

PoetryFictionCreative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodMar 1 to Oct 15
Reading feeYes
PaymentContributor copies only
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Thin Air Magazine welcomes submissions of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. They prioritize work that is original, compelling, and well-crafted. Before submitting, read recent issues to understand the magazine's aesthetic. Submissions are typically open for specific reading periods; check the website for current calls. For print issues, they accept simultaneous submissions but require immediate notification if work is accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter with your submission, and ensure your manuscript follows the guidelines regarding length and formatting. Response times vary, so patience is appreciated.

Thin Air Online , which is a distinct publication from Thin Air Magazine , is open for submissions all year. So, even when our magazine is closed to submissions, you can submit to Thin Air Online! For Thin Air Online , we are looking for your poems, art, fiction, tiny films, nonfiction, humor, songs, paintings, collages, interpretative dances, jokes, audio projects, art, and other precious creations. We especially appreciate hybrid work or works unable to be published in print, but do accept all forms of media. See specific guidelines for Thin Air Online on our website.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

5 listed
OpenDeadline · 2026-10-15

Thin Air Magazine — Submissions

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OpenDeadline · 2026-10-20

Thin Air Magazine — TAM33 Fiction Submissions (PRINT)

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OpenDeadline · 2026-10-20

Thin Air Magazine — TAM33 Nonfiction Submissions (PRINT)

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OpenDeadline · 2026-10-20

Thin Air Magazine — TAM33 Poetry Submissions (PRINT)

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OpenDeadline · 2026-10-20

Thin Air Magazine — TAM33 Visual Art Submissions (PRINT)

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Explore the publication through its past issues and volumes.

Issue covers aren’t available yet

Visit the publication’s website to explore its archive.

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