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literary magazines for high school students

11 Literary Magazines Accepting Writing and Art from Teens

Books & writing.

Tue, May 09

literary magazines for high school students

By Anshi Purohit

When I first started on my writing journey, I had no idea there were so many opportunities for teens to get published and share their writing with the world. Before, I assumed the professional writing world was reserved for adults, but that’s definitely not true! Young people have a lot to say and have opinions that deserve to be expressed on their own platforms, so I compiled a short list of eleven literary magazines where teens can choose to submit their work.

Of course, the Teen Magazine is an amazing, open platform for teens interested in journalism or seeking to gain experience in writing professionally. The Teen Magazine is made up of hundreds of college and high school writers from around the world who are passionate about improving their writing skills and eager to join a supportive community! Apply here.

Before diving into the submission process, be sure to read some of each magazine’s previous issues and submission guidelines. This is a great way to read samples of what they publish, and editors love when you acknowledge your knowledge of their magazines. There is no specific order to the list.

Image via Creative Commons

#1 Cathartic Literary Magazine

Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine was the first literary magazine I got published in, and it is a platform not only advocating for teen voices but mental health awareness as well. Cathartic is dedicated to breaking the barrier around mental health by using writing as a tool to “make sense of complicated situations” and heal. They accept mental health articles, poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and flash fiction submissions on a rolling basis. They also provide feedback on all submissions.

#2 Blue Marble Review

The Blue Marble Review is a quarterly online literary journal accepting art, writing, photography, and nonfiction on a rolling basis from anyone between the ages of 13 and 22. They respond in 4-6 weeks and have an FAQ page to answer questions regarding the submission process. They seek to assemble issues with diverse opinions and unique voices. In addition, writers published online in Blue Marble will receive $30 per published piece ($75 for cover art).

#3 The WEIGHT Journal

The WEIGHT Journal is a literary journal for high school students all over the world that welcomes all kinds of creative writing, be it flash fiction or a hybrid piece. They accept writing about any topic and look for ‘honest’ writing that evokes a strong sense of emotion in its readers. Depending on the number of submissions they receive, they publish work twice a month. Here’s a link to works they like.

literary magazines for high school students

#4 Incandescent Review

If you’re looking to join a social movement striving for a better world as well as a platform to publish your writing, the Incandescent Review is a great nonprofit literary magazine run by teens and dedicated to illuminating teen voices. The Incandescent Review also has a Summer Studio Program for emerging writers and artists and a list of resources for students. Along with submitting to their magazine, you can also submit to their writing contests!

#5 Eunoia Review

Eunoia Review is an online literary journal based in Singapore that has one of the fastest turnaround times I am aware of; they aim to respond to all submissions within 24 hours and publish work by writers of all ages! They accept previously unpublished fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction on a rolling basis. If you get rejected, you can resubmit after a month or two. Eunoia Review seeks work with the fruits of ‘beautiful thinking,’ and publishes two new pieces a day on their website.

literary magazines for high school students

#6 Paper Crane

Even though I’m hopeless at origami, the Paper Crane Literary Magazine is an amazing online literary magazine! They believe “there is no one way to be human, and there is no one way to make art,” and are especially interested in youth's perspectives. Paper Crane has an annual anthology and poetry competition, as well as a resource page compiled with articles about how to improve your writing skills.

#7 Polyphony Literary Magazine

The word ‘polyphony’ means ‘many voices,’ and this global literary magazine is amplifying teen voices! Polyphony Lit nominates published work for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers and has opportunities to write for their blog or other various leadership roles. Polyphony also has editor and summer apprenticeship training available to students worldwide so they can join their editorial staff. According to their mission statement, they strive to give in-depth editorial feedback to each submission and “enrich the lives of literary teens worldwide, especially those in under-resourced communities.” They accept submissions during reading periods or contests.

#8 Parallax Lit

Another amazing student-run high school literary magazine is Parallax Online Literary Magazine , which accepts submissions from students worldwide. They are open to submissions from September 5-April 1, and they accept simultaneous submissions. As of now, Parallax accepts poetry, prose, and dramatic writing.

#9 The Adroit Journal

The Adroit Journal is an acclaimed literary and art magazine that has many opportunities for teen authors, both through a summer writing mentorship program where they hone their craft alongside acclaimed authors and getting published in their journal. They have published US State Poet Laureates, MacArthur Fellows, and Pulitzer Prize winners. The journal has its "eyes on the horizon" and looks for writing that "lives just between the land and the sky." The Paris Review said, “The Adroit Journal is where I want to go when I want to know what the kids are reading.” This internationally-recognized literary and arts magazine is the perfect place to submit your best work.

#10 The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards is probably one of the most popular national writing contests for teen writers based in the U.S. (and some parts of Canada). Teens across the country submit in the regionals first, where they can submit in a variety of categories ranging from fashion to editorial cartoons and a writing portfolio (for graduating seniors). Students can receive either a Gold or Silver key, or an honorable mention in the regional awards, and all Gold key recipients move on to the nationals! Recipients of a Gold Key are also eligible to apply for a Summer Writing Scholarship.

#11 YoungArts

For over four decades, the YoungArts art and writing competition has supported teen artists 15-18 years old by being one of the only organizations in the U.S. that supports artists across 10 disciplines at all stages of development. Finalists, Honorable Mention, and Merit award recipients gain access to funding opportunities and additional programs including National YoungArts week, a weeklong intensive program where writers and artists perform/read their works and are published in a Finalist Anthology + Catalogue. Their vision is “a world that embraces artists as vital to our humanity.” Applications open in June 2023.

literary magazines for high school students

Making and maintaining a submission schedule is essential to ensure you submit your pieces to literary magazines during their submission windows. Do your research before you start submitting; read some of the amazing work these lit mags publish and consider following them on social media. While rejection is, unfortunately, to be expected, persistence pays off.

Never give up on your stories and your unique voice; these platforms want to hear from teens like you. Even though only fifteen journals are listed in this article, here is a link to seventy-plus additional places where you can submit your writing or art. Good luck in all your writing pursuits!

literary magazines for high school students

Anshi Purohit 5,000+ pageviews

Anshi is a sophomore from Maryland, USA. She is passionate about mental health and strives to help others in any way she can. When she is not reading or writing, you can find her cuddling with her dog, playing viola, or going on hikes.

Website: sonderfulwritings.com

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literary magazines for high school students

Literary Journals for High School Students

Literary Journals for High School Students

One way to encourage and promote a genuine love of writing for our students is by encouraging all of our students to publish their writing. There are countless online literary journals dedicated to promoting high school students’ writing. The possibility of getting published (or even paid for a published submission) is an excellent motivator for students to keep the pen moving. You can also integrate some of the writing prompts into your classroom routine through related writing prompts or free-write sessions into your class time.

For some students, submitting work to publications may improve their confidence in their writing abilities and teach them how to edit their work. For other students, it may give them the boost that they need. By writing for a literary journal, students will learn how to look at their words through their audience’s eyes, a skill much desired in the workplace.

One way to incorporate writing for a literary journal in your classroom is to assign students a poem or flash fiction piece. Then proceed to gather their papers and pull the rough drafts out again in two weeks. With a fresh pair of eyes, the students will be able to edit their pieces in a much more logical manner than they may have before. Then, when they feel their work is polished, bring up the idea of publishing.

Though the eventual rejection is inevitable when it comes to literary magazines, you can help turn your students’ rejections into a learning experience. One way to do this is by setting a rejection goal. For example, you could challenge your students to be denied by ten literary magazines throughout the school year. Though this may sound odd, your students will feel like they’ve accomplished something when they meet that number count, and this also encourages more writing. If students happen to get an acceptance letter instead during this process, they’ll be delightfully surprised.

And while this post primarily focuses on contributing writing to these online literary magazines, it is also noteworthy to mention that most of these publications also accept graphic design, artistic, and photographic submissions as well.

You can help encourage your students to submit by offering incentives, whether it be a homework pass, extra credit, or even preferential seating on the class beanbag chair.

Here are a few magazines to get your students started in their pursuits:

Blue Marble Review

A relatively new literary magazine that has only flourished since it’s first publication. The writing seems to get better and better with every issue. This publication accepts poetry and prose, and it has a very sleek web-design.

Canvas Teen Literary Journal

Established in 2013, Canvas Teen Literary Journal accepts submissions quarterly. A major plus with Canvas is that students who have their work published can also order print copies of the literary journal. And with a teen editorial board, Canvas truly is “for teens, by teens.”

This literary journal has been around since 1989! Teen Ink has published more than 55,000 students’ work, and it accepts submissions from students aged 13-19. One unique thing about Teen Ink is that they do not have any staff writers or artists -they depend entirely on the submissions they receive.

