Cholla Needles — Submissions

Overview
Cholla Needles operates from the Morongo Basin, a literary outpost in the Mojave Desert that has, over the past several years, cultivated a distinct editorial identity. The magazine is not merely a regional journal; it is a curated space where the desert functions as both setting and sensibility. Its pages have hosted a range of voices, from local poets to internationally recognized writers, all drawn to the austere, contemplative qualities that the landscape imposes on language. The publication appears in print, with a design ethos that mirrors the spareness of its subject matter. For writers, Cholla Needles offers publication in a respected independent magazine with a committed readership. Contributors can expect their work to be presented alongside that of established and emerging peers, without the commercial pressures that often shape larger periodicals. The editorial vision favors clarity, emotional precision, and a willingness to engage with the natural world—not as backdrop but as active presence. There is no fee to submit, and the magazine does not charge for consideration, aligning with its ethos of accessibility. The magazine's rolling submissions policy reflects an openness to work whenever it is ready, rather than forcing writers into arbitrary cycles. However, this also means that response times can vary, and patience is required. The editors read year-round, and while there is no formal reading period, work that resonates with the magazine's aesthetic—spare, attentive, and unafraid of silence—is most likely to find a home.