Zyzzyva
Overview
Zyzzyva is a literary journal founded in 1985 with a mandate to publish the best writing and art from the West Coast and beyond. While its roots are in San Francisco, its reach is international, and it has long been a home for writers and artists whose work engages with the complexities of place, identity, and form. The magazine's pages have featured early work by now-canonical figures alongside emerging voices, reflecting a curatorial vision that values both literary excellence and a spirit of discovery. For creative practitioners, Zyzzyva offers a rare opportunity to place work in a publication known for its rigorous editorial standards and its commitment to visual and textual interplay. Each issue is thoughtfully designed, and contributors can expect to see their work presented with care. The magazine does not charge a submission fee, and while it does not offer monetary prizes, the exposure and association with its legacy are significant. The editorial team seeks work that is ambitious, finely crafted, and resonant—whether it be a poem that unsettles language, a story that maps interior landscapes, or a photograph that captures a fleeting truth. The call is open to poets, fiction writers, essayists, photographers, musicians, and digital artists. There is no fixed deadline; submissions are considered on a rolling basis. The magazine's global orientation means that while it has a particular interest in the West Coast, it welcomes work from anywhere. This is not a contest but a standing invitation to contribute to a living archive of contemporary creative expression.