As writers, we can all relate to the lack of feedback from literary magazines.
You’ve created what you believe is a publishable piece. You’ve dedicated countless hours contemplating the most effective word choice and gone through multiple rounds of editing. However, your submissions are still being rejected by Literary Magazines.
Wouldn’t you want to know why your work is being rejected? What determines whether your work gets published? What’s going through the minds of the publication’s editors?
Well, there is a way to find out. Though sometimes it may cost a little more, it’s possible to pinpoint exactly why your work was rejected because some literary magazines that give feedback alongside rejections. Let’s take a look at some of these thoughtful magazines.
Why is Feedback Important?
Feedback is important because it allows you to identify the exact reason your writing is being rejected. Knowing this allows you to improve your writing, which can boost the chances of your next submission. This knowledge also improves your odds of publishing more work in the future.
Why All Literary Magazines Don’t Offer Feedback
Literary magazines are too busy to provide feedback on rejected submissions; it’s that simple.
Picture yourself seated at your computer, sending multiple submissions daily. Now imagine thousands of other writers doing the same. How will editors manage multiple review rounds (depending on interest in your work) and feedback on every submission? Though I would love for all publications to detail why they did not accept my work, it is simply not possible.
Literary Magazines Offering Feedback with Rejections
Many literary magazines and journals do not offer any feedback on rejections. Fortunately, there are others committed to supporting writers dedicated to improving their craft. Here is a short literary magazine list:
Black Fox Literary Magazine is an international print and online publication. They focus on contemporary short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art that are artistic, heartwarming, and captivating. Their editors are keen to find new voices and support those already established.
Editorial feedback from this magazine is an add-on feature, priced at $59. It includes a letter offering feedback and suggestions to enhance your stories and improve your writing in general.
BlazeVox Online Journal features a diverse selection of contemporary poetry. It also promotes inventive fiction, as well as select non-fiction and literary criticism. Their goal is the widespread distribution of poetry via print and digital platforms, across academic and public audiences. Therefore, their publications usually venture into uncharted literary territory and all submissions are reviewed.
Through publications, BlazeVox fosters cultural and intellectual enrichment, regional pride, and the celebration of local accomplishments. It is almost impossible to believe it started as a college project in 1999. Print-on-demand publishing was implemented in 2005 to publish their first books. Over the years, they’ve seen massive growth in their catalog.
Broken Antler Magazine is an annual print publication featuring creative and critical pieces from established and emerging artists and writers in horror. It features dark, experimental, ominous, and nonsensical literary works and is split into:
- BAM Quarterly – This online journal publishes creative work quarterly in October, January, April, and July.
- The Marrow – From time to time, this blog welcomes pitches for interviews, reviews, essays, and creative submissions of micro fiction, poetry, and art. It also features LGBTQIA+ creator series.
Editorial feedback from Broken Antler Magazine may or may not cost you, since the $10 payment is voluntary.
Dawn Review is an international literary magazine featuring written and visual work by both emerging and established writers and artists. This magazine is unique because it doesn’t categorize its content by genre. They think creativity shines best without labels. Consequently, creatives of all ages and backgrounds can submit works on any theme.
Dawn Review offers free, in-depth (~300 words) feedback on all submissions. This will help remove obstacles for writers and artists during the editing process.
Kim Winternheimer established The Masters Review, an online and print magazine that highlights new and emerging writers in 2011. They are always looking for talented new writers with a proven ability to create amazing stories. They also accept critical essays, book reviews by debut authors, contest and submission information, and author interviews.
Feedback is offered through an add-on editorial letter from The Masters Review. You will receive a one- to two-page letter from a seasoned guest editor highlighting your submission’s strengths and suggesting revisions. Your editor might also provide additional submission and reading recommendations, or other feedback on your writing.
Conclusion: Literary Magazines and Feedback
The process of submitting to literary magazines is already challenging. Rejection makes things even more difficult. Fortunately, there are publications that cater to writers’ development across various genres. To support writers, these magazines provide feedback on rejected work, going above and beyond. Feedback is a gift and though some require payment, I believe the value justifies the cost.
“We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”
Bill Gates