The Benefits of Being Published by a Literary Magazine
- Kaleigh Johnson
- Jun 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 14
Getting published in a literary magazine can shift everything. Suddenly, your work is out in the world, finding readers, starting conversations, making its own quiet impact. Someone chose your piece because it moved them, because it stood out—and that kind of recognition can be powerful. It builds confidence, opens doors, and connects you to a larger creative community. Even one publication can be a turning point, a signal that you’re not just writing into the void.
But, what exactly is a literary magazine, and how can getting published by one help your writing career?
What is a Literary Magazine?
A literary magazine (affectionately called a ‘lit mag’) is a publication that features creative writing, such as poems, short stories, and microfiction, and sometimes visual artwork, like photography and paintings. It’s a space dedicated to artful, intentional work that might not fit into mainstream publishing, but still deserves to be read, shared, and remembered.
Some literary magazines are print-only and come out once or twice a year. Others live entirely online and publish new work every month, every week, or even every day. There are university-run journals, independent small presses, and volunteer-led projects built on love and late-night editing sessions. Some lit mags focus on specific genres, identities, or themes, while others welcome all kinds of voices and styles.
Most accept submissions directly from writers, and many are open to emerging talent. It’s one of the few places where unknown names are read alongside more established ones, often with the same level of care and attention. Editors are usually writers themselves, and they’re looking for work that moves them, surprises them, or makes them think differently about the world.
Why Are Literary Magazines Important?
Literary magazines matter because they keep the literary world fresh, diverse, and alive. They’re often the first places new voices emerge, giving writers room to experiment and take risks that bigger publishers might shy away from. Without lit mags, many stories and styles would never see the light of day.
They also create community by connecting readers, writers, and editors who care deeply about craft and meaning. These magazines aren’t chasing clicks or trends; they’re focused on quality and creativity. That means they can highlight underrepresented perspectives, challenge dominant narratives, and push literature in new directions.
In a culture that often values speed and volume, literary magazines slow things down. They give work space to breathe and readers time to digest. This helps keep literature a living, evolving conversation.
5 Benefits of Being Published by a Literary Magazine
Getting published in a literary magazine is a meaningful milestone that can change how you see your work and how others see you. It also:
Builds Your Credibility
Having your work accepted by a literary magazine shows that others in the field believe in the quality of your writing. It’s a form of validation that goes beyond compliments from friends or family. This kind of recognition signals to readers, agents, and publishers that you’re a serious writer with something important to say.
Connects You to a Community
Literary magazines bring together readers, writers, and editors who care deeply about craft and storytelling. When your work appears in one, you become part of that network. You find people who understand the ups and downs of the writing life and want to support you along the way.
Creates Momentum
Publication can be the spark that keeps you going. Seeing your work in print or online fuels motivation and confidence. It’s proof that your writing resonates beyond your own circle. Often, one publication leads to more and opens up new opportunities to share your voice.
Expands Your Audience
Literary magazines introduce your writing to readers who might never have come across it otherwise. These readers include fellow writers, literary critics, and sometimes agents or editors looking for fresh talent. That exposure can help your work reach farther and have a greater impact.
Paves the Way for Future Opportunities
Being published can lead to more than just recognition. It often opens pathways to grants, writing residencies, readings, careers, and even book contracts. It’s a stepping stone that connects you to the wider literary world and its possibilities.
How Do You Get Published in a Literary Magazine?
Putting your work out there can feel like a lot of pressure. It’s easy to get stuck worrying about whether your writing is “good enough” or if you’re sending it to the right place. The truth is, every published writer has been there. The best way to get past the nerves is to jump in and start submitting. Here’s how:
Research Magazines
Not all lit mags will fit your vibe or your writing. Look for publications that feature the kinds of writing you do—poetry, short stories, essays, or experimental forms. Pay attention to the tone, style, and themes they usually publish. Reading a few recent issues or sample pieces will give you a good sense of what fits.
You can research literary magazines by doing a quick Google search, or visiting websites like:
https://www.clmp.org/programs-opportunities/calls-for-submissions/
https://manager.submittable.com/opportunities/discover?page=1&search=&tags=literary (note that most of the lit mags featured here have submission fees)
Read the Rules & Submission Guidelines
Each magazine has its own rules about what kinds of work they accept and how they want it submitted. Some only take unpublished work, others have specific word counts or themes, and many have deadlines or reading periods. Make sure you understand who and what they’re looking for before hitting submit. Following these guidelines is crucial for eligibility and shows respect for the editors’ time.
Prep Your Work
The last thing you need to do before submitting your writing is to make sure your piece is polished and formatted exactly as the magazine requests. That means checking things like file type, font size, and whether they want your bio included. Many lit mags automatically reject work that doesn’t meet their submission rules, so pay close attention to their guidelines.
Submit!
Send your work following the guidelines carefully. Then, brace yourself for the wait—it can take weeks or even months to hear back. If your piece is accepted, be ready to make edits if the editors ask for them.
No matter the outcome, remember that rejections aren’t the end; they’re part of the process. Keep submitting and learning along the way!
Get Published With Ink & Oak!
Ink & Oak is an online literary magazine dedicated to supporting emerging writers from North Carolina. We’re interested in stories and poems that reflect the unique voices and experiences of our state. We know submitting can be a little intimidating, but it’s also one of the best ways to grow as a writer.
When you’re ready, check out our submission guidelines, polish your favorite pieces, and submit them to us at inkoaklitmag@gmail.com. We can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
Literary Magazine FAQs
What kind of content do literary magazines focus on?
Literary magazines mainly publish creative writing pieces, such as poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction, flash fiction, and more. Some also support experimental or hybrid forms, as well as visual art, like photography and painting.
How does a literary magazine differ from a typical magazine?
Unlike typical magazines that might cover news, lifestyle, or pop culture, literary magazines focus almost entirely on creative work and craft. They are dedicated to thoughtful, often experimental writing that challenges or moves readers.
Do literary agents read literary magazines?
Many literary agents do keep an eye on literary magazines. It’s one of the best ways they discover fresh voices and new talent. While not every published piece leads to an agent or book deal, being in a respected lit mag can definitely get you on their radar.
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