Polyphony Lit

Polyphony Lit has a unique acceptance process. Each piece is regarded by fellow high school students across the world who write intensive line-by-line commentary for the author. Nowhere else on the Internet do students get this sort of individualized attention. You can also encourage your students to apply to be a Polyphony H.S. editor, which looks great on college applications.

Literary Journals for High School Students

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literary magazines for high school students

10 Journals Where You Can Get Published in High School

May 2, 2017

literary magazines for high school students

10 Journals Where You Can Get Published in High School

Do you have a great story to tell? Do you want to study creative writing in college? Are you itching to become the next Veronica Roth who was only 22 when her New York Times Bestseller Divergent appeared in print? Are you trying to get published in high school ?

Getting published in high school is a great achievement to include on your college applications . It’s impressive, it’s concrete, and it’s unique. In many cases, you can also include the link to your published work on your Common App! How cool is that?

And the steps it takes to get published in high school actually aren't that hard. While you need to submit quality work, there are definitely journals out there that receive and publish high schoolers’ writing. Check out this list of excellent publications (some online and some in print) that will accept and publish good writing regardless of the writer’s age!

1. The Adroit Journal

Who will read and select your work at The Adroit Journal? Other young people like you! This magazine is run by high school students, college students, and emerging writers. Adroit publishes within “over 21” and “under 21” categories, so your writing will appear alongside great work by writers of any age. Adroit publishes fiction and poetry, and includes art and photography.

Online at: http://www.theadroitjournal.org/

2. Alexandria Quarterly

Check out the website for this beautiful collection of visual art and literature, which appears both online and in print. The Alexandria Quarterly celebrates diverse art and has been know to publish strong work, regardless of the writer’s age. The Alexandria Quarterly also gives the Emerging Artists and Writers Award annually to an artist or writer under the age of 17.

Online at: http://www.alexandriaquarterlymag.com/

Boston University’s well-respected journal appears in both print and online. AGNI submissions are not limited to high school writers, but the journal is known to accept and publish lots of work by new writers. Get published in high school at AGNI and you’ve taken an important step to becoming a writer in the real world!

Online at: http://www.bu.edu/agni/submit.html

Not only does Cicada accept standard fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, it also publishes comics. The published artists range in age, but the journal is aimed at young (high school-aged) readers. This quirky, but professional journal also claims to be “inordinately fond” of jokes about vikings. If you get published in high school in this popular journal it's a success to celebrate!

Online at: http://www.cicadamag.com/about

5. The Claremont Review

This international magazine showcases writing in English from all over the world. And everyone published in the journal is between the ages of 13 and 19. Therefore, the Claremont Review gives young writers a great shot at a their first professional publishing experience. The journal also awards monetary prizes for their annual writing competition.

Online at: https://www.theclaremontreview.ca/

Ember: a journal of luminous things is published only twice a year, but this beautiful and dreamy journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction appeals to all age groups. Although it doesn’t exclusively publish young writers, submissions from writers and artists ages 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged.

Online at: http://emberjournal.org/

7. The Louisville Review

This national literary magazine is primarily a competitive journal for adult and established writers. However, its “Children’s Corner” accepts submissions from young writers in grades K-12. Although the title of this section of The Louisville Review might make it less appealing to serious high school writers, this high quality magazine is a place to try submitting. If accepted, you’ll have a professional publishing experience!

Online at: http://www.louisvillereview.org/

8. Polyphony Lit

This journal celebrated the work of high school students and maintains its mission to be a source of outstanding writer by, for, and selected by high school students. As their websites states, the staff and editors behind Polyphony H.S. believe that “ when young writers put precise and powerful language to their lives it helps them better understand their value as human beings.” This mission is reflected in their dedication to young and emerging writers.

Online at:  https://www.polyphonylit.org/

9. Teen Ink

This is one of the most popular and diverse writing spaces to get published in high school . The broad categories for publication reflect the diversity of writing that this lively online magazine celebrates. Some publication categories include: community service, travel and culture, the environment, health, reviews of TV shows and video games, and college essays, among the more traditional poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

Online at: http://www.teenink.com/

10. Young Adult Review Network

The Young Adult Review Network appears online and is aimed at Young Adult readers. Unlike other several other journals on this list, the Young Adult Review Network also publishes writing for young readers by established and famous writers. Therefore, as a new writer and a teenage writer included in this journal, you’ll be surrounded by the best company.

Link: http://yareview.net/

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literary magazines for high school students

17 Literary Magazines Accepting Submissions from Young Writers

Erica Verrillo

Erica Verrillo

Curiosity Never Killed the Writer

S chool literary magazines have long been a tradition in high schools and colleges. But since the advent of the Internet, youth-oriented literary magazines have expanded to include submissions from students all over the world. A good number of these magazines are staffed by students themselves.

Some of these magazines offer payment, but most do not. I have placed the paying markets at the top.

Also see: 18 Children’s and YA Magazines That Pay Writers . For more paying markets see: Paying Markets

Happy submitting!

____________________

One Teen Story

Age: 13–19 Genre: Short story Payment: $500 and 25 copies of the journal

One Teen Story publishes 3 stories a year. “One Teen Story is looking for great short stories written by teens about the teen experience. Some examples of stories we look out for are ones that deal with issues of identity, friendship, family, and coming-of-age. Gratuitous profanity, sex, and drug use are best avoided. We’re open to all genres of well-written young adult fiction between 2,000 and 4,500 words.”

Guardian Angel Kids Online Magazine

Age: Up to 14 Genre: Stories and poetry Payment: .03 cents per word for articles and stories. Poems $10. Photos $3 each with an article. Original Artwork $5–25 per illustration-One illustration/picture per article/story.

“Guardian Angel Publishing believes we can change the world by investing in children one child at a time. Our hope is that the seeds of the influence from our books will live longer than we do. Our goal is to build a harvest of knowledge and vibrant faith in kids to help transform a time in the future that we may never see.”

Age: 16 and up Genre: Stories and poems Payment: $25 to $150 and up

“Highlights is a general-interest magazine for children ages 6–12. By publishing stories, puzzles, articles, and activities that are fun and engaging, we aim to inspire kids to be their best selves–creative, curious, caring, and confident. Highlights was founded in 1946 by Dr. Garry Cleveland Myers and Caroline Clark Myers, and is still owned and run by their family. The magazine accepts no outside advertising and has no religious or organizational affiliation. Highlights has a circulation of about a million and is published monthly.”

Cast of Wonders

Age: “We are particularly interested in considering stories from younger writers (under 18).” Genre: YA fiction Payment: $.08/word for original fiction of any length. For reprints, $100 flat rate for Short Fiction, and a $20 flat rate for Flash Fiction

Cast of Wonders is a young adult short fiction market, open to stories up to 6,000 words in length. They want stories that evoke a sense of wonder, have deep emotional resonance, and have something unreal about them. “We aim for a 12–17 age range: that means sophisticated, non-condescending stories with wide appeal, and without gratuitous or explicit sex, violence or pervasive obscene language. Think Harry Potter or The Hunger Games. Stories are presented in audio format, which means our audience rarely skim past boring bits.”

Age: 13 and younger Genre: Poetry and stories

Stone Soup is an established magazine for children. They have no minimum word length, but the maximum length for a story or personal narrative is 10,000 words. The majority of the stories they publish are only 2–5 pages long. “We publish stories on all subjects — dance, sports, problems at school, problems at home, magical places — and in all genres — literary fiction, science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery; there is no limit to the subject matter of a Stone Soup story.” They accept prose and poetry. Poems and their weekly contest are free. Fiction and CNF have fees.

The Blue Pencil

Age: 12–18 Genre: Prose and poetry

The Blue Pencil is a publication edited and produced by the Walnut Hill Writing, Film & Media Arts Department, and publishes literary work by high school writers, ages 12–18, from around the world.

The Milking Cat

Age: Teens Genre: Comedy

The Milking Cat is an online comedy magazine dedicated to teen comedians. Founded in 2018, The Milking Cat was created by three high school juniors who wanted to spread their love of comedy.. Run by high school students across the country, the website publishes original comedy of all media types.

New Moon Girls

Age: Girls 8 and up Genre: Fiction, poetry, personal essays, how-to articles, art, comics, photography

New Moon Magazine is aimed specifically at female tweens and teens, and offers them a place of inspiration, connection and support where they can stay deeply connected to their true interests, abilities, and hopes. The magazine is offered in both print and electronic format.

Polyphony Lit

Age: High School students Genre: Poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction

“Polyphony Lit is a global online literary platform for high school students. We invite high school students worldwide to submit creative writing, join our editorial staff, write blog posts, take workshops, and grow into leadership roles. Because developing young writers is central to our mission, our editors provide feedback on every submission.” Submissions are open from July 1, 2020–April 30, 2021.

