Columbia Journal is the literary magazine of Columbia University's School of the Arts, an institution with a long and distinguished history in the cultivation of writers and literary culture. The journal publishes fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, and has served as a platform for both emerging and established voices. Its affiliation with a major university creative writing program situates it within a tradition of rigorous editorial standards and a commitment to literary excellence. The journal seeks work that demonstrates formal control, intellectual seriousness, and emotional resonance. While the specific aesthetic orientation of each issue is shaped by the editorial team, the journal's lineage suggests a receptivity to a range of styles—from the traditional to the experimental—unified by a dedication to craft. Contributors can expect their work to be considered with close attention and to appear alongside writing that reflects the journal's curatorial discernment. For writers, publication in Columbia Journal represents an opportunity to join a community of practitioners associated with one of the most respected writing programs in the country. The journal's readership includes fellow writers, editors, and readers engaged with contemporary literary production. Submissions are open until January 4, 2027, and there is no fee indicated for entry.