Alternative Markets
If you’ve already submitted and are looking at other literary magazines and contests to submit to, or if Mollusk Lit isn’t the right litmag for you, we’ve compiled a list of other literary magazines and contests that we like.
Alternative Markets — All Ages
A semi-pro quarterly magazine for writers of all ages and especially from marginalized groups. They accept submissions of original short stories, poetry, and artwork, and focus on speculative fiction.
A student-run literary magazine and journal. They accept submissions of fiction, art, and comics.
A professional literary podcast for writers of all ages. They accept submissions of up to 6,000 words, and exclusively accept young adult speculative fiction. They pay $.08/word for original fiction and also accept reprints for lower prices. They also provide an Alternative Markets page.
A literary magazine for writers of all ages. They accept poetry and prose pieces.
A literary magazine for writers of all ages. They accept previously unpublished poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction pieces. They are known for their 24 hour turnaround period.
A literary magazine for writers of all ages. They accept historically-oriented fiction and poetry. They are open for themed issue and general submissions.
A literary journal for writers and artist of all ages. They focus on justice-themed pieces that explore social, cultural, and ethical topics.
A literary magazine for writers of all ages. They accept previously unpublished submissions of poetry, prose, and visual art.
Karma Comes Before is a literary arts community and magazine founded in 2022. It publishes content that celebrates the best parts of childhood (like candy, playing etc) and the joys of adulthood (independence, partying etc) but is also open to exploring heartbreak, betrayal etc. Open to writers of all ages.
A contest for poets of all ages, accepting previously unpublished poetry submissions. They are also open to general submissions for several genres outside of the poetry contest.
A literary magazine focusing on prose, poetry, and dramatic writing.
A non-profit literary magazine/contest for poets of all ages, with an annual contest for poets 15 years or younger. They accept previously unpublished poetry, translations, and book reviews.
A literary magazine focusing on poetry, flash fiction, and short stories. They prefer raw voices and stories about the human condition. $4.00 submission fee.
A literary magazine for writers of all ages. They accept submissions of any genre, and are known for their policy of only accepting previously rejected submissions.
A literary magazine for writers and artists of all ages. They accept submissions of all genres and look for unique voices and compelling perspectives.
A literary magazine for writers and artists of all ages that accepts short pieces of poetry and prose. They are quite transparent with their preferences, which you can find on their website.
Alternative Markets — High School to Adult
A nonprofit journal for high school and adult writers and artists. They accept submissions of poetry, prose, and art.
A literary magazine for writers aged 13-22. They accept previously unpublished poetry, fiction, nonfiction, essays, opinion pieces, travel writing, photography and art.
A literary magazine for writers aged 12-22. They accept submissions of most genres, and primarily focus on topics of mental health.
A literary magazine with contests for writers aged 18+. They accept submissions of 1000-3000 words, and host weekly story contests based on prompts.
Alternative Markets — High School Exclusive
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry and prose, and provide feedback.
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry, prose, visual art, and photography, preferring experimental, boundary-pushing creations.
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry and prose, embracing diverse storytelling and unique perspectives.
A literary contest for middle and high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry and prose, among many other genres. They are known for their many levels of recognition (from honorable mention to national gold medal).
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry and prose, and create themed issues.
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept various genres.
A literary magazine for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry and prose, providing feedback on all submissions.
A literary contest for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry.
A contest for high school poets. They accept previously unpublished poetry, highlighting emerging voices.
A national arts competition for high school writers. They accept previously unpublished poetry, prose, and art, empowering winners through recognition and mentorship.
Alternative Markets — Young Writers
A contest for middle and high school fiction writers. They accept submissions of fiction that are exactly 1000 words.
A literary magazine for writers aged 12-22. They accept submissions of most genres, and primarily focus on topics of mental health.
A literary magazine for writers aged 10 and over. They accept previously unpublished submissions of poetry and prose.
A literary magazine/contest for writers in grades 7-12. They accept many genres. You can see their rubric for judging here.
A literary magazine/contest for 3rd to 9th grade writers. They accept general submissions of any writing.