Age: 13 to 19 Genre: Poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews, art

Teen Ink is a national magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. For over 25 years, it’s offered teens a place to publish their creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives.

Young Writers Project

Age: Up to age 19 Genre: All

Based in Burlington, Vermont, YWP is a community of young writers and artists who create and connect online at youngwritersproject.org, and in person, through words, photos, and art. “Since Young Writers Project started in 2006, it has been an oasis of civility and respect. More than 115,000 young people have participated in YWP, and it’s this culture of civility that continues to make YWP so incredible. YWP revolves around three core areas — the website, publications, and workshops — for young people between ages 13 and 19 (younger with parental permission).”

Age: High School students Genre: All sorts of creative writing: poetry, slam, flash fiction, short fiction, creative non-fiction, hybrid, and whatever else you have.

“The WEIGHT is a literary blog for high school students who may find themselves in need of a creative outlet, about the pandemic or anything else. Everyone has something heavy to get off their chest.”

Age: High School and up Genre: Poetry, art, and fiction

The Adroit Journal (ISSN 2577–9427) was founded in November 2010 by poet Peter LaBerge. At its foundation, the journal has its eyes focused ahead, seeking to showcase what its global staff of emerging writers sees as the future of poetry, prose, and art. “We’re looking for work that’s bizarre, authentic, subtle, outrageous, indefinable, raw, paradoxical. We’ve got our eyes on the horizon. Send us writing that lives just between the land and the sky.” Adroit also offers mentorships to young writers. Has submission periods.

Age: Students currently enrolled in grades 9 through 12 Genre: Fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screen writing, plays and visual art

The Élan international student literary magazine produces two online editions a school year, one in the Fall and another in the Spring. The two editions are combined into a single print edition at the end of each school year. “We seek original, innovative, creative and nuanced work from around the world.” Has reading periods.

School Lunch

Age: 13–17 Genre: Fiction, poetry, flash prose, personal essay, YA, and creative nonfiction

School Lunch is a bi-weekly publication of Lunch Ticket catering to young writers. Lunch Ticket is a publication of the MFA community of Antioch University. “With a commitment to publishing the best literary writing and visual art, we encourage submissions from underrepresented and marginalized artists and writers.” Has reading periods.

Age: High School students Genre: Prose, poetry, art

Levitate is a publication of the Creative Writing Department, The Chicago High School for the Arts. “We strive to assemble a collection of literature and art designed and written with purpose and demonstrating a passion for the work. We are open to unconventional work, while still appreciating the traditional. We are committed to publishing literature and art that is inclusive of diverse identities, perspectives, and crafts. We encourage new voices, but accept work from established artists and writers as well.” Has reading periods.

Parallax Literary Magazine

Age: High School students Genre: Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and dramatic writing

Parallax Literary Magazine has been published by the Creative Writing department of Idyllwild Arts Academy since 1997. Idyllwild Arts Academy is a college preparatory boarding high school dedicated to the arts. In 2011 Parallax expanded by adding an online component, which accepts submissions from high school students worldwide. The website also showcases student book reviews and writer interviews.

Like this article? For more articles about the publishing world, useful tips on how to get an agent, agents who are looking for clients, how to market and promote your work, building your online platform, how to get reviews, self-publishing, as well as publishers accepting manuscripts directly from writers (no agent required) visit Publishing and Other Forms of Insanity .

Erica Verrillo

Written by Erica Verrillo

Helping writers get published and bolstering their flagging spirits at http://publishedtodeath.blogspot.com/

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Books and Reading: Magazines That Publish Writing by Teens

  • Brooklyn Books
  • Coming of Age & Memoirs Around the Globe
  • Picture Books that Teach Empathy
  • Culturally Sensitive Representation
  • Dystopian Fiction
  • Great Books For 6th Graders
  • Historical Fiction
  • Into Sports-Fiction Books
  • Leveled Book Lists
  • Nonfiction Graphic Novels
  • Peace & Social Justice
  • Thrills and Chills
  • Young Men Facing Challenges
  • Pairing YA Novels with Classics
  • HiLo Book Recommendations
  • Magazines That Publish Writing by Teens
  • Teen Mysteries

The Adroit Journal is run by high school and college students and publishes poetry, fiction, flash fiction, art/photography, and cross-genre works by adults and teens. They have a section focused on  tips for young writers , as well as a number of opportunities available to young writers, the most notable being the  Summer Mentorship Program .  It is currently OPEN to submissions of Poetry, Prose, Art, and Interviews & Reviews, and will remain open to all four through  October 31, 2022 .

Cast of Wonders is a young adult short fiction market, open to stories up to 6,000 words in length, that they publish in a podcast format. They have detailed submission guidelines but are particularly open to work by young writers. Learn more  here .

Daphne Review publishes writing and art by individuals between the ages of 13-18. To learn more go  here.

Elan accepts original fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, screen writing, plays and visual art from students in grades 9 through 12. They publish two online and one print issue a year. You can learn more  here.

Let's Say Gay is a new journal designed for the entire generation of young people being systematically silenced by discriminatory laws. It  is open to queer artists  between the ages of 13 and 18 , and is currently accepting short fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, visual art, and photography. LSG’s submissions are open this year from  April 17th-June 1st. Submissions are free. Please submit all entries via email at [email protected]. Learn more here . 

Levitate is the literary magazine of Chicago High School for the Arts. Learn more  here . It is open for submissions starting November 1, 2021 and close on February 28, 2022, allowing for a print production date in early May.

Lunch Ticket is an established and respected publication from Antioch University has a special category for writers between the ages of 13-17. You can see what they have previously published by going to their  school lunch archive . You can submit  here .

One Teen Story publishes four stories a year. Stories are written by teenagers and have to be submitted as part of their yearly contest. Entry is free, the winners are paid, and the next contest opens up in Fall 2020. Learn more  here . The One Teen Story Teen Writing Contest opened September 6th, 2022 and will close November 27th, 2022.

Parallax Online is a high school student-edited literary magazine featuring original fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays and screenplays, as well as book reviews and author interviews. Edited by the Creative Writing Department at Idyllwild Arts Academy, they publish work by teenagers world wide. Learn more  here .

Polyphony Lit is an international literary journal run by and for teens is only open to submissions from high-schoolers. You can learn more  here . Submissions for Volume 19 are open on the following schedule:

  • Reading Period 1:  July 1 - September 30, 2022
  • Reading Period 2:  November 1, 2021 - January 31, 2023
  • Reading Period 3 :  March 1 - April 30, 2023

The Start  publishes works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry focused on a young adult reader. They publish work by adults and high-schoolers. To learn more go  here .

Teen Ink is a   print magazine and website that publishes work by teenagers intended to be read by teenagers. They have extensive submission guidelines and require registration but they are open to a wide variety (and lengths) of writing. Learn more  here .

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  • Last Updated: Nov 3, 2023 5:00 PM
  • URL: https://bcs448.libguides.com/booksandreading

NewPages.com

Publications for Young Writers – the NewPages Guide

Updated November 1, 2023

View Writing Contests for Young Writers

Where young writers can find print and online literary magazines to read, places to publish their own works, and legitimate contests . Some publish only young writers, some publish all ages for young readers. For specific submission guidelines, visit the publication’s website. Ages can include elementary, teen, or early college. The [u] designation means it is an undergraduate publication, so may contain more “adult” content, but “undergraduate” could include dual-enrolled high school students who have college student status.

This is an ad-free resource: publications and writing contests listed here have not paid to be included. This guide is maintained by Editor Denise Hill, a teacher who loves to encourage young writers.

Safety Matters! We expect sites listed in this guide to adhere to the  Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act . This includes a transparent method for obtaining parental/guardian permission when collecting information from contributors under the age of 13 years old.

A Note to Young Writers:  Editors expect you to read their publications to know what kinds of work they publish. Take time to become familiar by reading their content online or requesting a sample copy. DO NOT just send your work without having read the publication. It’s a mistake too often made by many writers, and it annoys editors. Do not annoy editors.

A Note to Teachers: Please read the above note to Young Writers. If you assign your students to submit their writing for publication, also assign them to research the market and find an appropriate publication for their work.

Please do not send your writing for publication to NewPages. We do not accept submissions for any publication listed here.

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This literary and art journal from the Manatee County Public Library System showcases debut and emerging writers, poets, and artists in their quarterly, online journal. Teens 13-19 are invited to submit writing and art for an annual teen issue published each spring.

