If you’re a professional writer who’s hoping to be compensated for their creative efforts, literary magazines are an excellent source to begin with. Most established magazines compensate for poems, short fiction, essays, and more—and in the present day, it is easier than ever.
In this article, we’ll cover the top literary magazines that pay freelance writers. Also find submission guidelines, payment rates, and tips to increase your chances of getting published. Let’s dive in.
1. Granta
Granta publishes fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from new and established authors. They’re recognized for their high-quality storytelling.
What They Pay:
- Fiction/Essays: $500−$2,000
- Poetry: $200−$500
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit through their website.
- Open submissions at some times (check their site).
- No genre limits, but literary style is desired.
How to Get Accepted:
- Strong stories with emotional resonance.
- Avoid extremely experimental styles unless highly well-done.
2. The Paris Review
The Paris Review has featured legendary authors such as Jack Kerouac and Philip Roth. They publish fiction, poetry, and interviews.
What They Pay:
- Fiction: $1,000+
- Poetry: $200−$500
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable.
- No simultaneous submissions.
- Response time: 4-6 months.
How to Get Accepted:
- Polished, literary writing.
- Avoid genre fiction (sci-fi, romance, etc.).
3. The Sun Magazine
The Sun specializes in personal essays, short fiction, and poetry. They pay well and have a faithful readership.
What They Pay:
- Fiction: $1,000+
- Poetry: $200−$500
Submission Guidelines:
- Email submissions (look on their website).
- No simultaneous submissions.
- Response time: 3-6 months.
How to Get Accepted:
- Raw, honest storytelling.
- Avoid academic or overly formal writing.
Read: How To Get Paid Freelance Writing Jobs With No Experience
4. One Story
One Story publishes one short story per issue. They pay well and are ideal for new writers.
What They Pay:
- Essays/Stories: $500 per story
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit through Submittable.
- Word limit: 3,000-8,000 words.
- No genre limit.
How to Get Accepted:
- Strong character-driven stories.
- Do not use very long descriptions.
5. Ploughshares
Emerson College supports ploughshares and publishes excellent fiction, poetry, and essays.
What They Pay:
- Fiction/Essays: $45 per page
- Poetry: $50 per poem
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit through Submittable.
- Open submissions at specified times.
- Simultaneous submissions are permitted.
How to Get Accepted:
- Literary, refined writing.
- Do not use genre writing unless it’s literary.
6. AGNI
AGNI publishes experimental and traditional writing. They’re open to new voices. AGNI considers only work written in English or translated into English.
What They Pay:
- Fiction/Essays: $20 per page
- Poetry: $40 per poem
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit online via their site.
- No simultaneous submissions.
- Response time: 3-5 months.
How to Get Accepted:
- Unique, provocative work.
- No clichés.
7. Kenyon Review
Kenyon Review publishes fiction, poetry, and essays. They prefer literary to commercial work.
What They Pay:
- Fiction/Essays: $80−$200
- Poetry: $50−$100
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable.
- Open submissions in fall and spring.
- No simultaneous submissions.
How to Get Accepted:
- Strong, lyrical writing.
- Avoid genre fiction.
8. Electric Literature
Electric Literature features innovative fiction, essays, and criticism. They pay well and have a large readership.
What They Pay:
- Essays/Stories: $100−$300
- Poetry: $50−$100
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit through their site.
- Open to experimental work.
- Simultaneous submissions are okay.
How to Get Accepted:
- Bold, contemporary themes.
- Avoid overly traditional forms.
9. The Sun
A reader-supported magazine publishing raw, personal essays, fiction, and poetry that tackles life’s difficult truths.
What They Pay:
- Essays: $300−2,500
- Fiction: $300−$1,500
- Poetry: $100−$200
- “Readers Write” section: $100−$300
Submission Guidelines:
- No simultaneous submissions
- Response time: 3-6 months
- “Readers Write” has a 500-word limit
How to Get Accepted:
- Write vulnerable first-person narratives
- Avoid academic or flowery language
- Study their “Readers Write” section for tone
10. Subtropics
University of Florida’s journal publishes literary fiction, poetry and essays with Southern flair but open to all voices.
What They Pay:
- Fiction: $500 per story
- Poetry: $100 per poem
- Annual contest: $1,000 prize
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable
- Reading periods: Sept-Nov & Jan-Mar
- Accepts simultaneous submissions
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit experimental forms
- Include Southern themes (but not required)
- Perfect your first paragraph
11. Gulf Coast Literary Journal
Houston-based print journal publishing innovative poetry, fiction and nonfiction with beautiful production values.
