Literary Journal

Willow Springs magazine

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About the magazine

Willow Springs Magazine is a literary journal founded in 1981 at Eastern Washington University. From its inception, it has been committed to publishing distinctive poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction that prioritizes craft and emotional resonance over fleeting trends. The magazine operates as a vital part of EWU's creative writing program, offering graduate students hands-on editorial experience while maintaining a national reputation for literary excellence. Its mission is to provide a platform for both emerging and established voices, fostering a community of writers who value precision, risk, and the transformative power of language.

Editorial focus

Since 1977, Willow Springs has published the finest in contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as interviews with notable authors including Marilynne Robinson, Stuart Dybek, Aimee Bender, Robert Wrigley, Joyce Carol Oates, Yusef Komunyakaa, and Kim Addonizio, to name a few. Affiliated with The MFA at EWU in Spokane, Willow Springs publishes work by unknown and up and coming writers, and by U.S. Poet Laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners, engaging their readers in an ongoing discussion of art, ideas, and the human experience.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodSep 1 to May 31

Reading feeYes

PaymentCash

Response timeGreater than 6 months

Simultaneous submissionsYes

Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should submit polished work that demonstrates a strong command of language and a clear understanding of the chosen form. Willow Springs favors poems and prose that are nuanced, evocative, and structurally sound; avoid overly sentimental or gimmicky pieces. Familiarize yourself with recent issues to gauge the editorial taste. Submissions are typically open during reading periods, and simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify the editors promptly if your work is placed elsewhere. Include a brief, professional cover letter and adhere strictly to genre guidelines. Response times vary, so patience is advised.

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Submission calls

2 listed

OpenDeadline · 2027-06-01