1890: A Journal of Undergraduate Research   [u]

Provides undergraduate students the opportunity to demonstrate their interests and abilities in various disciplines by accepting works of research, creative writing, poetry, reviews, and art. Based out of the English Department at University of Central Oklahoma, New Plains Student Publishing uses 1890 to encourage, recognize, and reward intellectual and creative activity beyond the classroom by providing a forum that builds a cohesive academic community.

Abrasu Magazine

A new online quarterly of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art by contributors ages 20 and under, this is an initiative launched to provide high school students from Southeast Asia and Oceania the opportunity to grow their potential and pursue their ambitions. The editors are looking for art and literature that conveys personal experiences or encounters with Southeast Asian or Oceanian culture. Contributors do not need to be from these regions or stick to the theme, but Abrasu is prioritizing media regarding these specific cultures.

Publishing a print journal of poetry and essays related to poetry since 2985, Young Poets (no specific age) are invited to send up to four poems for publication consideration.

Adolescent Voices

An online publication for contributors ages 13-23 that encourages youth “of all backgrounds to channel their innermost energy into artistic and written expression, espousing causes about which they feel impassioned.” Currently accepting submissions for their inaugural issue.

Adroit Journal

A  literary magazine run entirely by high school and college students. Adroit publishes poetry, fiction, flash fiction, art/photography, and cross-genre works with separate submissions for “adults” and those “under the age of 21.”

Albion Review  [u]

A national literary journal based out of Albion College in Albion, Michigan, featuring works of short fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art that showcases the work of emerging undergraduate talents.

The Alcott Youth Magazine

An online publication primarily focusing on contributions of articles, essays, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, illustrations, photography, and comics from women ages 13-22. 

Allegheny Review  [u]

Only accepts poetry and prose submissions from currently enrolled undergraduates. Awards recognition for one poetry and one prose submission in each issue.

And Gallons

A youth-run literary and arts magazine for young creators (ages 13-22). Publishing online using the Ko-fi platform for free/donation download PDF of the magazine as well as on Motif. Accepting submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual arts (“Can be anything!”).

ANGLES  [+u]

Formerly “The Angle,” St. John Fisher College’s online literary magazine publishes poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and artwork. Though open for all age submitters, Angles “values and prioritizes college-aged voices with distinct perspectives and takes pride in being among someone’s first publications.”

antinarrative

This online publication is made by and for POC youth creatives, ages 13-23 years old, who are “willing to challenge the conventional limits on genre, medium, and format with their work.”

Applause  [u]

A national annual literary journal devoted to the advancement of undergraduate work on the national stage; publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography.

The Apprentice Writer

Published by the Susquehanna University Writers Institute, this annual publication features fiction, memoir, personal essay, photography, and poetry by US high school students in grades 9-12. [Site only has one page; says to check back September 2022; sent a note 6/14/22 to ask if they have a full site forthcoming.]

Aquila Magazine

A print publication of researched science and general knowledge articles that offer a balanced perspective of history and how the world works as well as stories and educational entertainment written by adults for kids ages 8-13 years old. The publication does publish letters, book reviews, jokes, and pictures by young contributors.

The Augment Review

Publishing fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, experimental genres, articles, interviews, reviews, photography, and artwork by writers and artists between the ages of 13 and 25.

The Auvert Magazine

Publishing poetry, prose, and art by contributors of all ages, this literary magazine welcomes voices from around the globe in an effort to fight against climate change. Youth ages 13+ can become members as staff writers and editors.

BALLOONS Lit. Journal

An independent biannual online literary journal of poetry, fiction, and art primarily for young readers from around 12 years onwards, accepting submissions from people anywhere in the world and in all walks of life.

The Battering Ram

Published by the Woodstock Day School since 2011, publishing poetry, prose, artwork, photography, and “anything else magnificent you’ve created” by high school or younger-aged contributors. Available in print and digital versions.

Youth submissions accepted from around the globe from all ages, with different genres and length requirements depending on age of contributor. Readers ages 7-12 can find short stories, comics, games, craft & art projects, jokes, riddles, sports reporting, articles on pets, recipes, personal achievements and community service projects, poetry, letters, true stories, and much more!

The Bibliopunk

An online publication of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction by contributors ages 13-24 years, with regular calls for submissions on a theme.

Blue Marble Review

An online quarterly of poetry, fiction, non-fiction, photography, and art. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis from writers ages 13-22 years old.

The Blue Route  [u]

An online magazine of undergraduate fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, published biannually by Windener University.

Blue Sage Magazine

An online literary magazine that publishes tri-annual issues with poetry, prose, and art from kids in grades 3-6. The publication intends to provide a safe and uplifting platform that promotes self-expression, diversity, and unique perspectives and stories. Every writing submission receives detailed personal feedback from the editors.

Published by The Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation, writers aged 6-12 years old are invited to submit 1000-word stories for competition and publication in this annual journal.

Body Without Organs

An online quarterly publishing fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and artwork by contributors ages 13-23 years old.

The Borderline

This online publication of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, and photography seeks works from ages 13-26 years old “from your creative margins, words that exist in the colorful space between melding ideas and thoughts.” From a team of youth creators that publish youth works and prioritize BIPOC voices.

BreakBread Literary Project

Founded by W. David Hall, writer and educator, BreakBread will offer a print and online journal of arts and letters dedicated to young adults under the age of 25, a community reading series, and a pop-up program to bring creative writing workshops to schools and community venues.

A literary journal from Bluffton University featuring fiction, nonfiction, poetry, short plays, screenplays, comics, art, graphic literature, and illustrated narratives by contributors ages 14-24.

Buttered Toast

A literary journal from Toad Hall Editions for writers 18 and younger publishing poetry, essays, short stories, creative nonfiction, and experimental works with a cover art contest for each issue.

Cast of Wonders: The Young Adult Fiction Podcast

Weekly short stories in genre fiction: sci-fi, fantasy, horror, steampunk, superhero, and more for readers 12-17 years old. This site links to related podcasts (sci-fi, fantasy, horror) which may not be appropriate for younger audiences.

Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine

An international online youth literary magazine run by teens. Youth ages 12-22 are welcome to submit poetry, prose, creative nonfiction, opinion articles, and cross-genre works – with a special emphasis on writing for catharsis as a way to break the stigma around mental health discussion.

Young Voices is a section of Chautauqua that celebrates young writers in middle and high school. Essays, fiction, and poetry should be submitted by a teacher, mentor, or parent. Submissions are accepted Feb 1 – Apr 1 and Sept 1 – Nov 1. Each issue has a theme that writers are asked to consider.

Chicago Young Writers Review (CYWR)

An online magazine of stories, poems, plays, scripts – any genre, by writers K-8 grades with a helpful form that allows teachers to submit for multiple students.

Chinchilla Lit

Founded by a group of young creative writers,  Chinchilla Lit aims to make the writing community more accessible and welcoming to young writers new to the submission process, publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, screenplays, and art from contributors ages 11-20.

An online quarterly publication of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography, cross-genre, reviews, translations, Cleaver encourages submissions from “Emerging Artists” – defined as those under 30 years old or of any age who are still early in their literary/art careers.

The Cloudscent Journal

An online publication by young creatives publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art by contributors ages 16-25.

Cloudy Magazine

Started to promote youth voices in Daly City, California, this publication is now open to all creatives ages 13-21, publishing fiction, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, essays, and experimental works.

Coelacanth Literary Journal  [u]

An annual undergraduate student publication of short stories, poetry, short plays, and creative nonfiction manuscripts.

Coexist Literary Magazine

An online iterary and journalist publication exploring identity, emphasizing diversity, and encouraging activism for young creatives 25 and under.

Collision  [u]

Fa student-run publication housed under the English Department at the University of Pittsburgh publishing undergraduate fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and art, with a particular interest in experimental work that challenges style and structure.

The Concord Review

For exemplary history essays written by high school students.

Crashtest publishes poetry, stories, and creative non-fiction in the form of personal essays, imaginative investigation, experimental interviews, etc., high school teens grades 9-12.

Cripple Media

An online media space for teens/youth with disabilities to share and access content related to culture, identity, news and politics, and lifestyle.

Crow Toes Quarterly

“Art and literature for children who don’t scare easily,” CTQ publishes artwork, illustrations, and ‘playfully dark,’ intelligent, humorous, descriptive poetry and fiction written for children 8-13 years old.

Curieux Academic Journal

Curieux is a multidisciplinary academic journal which publishes work of all kinds (essay, paper, proof, etc.) by high school students on any academic topic; “from economics to statistics to ornithology, we will seriously consider the merits of any work.”

The Daphne Review

An online biannual publication of written submissions of all kinds (essay, interview, poetry, short plays, etc.) and artistic submissions in any media from youth 13-18 years old. Offers a Rising Seniors Mentorship Program every June-August, September, and December.

