The Common: Fiction Submissions
Overview
The Common is a literary magazine that publishes fiction with a strong sense of place and a commitment to narrative craft. The magazine seeks stories that resonate with a global readership while maintaining a distinct voice and perspective. Submissions are considered for both print and online publication, offering writers a dual platform for their work. The editorial process is rigorous: each prose piece receives three reads by the reading staff before advancing to an editor for a final decision. This multi-tiered review ensures careful consideration but also results in longer response times. The magazine values patience and asks that submitters wait for a response before sending additional work. There is a $3 fee to submit, which likely supports the magazine's operations and reading staff. The Common does not require identifying information on the manuscript, ensuring an unbiased initial review. With a word limit of 10,000 words, the magazine accommodates longer stories, though pieces exceeding this limit are automatically withdrawn. The Common's curatorial vision favors fiction that is both literary and accessible, with a focus on storytelling that illuminates the human experience.