Barely South Review — Nonfiction, Fall '26 Issue
Overview
Barely South Review, a literary magazine with a longstanding commitment to publishing emerging and established voices, opens its nonfiction submissions for the Fall '26 issue. The journal seeks a single essay that demonstrates formal control and intellectual rigor, whether standing alone or excerpted from a larger work. This call reflects the review's curatorial interest in writing that balances craft with substantive inquiry, and it offers a rare no-fee opportunity for writers to place work in a discerning venue. The selected essay will appear in the Fall '26 issue, joining a curated selection of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction that defines the review's aesthetic. While no monetary prize is attached, publication in Barely South Review provides a platform for writers to reach a readership appreciative of literary nonfiction. The journal's editorial vision favors essays that are structurally sound, thematically resonant, and free from stylistic affectation. Submissions must adhere to strict formatting guidelines: 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, one-inch margins, indented paragraphs, and a word count on the first page. Excerpts from longer works are acceptable if they function as standalone essays. The review values clarity and professionalism, and the absence of a fee underscores its commitment to accessibility. Writers should approach this as an opportunity to present polished, considered work to an attentive editorial team.