Dark River Review  [u]

An annual national undergraduate literary magazine, sponsored by the Department of Languages and Literature at Alabama State University, publishing poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and visual art from students currently enrolled as undergraduates at two- and four-year colleges and universities.

The Decameron Project

The Decameron Project aims to empower students to express themselves creatively and share their stories, even amidst school closures and other hardships posed by COVID-19. By students, for students ages 13 and older, grades 8-12 with themes provided as prompts as well as regular contests.

The Earth Chronicles

An online newspaper focused on environmental issues staffed by writers and journalists in grades 9-12 as well as college and university. They run contests, challenges, monthly events, and more. Open to young writers interested in contributing.

The Élan Literary Magazine

A student-run magazine in Jacksonville, FL through Douglas Anderson High School of the Arts. Accepting original fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and plays from writers 14 to 18 years old. Two online editions and one print edition per year. They also hold a contest for middle schoolers, grades 6-8.

A literary arts magazine published by the Johnson County Library of Kansas with the expressed goal to “represent and uplift young adults” (up to age 19) through poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography, and illustrations. Each issue has a theme, and the publication also runs several contests each year.

A print publication of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction for all age groups, though submissions for and by readers ages 10-18 are strongly encouraged. Writers can elect to receive feedback on their submissions. Also accepts applications for volunteer/intern readers who are 16 or older.

The Empty Inkwell

An online publication of poetry, prose, art, and photography from international contributors ages 13-18 years old. There is also a blog for sharing reviews, interviews, and commentary on the writing life. The editors provide a prompt for each issue, to be followed as literally or as figuratively as you choose, and they provide feedback for every submission. Currently open for submissions for their inaugural issue until July 9.

EX/POST Magazine

An online literary and arts journal with a focus on poetry, prose, art, mixed media, and more. EX/POST offers free submissions from artists of all ages and nationalities, as well as a youth spotlight program for ages 18 and under.

fingers commas toes

An international online journal for youth ages four to twenty-six years old featuring any form of writing, photography, visual art, and music.

Footprints on Jupiter

A print and online publication of art, writing, and video/photography by contributors ages 13-22 with the goal of showcasing “progressive pieces surrounding identity, culture, and society.”

The Foredge Review

A literary magazine for poetry, prose, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction by writers ages 13-18 with a focus on those in Asian countries.

Fun for Kidz

Since 1992, this ad-free bi-monthly print and digital publication is for ages 6-12. Includes DIY science experiments, comics, articles, and non-fiction with accompanying photographs (preferred vs. illustration). “All fun and no pressure.”

Furrow  [u]

An annual undergraduate publication of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art, and comics from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

The Galliard International Review

An online poetry quarterly created and run by young adults publishing poets whose ages are between 13-22 years old.

Girls Right the World

Edited by students and a faculty advisor from Miss Hall’s School in Massachusetts, Girls Right the World is an international literary journal advocating for young, female-identified writers, accepting submissions from writers 14-21 years old.

Glass Mountain  [u]

A biannual undergraduate literary journal at the University of Houston, is run by undergraduate students for undergraduate students, publishing poetry, prose, art, fiction, creative nonfiction, reviews, and interviews.

Global Youth Review

An online youth-centered international publication of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual media. Issues often center around a specific social justice issue in response to contemporary political climates.

Go On Girl! Book Club

“The Go On Girl! Book Club is a nationally recognized reading club committed to fostering an awareness of and appreciation for the diverse literary works by authors of the Black Diaspora.” Provides annual reading lists and numerous writing scholarships.

Green Blotter  [u]

The literary magazine of Lebanon Valley College features fiction, poetry, photography, and other visual art by undergraduates. Submissions accepted November 1 through February 28. Contributors receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears.

HaluHalo Journal

An online quarterly of poetry, prose, and artwork highlighting Southeast Asian youth ages 12-25.

Hanging Loose Press

Hanging Loose welcomes high school submissions. “We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked. Our work as editors is of course time-consuming, but we feel a strong commitment to give as much time and attention as possible to the work we receive from high school-age writers.”

Hindsight 2020

Hindsight is an independent, one-time, print anthology of true narrative stories up to 2000 words about 2020. Submissions from contributors ages 13-17 years old must have parent or guardian permission.

Hog Creek Hardin [u]

An undergraduate literary journal is housed at The Ohio State University Lima campus and is edited by undergraduates and open to all undergraduate students; publishes poetry, fiction, artwork.

Hot Dish Magazine

Edited by undergraduate students from various disciplines at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, Hot Dish is published annually and takes submissions for short fiction, poetry, and the “Hot Dish Challenge” from students (grades 9-12) who are attending high school in the Midwest (IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI).

The Howl Magazine

Staffed by writing and English students and overseen by professors from Western Connecticut State University’s Department of Writing & Literature and publishing online worlds of nonfiction, fiction, poetry, art, and photography from students in the U.S. in 9th-12th grade at time of submission.

Hypernova Lit

An online journal publishing writing and visual art by teenagers. [No new content since March 2021. Sent email re status 6/17.]

Ice Lolly Review

An online literary magazine for works created by youth or geared toward young readers. Content includes creative nonfiction, fiction, poetry, plays, spoken word, and other similar genres.

Illustoria Magazine

The official publication of the International Alliance of Youth Writing Centers and published by McSweeney’s, this triannual features stories, art, comics, interviews, crafts, and activities for readers 6-12 years old.

The Incandescent Review

A teen-run non-profit bi-monthly literary magazine focused on bringing together a global platform for contributors ages 13-24 to express their opinions and emotional response to world issues like global warming, mental health, COVID-19, and more in the form of poetry, prose, and visual artwork. They also offer a Summer Studio mentorship program for ages 11-14.

An organization dedicated to empowering youth through programs and publication. Youth ages 14-29 can apply to be a guest contributor for blog articles, feature articles, interviews, creative writing, and artwork.

The official online journal of the Inlandia Institute that dedicates its spring issue to teens with teen guest editors and featuring work exclusively by teens. Teens can apply to be a guest editor as well as submit poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and art.

The Interlochen Review

Edited and produced every spring by students in Interlochen Arts Academy’s Literary Publications class, The Interlochen Review showcases work from Creative Writing, Motion Picture Arts, and Visual Arts majors at Interlochen, alongside the work of high school writers and artists around the world.

Intersections

An online publication for youth 13-college-aged that means to “amplify the underrepresented” and “be at the intersection of imagination and reality.” Accepts prose, poetry, and art. [As of April 2022 “on hiatus” due to staffing.]

Issues in Earth Science

An online resource dedicated to raising awareness of world science using fiction for the classroom, topics for debate, blog discussions, Earth Science Challenges for the middle and high school classroom. IES accepts submissions of fiction and non-fiction articles.

Jewish Girls Unite

Publishing articles, fiction, essay, poetry, interviews, photography, and artwork in a “safe online forum where girls share ideas and how it applies to their lives.”

An online journal of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography by creatives aged 13-25 years old who “seek the kind of curiosity that devours the world to understand it.”

Created by and for 11-17-year-olds, which empowers kids to explore the deeper side of life in a spirit of openness. KidSpirit is an unaffiliated spiritual magazine for young people of all backgrounds who like to think about “the meaning of life and the big questions that affect us all.”

Kings River Review

Based out of Reedley College, California, publishing artwork, creative nonfiction, short fiction, and poetry of community college students from across the country and featuring a Reedley College writer and artist in each edition.

Leaders Igniting Generational Healing & Transformation is a new biannual literary journal of art, letters, stories, poetry, and other creative works exploring topics of public health through lived experiences of healing and health. Submission categories include under 18 and over 18.

Lip Magazine

Articles, essays, short stories, poetry, reviews, and artwork on a variety of topics relevant to 14-25-year-old females.

Little Jefferson

An online quarterly of the parent magazine Lucky Jefferson . Little Jefferson features poetry and flash fiction by writers ages 9-13. Teachers are invited to submit on behalf of their students. The publication also offers a cohort Literary Illustrator and Editorial Program.

Little Thoughts Press

An online quarterly of themed poetry, stories, and artwork by both adults and youth for an audience of readers ten and under.

The Louisville Review

“Cornerstone [previously called “The Children’s Corner”] accepts submissions of previously unpublished poetry from students in grades K-12. Seeks writing that looks for fresh ways to recreate scenes and feelings. Honest emotion and original imagery are more important to a poem than rhyming and big topics—such as life, moralizing, and other abstractions. Parental signature must accompany submissions.

Love Letters Magazine

An engaged community of creatives ages 14-24 years old sharing music, stories, poetry, art, photography and more on a theme and in partnership with social non-profit organizations.