What They Pay:
- $50-$300 per page
- Online exclusives: $250 flat rate
- Annual prizes: $1,500 awards
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via their website
- Open Aug-May
- Accepts hybrid genre work
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit visually striking work
- Include Texas/Gulf Coast themes (bonus)
- Perfect your bio note
12. Boulevard
Prestigious print magazine publishing established and emerging literary voices.
What They Pay:
- Poetry: $100−$300
- Fiction: $150−$500
- Nonfiction: $200−$400
Submission Guidelines:
- Mail submissions only
- Reading period: Oct-May
- No electronic submissions
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit short short fiction (under 5k words)
- Include SASE for response
- Perfect your mailing package
13. The Threepenny Review
Quarterly arts magazine paying professional rates for concise, powerful writing.
What They Pay:
- Fiction/essays: $400 flat rate
- Poetry: $200 per poem
Submission Guidelines:
- Mail submissions only
- Accepts simultaneous submissions
- Responds in 8-12 weeks
How to Get Accepted:
- Keep pieces under 4,000 words
- Handwrite cover letters (they appreciate this)
- Submit seasonal pieces early
14. Colorado Review
CSU’s journal publishes literary fiction/poetry with Western sensibility.
What They Pay:
- $30 per page
- Nelligan Prize: $1,000
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable
- Reading periods: Sept-April
- Accepts long works (to 10k words)
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit Rocky Mountain themes (bonus)
- Appreciates detailed cover letters
- Mention if CSU alum (not required)
15. Allegory
Semi-pro mag specializing in literary speculative fiction.
What They Pay:
- $15-50 per piece
- Pays on publication
Submission Guidelines:
- Email submissions
- 60-day response time
- Accepts reprints
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit genre/literary hybrids
- Perfect your hook
- Avoid cliché tropes
16. American Poetry Review
One of America’s most widely distributed poetry journals, publishing established and emerging voices.
What They Pay:
- $50 per page
- $250 minimum per poem
Submission Guidelines:
- Mail submissions only
- No simultaneous submissions
- Responds within 6 months
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit polished, publication-ready poems
- Avoid overly academic language
- Include professional bio
17. Ancient Paths
Christian-themed literary magazine open to spiritual explorations in poetry/fiction.
What They Pay:
- Poetry: $20 per poem
- Fiction: $50 per story
Submission Guidelines:
- Email submissions preferred
- Accepts simultaneous submissions
- Annual reading period: August-November
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit subtle faith-based themes
- Avoid preachy/conversion narratives
- Myth retellings favored
18. Bennington Review
Biannual print journal affiliated with Bennington College, known for innovative literary work.
What They Pay:
- Poetry: $100 per poem
- Prose: $250 per piece
Submission Guidelines:
- Submittable submissions only
- Reading periods: September & March
- No previously published work
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit right when the reading period opens
- Experimental forms encouraged
- Mention Bennington connection (if any)
19. Copper Nickel
University of Colorado’s journal with a special interest in translations and visual art pairings.
What They Pay:
- $30 per page
- $500 for featured translations
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable
- Bilingual submissions welcome
- Responds within 4 months
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit with accompanying art
- Highlight multicultural elements
- Include translator bio if applicable
20. Grain Magazine
Canada’s acclaimed literary journal publishing bold, inventive poetry and prose with a focus on crisp imagery.
What They Pay:
- Poetry: 50 CAD per poem
- Fiction: 50−250 CAD per story
- Annual Short Grain Contest: 1,000 CAD top prize
Submission Guidelines:
- Submit via Submittable
- Reading periods: Sept-May
- Fiction under 5,000 words preferred
How to Get Accepted:
- Focus on vivid sensory details
- Submit during their “open reading” months
- Mention if you’re a Canadian writer (though international submissions are welcome)
21. Ninth Letter
University of Illinois’ award-winning print/online hybrid known for innovative design and literary excellence.
What They Pay:
- Poetry: $25 per page
- Prose: $100 per piece
- Web exclusives: $50 flat rate
Submission Guidelines:
- Online submissions only
- Reading periods: Sept-Feb
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed with notification
How to Get Accepted:
- Submit work with visual/design potential
- Mention any multimedia components
- Perfect your first page – they prioritize strong openings
More on Freelance Writing Jobs:
- Freelance Writing Websites Offering Jobs for Writers
- Content Writing Courses Online for Aspiring Freelance Writers
- Magazines That Pay $50 To Freelance Writers
- History Magazines That Pay Freelance Writers
Final Checklist Before Submitting Articles to Literary Magazines:
- Format Perfectly – Each magazine has specific requirements
- Track Submissions – Use a spreadsheet or Duotrope
- Simultaneous Strategy – Only when allowed
- Cover Letters Matter – Keep them professional but personable
Conclusion: These literary magazines pay well and actively seek new voices in 2025. Choose a few that suit your style, edit your work, and begin submitting.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.