Lunch Ticket

The online literary and art journal published by Antioch University MFA program is devoted to the education of literary artists, community engagement, and the pursuit of social, economic, and environmental justice. Includes a section in each issue: Writing for Young People (13+). Note: These are generally written by adults for young readers, but young writers may also submit to the publication.

Magic Dragon

This quarterly print publication presents writing and art created by children in the elementary school grades in a magazine of quality four-color printing and graphic display. Submissions accepted from anyone 12 years old and younger.

Mangrove  [u]

A biannual undergraduate publication from the University of Miami Creative Writing Program publishing poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art from students currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year undergraduate institution.

The Maverick [u]

A student-run undergraduate academic journal from Western New Mexico University open to submissions of essays, research, art, and creative writing from undergraduate students living in New Mexico.

The Milking Cat

An online teen comedy magazine publishing fiction, poetry, drama/playwriting, screenplay/screenwriting, art, video, and arts and entertainment by high-school-aged contributors on a weekly schedule. “The Milking Cat is the place for young comedians.”

Mistake House  [u]

Based out of Principia College, Illinois, this annual online publication accepts fiction, poetry, works in translation, and photography from students currently enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs from around the world.

Navigating the Maze

A teen annual anthology featuring poetry and artwork of high school students 8-12th grade from around the world. Submissions accepted year-round. Deadline for each year’s edition is the first Friday of March.

New Moon Girls

Uniquely created by girls 8-14, contains fiction, poetry, artwork, science, articles about the lives of girls and women around the globe.

Ninth Letter Web Edition  [u]

Ninth Letter web edition is dedicated to poetry and fiction by graduate and undergraduate creative writing students across the country.

Nobody’s Home: Modern Southern Folklore

An online anthology of nonfiction works about beliefs, myths, and narratives in Southern culture over the last fifty years, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Lesson plans are all published and available. They are free to access and include Common Core anchor standards for grades 9-10 and 11-12, ready-to-use objectives, and easily modified activities. The editor also invites classroom teachers to submit and share their own lesson plans for works in the anthology or to suggest titles for the reading lists.

The Offing – Youth Portfolio

During National Poetry Month, The Offing publishes an annual Youth Portfolio of poetry in partnership with Youth Speaks .

Publishing “fearless” poetry, prose, art, and photography by women ages 16-24 in an open and accessible online venue.

One Teen Story

A monthly publication from the editors of One Story. This publication features teen writers and is available in print as well as via Kindle and other e-reading devices.

Paper Crane

A semi-annual online publication of “all forms of creative expression” by writers and artists under twenty years of age.

Paper Lanterns

Funded by Arts Council Ireland, a publication for youth ages 11-18 (submissions from ages 13+) that features fiction, features, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography, and boo reviews. Available for purchase through the site.

Parakeet Magazine

An online publication about human and animal relationships open to contributors 7-17 years old.

Parallax is a high school student-edited literary magazine of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, screenplays, songs, book reviews, and author interviews. Edited by the Creative Writing Department at Idyllwild Arts Academy, the magazine accepts submissions from high school students worldwide.

Plain China  [u]

An annual anthology that accepts submissions of literary journals or magazines featuring undergraduate work published in the last academic year.

Poetry Archive

Includes the Children’s Poetry Archive audio recordings of poems being read out loud and resources for teachers.

Poetry in Voice

Based in Canada, this organization provides online anthologies in French and English, student recitation competitions, a student poetry journal – VOICES/VOIX , teaching materials in English and French, and a Poet in the Classroom program.

Polaris  [u]

An annual undergraduate journal of arts and literature at Ohio Northern University publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual arts.

Polyphony Lit

A student-run literary magazine for high school writers and editors. Submissions of fiction, poetry, and essay are accepted through May 31 of each year for that annual’s volume. Submissions are eligible for the Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers. The magazine also invites high school students to join their volunteer editorial staff, which edits every submission we get.

Prairie Margins  [u]

An undergraduate publication of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and art based out of Bowling Green University, Ohio.

Press Pause Press

Publishing twice yearly in print, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and art, including one writer or artist under 18.

The Prologue

An online journal dedicated to expressing students’ views regarding a few of the United Nations’ 17 Goals for Sustainable Development – specifically, those related to public health and the environmental crisis. Publishing prose, poetry, and artwork mainly from contributors ages 13-25 (high school/college).

The Prose Train

A unique collaborative storytelling forum where “students train their prose” by adding 2-15 sentences to continue a work in progress. Open to all high school writers.

The Qualia Review

An annual of prose and poetry from youth middle-to-high-school aged, published in collaboration with non-profit organizations.

Released each December, this anthology encourages young poets to continue writing and reading poetry. Contributors must be age 15 or younger when the poems were written. Submissions are accepted by email from a parent/guardian only. Deadline: October 15.

Red Cedar Review  [u]

Based out of Michigan State University, this journal publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, art, photography, and comics from undergraduate students currently enrolled in the United States.

Reverberations

An online publication for young people to engage emotionally and intuitively with all forms of art. Based out of Wesleyan University, Reverberations hopes to share the stories of young people all over the world. Reverberations is currently seeking regular student contributors as well as submissions of essays, reviews, and dialogues. [No new content since 2020. Sent inquiry 6/28.]

Ricochet Review

A print annual of poetry and translations of poetry edited by students and faculty at Chicago’s Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center. Accepts submissions in separate categories for high school students, college students, and non-students. RR has a unique mentorship program for high school writers who submit their poetry and want to work with an established poet to receive feedback. See the publication submissions page for specific details.

The Roadrunner Review  [u]

Publishing three issues per year, this online literary journal accepts fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art from undergraduate and graduate students. Awards annual prose and poetry prizes as well as a high school writing contest. [On hiatus as of July 1, 2022]

San Francisco Youth Anthology

An online annual of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry from middle school, high school, and college writers who live in the San Francisco or Bay Area for readers of all ages everywhere.

Satura Journal [u]

Student-edited journal from the English Department of the University of Münster that publishes works to encourage open-ended discourse in the humanities. Open to student worldwide.

The School Magazine

Based out of Australia and founded by the NSW Department of Education in 1916, this publisher offers three unique print and digital publications for young readers. Countdown (ages 7-9); Blastoff (ages 9-10); Orbit (ages 10-11); Touchdown (ages 11+). Each features fiction, articles, plays, poems, and puzzles for young readers. Submissions accepted from writers, illustrators, comic serial creators, and cartoonists.

An award-winning online literary journal for youth ages 11-18, managed by youth, Scribere publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry in a free online quarterly publication.

SeaGlass Literary

An online journal with a staff of writers and editors from around the globe, SeaGlass Literary publishes short stories, flash fiction, poetry, traditional and digital art, and creative nonfiction with the option to purchase print copies. Submissions are open to creatives between the ages of 13 and 30 years old.

Short Kid Stories

Created by Dublin-based father, Brian Thomas Martin, who believes “You can never have enough short stories for kids.” The site features stories under 2,000 words for ages 0-Teen with accompanying illustrations. There are helpful submission guidelines on the site.

Sink Hollow  [u]

An international undergraduate biannual from Utah State University publishing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art.

Skipping Stones Magazine

Publishing poems, stories, articles, and photos from both youth and adults for readers ages 7 to 18. A resource in multicultural and global education, ecological and cultural diversity.

Smarty Pants Magazine

Stories, educational activities, and book reviews for early childhood (paying market for children’s writers). “Show Us Your Stuff” and “Pet Star” invite children to submit work.

Smith Magazine

Creators of the Six-Word Memoir Project, Smith has a space just for teen writers to explore storytelling through condensed personal narrative.

An online journal of children’s art and literature for ages 4-14 open to submissions only to those within the University of Iowa community but open for all to read.

Songs of Survival

From the organization Survivors to Superheroes, this online journal strives to support people 12-24 years old who have been affected by sexual violence. The reading audience is ages 12-24, but only those 18+ are invited to contribute.

Spaceports & Spidersilk

A print magazine for ages 8-14 (though all ages are welcome!) featuring stories, poems, art, essays on science and the environment, interviews, quizzes, and contests. Genres include adventurous fantasy, science fiction, and “shadow stories” – which are “minor horror” defined as “spooky, not terrifying.”

This online young adult journal features fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and photography by contributors 14 years or older. Readers can participate by submitting ideas for themes and challenges, then voting on challenge submissions.

The Stirling Review

An online quarterly that showcases creative work from writers and artists aged 14-22. The editors prefer shorter pieces with resonating language and welcome poetry, creative nonfiction, short fiction, and opinion pieces that highlight this mission as well as artwork and cover art related to the seasonal issue.

Stone Soup is a magazine 100% written and illustrated by its readers. Eleven 48-page issues a year, plus blog posts, reviews, and features by young artists and writers at Stonesoup.com. We publish the best work from thousands of submissions by kids ages 13 and under. Open submissions; subscribers submit for free.

Story Monsters Ink

A publication for teachers, librarians, and young readers featuring interviews, book reviews, and articles of interest about the YA literary scene. Teachers: Each issue has downloadable classroom questions. The publication also accepts submissions from writers ages 17 and younger, including “My Favorite Teacher,” book reviews, and photo and video submissions for #CAUGHTREADING and a coloring page #CAUGHTCOLORING.

The Sucarnochee Review  [u]

A print publication from University of West Alabama publishing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction by undergraduates.

The Susquehanna Review  [u]

Susquehanna University’s nationally distributed student-run annual literary magazine contains original fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry by undergraduate writers currently attending an accredited university in the United States.

Sync Audiobooks for Teens

Sync offers two free audiobook downloads per week for fourteen weeks each summer. Titles are fiction and nonfiction for teens 13 and older.

Publishing categories: Art; Poetry; Fiction; Sports; Opinion; Community Service; Nonfiction (including Pride and Prejudice, Travel and Culture, Environment, You and Your Health, What Matters, Heroes, Cars, Jobs, and Money); Reviews (books, movies, music, colleges, TV, web sites, video games, summer programs); College Essays and Articles; and Interviews. For ages 13-19.

Teen Sequins

Produced by Gigantic Sequins, this annual features outstanding poetry from young writers ages 14 through 18 with one poet from each age category being featured, and every poet who submits work is honored. Submissions open annually in the spring.

Teen Voices

A component of Women’s eNews, this online global news source publishes journalism and first-person narratives by young women 13-19 years old. The publication is produced by female-identified teens to “highlight the realities facing girls all over the world today.”

The Telling Room

“Dedicated to the idea that children and young adults are natural storytellers,” this website publishes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and multimedia by young writers 6-18 years old.

The Tower [u]

Edited, designed, and produced by students enrolled in a two-semester course offered by the University of Minnesota English Department, The Tower is an annual journal that publishes the best in art, poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction by undergraduates enrolled in US colleges.

Travelnitch

From the creators of Big Writers, Little Ears, Travel n Itch features fiction and non-fiction travel stories by writers under 21.

#TWP Quarterly

A multifaceted organization promoting reading, writing, social, cultural, and creative literacy skills by teaching teens about writing, publications, and related careers. #TeenWritersProject accepts year-round submissions of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, short plays, and photo essays.

Under the Madness

An online publication run by teens under the mentorship of the New Hampshire Poet Laureate to focus on the experiences of teens from around the globe. Creatives ages 13-19 are invited to submit fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

The National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Journal of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activity (UReCA) online publishes research from all areas of study, video and audio, visual art, essays, fiction, and poetry. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.

From Penguin Random House, this site provides YA book-related content (virtual book club, author videos, reviews), as well as a platform for writers to share and get feedback on their own chapter books and share their own book reviews.

U.S. Kids publishes two magazines: Humpty Dumpty (ages 2-6), which features short stories, short mini-stories, poetry, and crafts, and Jack and Jill (ages 6-12), which features fiction and non-fiction.

The Violet Hour Magazine

Publishes several times a year in an open, online format, accepting fiction, nonfiction, art, photography, and reviews (no poetry at this time) from “all ages,” and makes a special provision to request parental/guardian permissions for contributors under 13 years old. This also means the publication will contain adult content.

A national literary journal featuring writing, art, and comics by Australians under 25 years old. A lot for readers of all ages to enjoy on the site, but they also offer some helpful “Guides to” including Being Edited, Digital Writing, Pitching Comics for Publication, Poetry, and Nonfiction. A great resource!

An online publication of YA short-form fiction (under 6000 words) and YA nonfiction.

The Weight Journal

Accepting poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, creative non-fiction, hybrid, and other forms from 9-12 grade students (including homeschool).

Whitefish Review

This print journal of literature, art, and photography launches promising writers and artists. Every issue features a previously unpublished writer or artist chosen by the editors, as part of their mission to discover and nurture budding talent. Often these writers and artists are featured in events alongside famous literary and art figures. There is no submission fee for high school age and younger.

Wintermute Lit

An online rolling submissions publication of all genres of speculative fiction by young and emerging writers.

Woolgathering

An online journal of poetry, prose, art, and “miscellaneous” with a note that “if you are a young writer (ages 18 and under)” to indicate that for special inclusion. They also run an annual Young Voices Poetry contest.

Write the World

A resource for young writers and teachers. WTW provides prompts and contests, places for young writers to submit and respond to each others writing, and the opportunity for older writers to become reviewers and mentors for young writers. A true writers community online.

Writeadelic

A youth-lead literary collective publishing written and artistic pieces from creatives ages 7-12 (parent permission required) and 13-21 quarterly online. They also share tips, quotes, and other “literary fun stuff” weekly on Instagram @writeadelic.

Young Voices

An online magazine of writing and visual art by teens aged 12-19, who live, work, or go to school in the City of Toronto. Available free for all to read.

Young Writers Project

YWP welcomes K-12 students in Vermont and western New Hampshire to submit their written work, photos, and artwork for possible publication in The Voice.

Youth Communication

Short, nonfiction stories and related lessons to help students improve their reading and writing skills, and improve the social and emotional skills that support school success.

Youth Imagination

From Silver Pen Writers , an online magazine of creative fiction stories by teens as well as by adult authors written for teen readers. The editors “particularly love stories exploring their issues, such as bullying, drugs, romance, school, parental issues, teacher issues, etc., as well as about the grit and character of teens and young adults.” The publication is accepting submissions through 2022 but will cease publication after December 2022.

Youth Speaks: Human Rights in Verse

An anthology published by the International Human Rights Arts Festival open to poets 21 years and younger. Topics focusing on human rights and social justice that uphold the IHRAF’s values of Beauty, Courage, Integrity, Vulnerability, and Celebrating Diversity. Deadline: July 15, 2022.

A literary and art magazine providing college students a venue for publishing their poetry, prose, fiction, and visual artwork. The magazine is distributed and produced by students at Sonoma State University in California.

An international literary magazine for young readers grades 4 to 8 (ages 9 to 14), publishing literary fiction that will surprise, move, and amuse young imaginative minds. Currently accepting submissions for its inaugural issue. Free submissions; payment upon acceptance.

Looking for contests for young writers? View our guide to writing contests .

If you know of other publications or contests that could be added to this guide, please e-mail [email protected] with information.

Looking for something else? The Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, maintains Children’s Notable Lists , updated annually, which feature exemplary recordings, books, and digital media geared to children from birth to age 14. Selections are evaluated by committee using established criteria.

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Out of the Classroom and Into the World: 70-Plus Places to Publish Teenage Writing and Art

literary magazines for high school students

By Katherine Schulten

  • Nov. 15, 2018

June, 2021: Updated with new opportunities.

When we ask teachers why they bring their classes to our site, we always hear one answer first: Posting in our public forums gives young people an “authentic audience” for their voices and ideas.

We’re honored to serve that role, and this week we’ll be talking about it on a panel at the National Council of Teachers of English conference . As a companion to our talk, on the theme of “Why You Should Publish Student Work — and Where and How to Do It,” we’ve compiled this list of opportunities specifically for teenage writers and visual artists. We hope, with your help, to crowdsource even more.

The list begins with our own offerings and those of our N.C.T.E. panel partner, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards , and goes on to name dozens more that are open to young people in the United States — though many, including ours, also accept work from students around the world.

Please note what we did NOT include: In-person events or competitions; sites that do not seem to be taking submissions now or in the near future; opportunities open only to those from a specific state or region; opportunities open only to members of specific organizations; or competitions that require the use of paid products.

But, of course, we know this list is incomplete. What should we add? Let us know in the comments, or by writing to [email protected], and thank you.

Note: The descriptions below have been taken directly from the sites themselves. Please check the rules and requirements for each to decide if they are right for your students.

Places to Submit Teenage Writing and Visual Art

★ The New York Times Learning Network

Daily writing prompts:

Our Student Opinion question and Picture Prompt offer anyone 13 to 19 years old a place to publicly post writing that is read by our editors and other students around the world. We are not looking for formal work here; instead, we encourage students to use these forums to hone their voices, ideas and opinions; show us their thinking; and participate in civil discussion about issues from politics to pop culture. Each week, we publish a roundup of favorite responses .

Annual contests:

Our annual contests are places to submit more formal work across genres. Here is what we are offering in the 2020-21 school year, but please visit our Contest Calendar to find details, related lesson plans, and links to the work of the winners for each as they are announced: Special Contest: Coming of Age in 2020 Election 2020: Civil Conversation Challenge Personal Narrative Writing Contest Vocabulary Video Contest Review Contest STEM Writing Contest Editorial Contest Podcast Challenge Summer Reading Contest

★ Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teenagers in grades 7 to 12. In 2018, students submitted nearly 350,000 works of visual art and writing to the Scholastic Awards; more than 90,000 works were recognized at the regional level and celebrated in local exhibitions and ceremonies. The top art and writing at the regional level were moved onto the national stage, where more than 2,800 students earned National Medals. National Medalists and their educators were celebrated at the National Ceremony at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Categories include: Critical Essay ; Dramatic Script ; Flash Fiction ; Humor ; Journalism ; Novel Writing ; Personal Essay & Memoir ; Poetry ; Science Fiction & Fantasy ; Short Story ; Writing Portfolio (graduating seniors only) ; Architecture & Industrial Design ; Ceramics & Glass ; Comic Art ; Design ; Digital Art ; Drawing & Illustration ; Editorial Cartoon ; Fashion ; Film & Animation ; Jewelry ; Mixed Media ; Painting ; Photography ; Printmaking ; Sculpture ; Video Game Design ; Art Portfolio (graduating seniors only) and Future New .

★ The Adroit Journal

The journal has its eyes focused ahead, seeking to showcase what its global staff of emerging writers sees as the future of poetry, prose and art. We’re looking for work that’s bizarre, authentic, subtle, outrageous, indefinable, raw, paradoxical. We’ve got our eyes on the horizon.

★ Amazing Kids Magazine

The online publication is known for featuring quality, creative, thoughtful and often thought-provoking written and artistic work written and edited by children and teenagers. Accepts writing, art, photography or videography from young people who are 5 to 18 years old.

★ The Apprentice Writer

The best writing and illustrations from entries we receive each year from secondary schools throughout the United States and abroad. Every September we send copies printed by The Patriot News in Mechanicsburg, Pa., to approximately 3,000 schools. Susquehanna University and the Writers Institute invite high school students to submit fiction, memoir, personal essay, photography and/or poetry.

★ The Daphne Review

Publishes the work of high-school-age writers and artists from around the globe. All forms of original writing and art are accepted as submissions for our biannual journal.

★ elementia

elementia is a literary arts magazine published to represent and uplift young adults. We accept original poetry, fiction, nonfiction, graphic stories, photography and illustrations.
Kalopsia is a literary and arts journal run by students from all over the world who aim to promote art and writing among (seemingly) ordinary people.
An international teen anthology of poetry and art. In print for 20 years, we accept submissions from teenagers from around the world. Each year we publish the best of all entries received.

★ The NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO)

A yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. ACT-SO includes 32 competitions in STEM, humanities, business, and performing, visual and culinary arts. Almost 300,000 young people have participated from the program since its inception.

★ National Young Arts Competition

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) was established in 1981 to identify and nurture the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary, design and performing arts, and assist them at critical junctures in their educational and professional development. YoungArts’ signature program is an annual application-based award for emerging artists ages 15 to 18 or in grades 10 to 12 from across the United States in categories that include cinematic arts; classical music; dance; design arts; jazz; photography; theater; visual arts; voice; and writing.

★ Parallax Literary Magazine

Parallax Literary Magazine has been published by the Creative Writing department of Idyllwild Arts Academy since 1997. Idyllwild Arts Academy is a college preparatory boarding high school dedicated to the passion of young artists. Created, designed, and run by students, Parallax has always championed the high school writer by publishing the best of Idyllwild students’ creative writing and visual art. In 2011 Parallax expanded by adding an online component, which accepts submissions from high school students worldwide. The website also showcases student book reviews and writer interviews for the first time.

★ Periphery

A multilingual student-founded magazine for high schoolers living in the outer neighborhoods of cities across America.

★ River of Words: Youth Art and Poetry Inspired by the Natural World

Our free, annual, international youth poetry and art contest — the largest in the world — inspires children ages 5 to 19 to translate their observations into creative expression.

★ Sandpiper

Sandpiper is a journal of literature and art devoted to uplifting the voices of those emerging and underrepresented in the literary scene, including but not limited to those of class, race, ability, gender, sexual orientation, and intersectional identity. However, all submissions are welcome. Sandpiper accepts poetry, prose, art, and photography.

★ Skipping Stones

We are a nonprofit magazine for youth that encourages communication, cooperation, creativity and celebration of cultural and environmental richness. It provides a playful forum for sharing ideas and experiences among youth from different countries and cultures. We are an ad-free, ecologically-aware, literary magazine printed on recycled paper with soy ink. Accepts many kinds of writing, including essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, as well as drawings, paintings and photos.
A national teen magazine, book series, and website devoted entirely to teenage writing, art, photos, and forums. For over 25 years, Teen Ink has offered teenagers the opportunity to publish their creative work and opinions on issues that affect their lives — everything from love and family to school, current events, and self-esteem. We have no staff writers or artists; we depend completely on submissions from teenagers around the world for our content. Teen Ink has the largest distribution of any publication of its kind.

★ #USvsHate

Students are invited to create public anti-hate messages in any media for their school communities. Our national challenge then amplifies student voices for a nationwide audience. You can submit 5 entries max per class, to each challenge! In 2020-21, our #USvsHate challenge deadlines are December 11 and March 12.

Places to Submit Teenage Writing

Across Genres

★ The Adroit Prizes for Poetry and Prose

The Adroit Prizes are awarded annually to two students of secondary or undergraduate status. We’re fortunate to receive exceptional work from emerging writers in high school and college, and the best of the best will be recognized by the Adroit Prizes.

★ Bennington College Young Writer Awards

Bennington launched the Young Writers Awards to promote excellence in writing at the high school level. Our goal with this competition is to recognize outstanding writing achievement by high school students. Each year, students in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades are invited to enter poetry, fiction or nonfiction.

★ Cathartic Youth Literary Magazine

An open space for youth writing & mental health discussion

★ The Creative Writing Awards

A scholarship program from Penguin Random House, in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, dedicated to furthering the education of students with unique and diverse voices. Open to seniors attending a public high school in the United States, five first-place $10,000 prizes are awarded in the categories of fiction/drama; poetry; personal essay/memoir; and spoken-word poetry, through the Maya Angelou Award. In recognition of the Creative Writing Awards previously being centered in New York City, the competition awards an additional first-place prize to the top entrant from the NYC area. Runners up are also honored.
Ember is a semiannual journal of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction for all age groups. Submissions for and by readers aged 10 to 18 are strongly encouraged.

★ Ephimiliar

Created and edited by teenagers, Ephimiliar focuses on work by unpublished voices and students of all ages. We publish on a rolling basis at the convenience of everyone’s urgent yet sporadic writing processes. We are open to working with writers to edit a submission that we feel is a near-fit because we know that neither party would benefit from that rejection.

★ Hanging Loose Press

Fiction and poetry for a general audience, but has a regular section devoted to writing by talented high school writers.

★ Hypernova Lit

Hypernova Lit is an online journal dedicated to publishing the writing and visual art of teenagers. We seek to cast light on the brilliant work produced by teenagers. We are deeply committed to honesty and fearlessness in the work we publish, with a particular emphasis on teenagers telling their own difficult truths. Out of respect for our writers and artists, we do not censor for language or content.

★ The Foredge Review

A literary magazine for young writers with a focus on those in Asian countries, The Foredge Review aims to support teen interest in writing and reading by providing a platform for receiving recognition. We welcome submissions of poetry, flash fiction, and creative nonfiction from anyone 13-18.

★ NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing

To encourage high school juniors to write and to publicly recognize the best student writers.

★ The Norman Mailer High School Writing Award

Since 2009, the Norman Mailer Center has collaborated with the National Council of Teachers of English to present the Mailer Student and Teacher Writing Awards. Awards are given for fiction, nonfiction writing, and poetry. National winners in each category receive a cash prize presented at an award ceremony. Recognition is also extended to writers whose work earns top scores in early evaluation rounds.

★ Polyphony Lit

A student-run, international literary magazine for high school writers and editors, which invites submissions of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction from high school students worldwide. Our student editors provide feedback to all submissions, including the ones we do not accept for publication. In addition, we offer two other opportunities: The Polyphony Lit Cover Art Contest: High school students from around the world are encouraged to submit visual art for the cover of their annual literary magazine. The Claudia Ann Seaman Awards for Young Writers: Annual awards to high school students in poetry, short fiction, and creative nonfiction. Each year, a distinguished panel of professional published authors choose one winner and two honorable mentions in each genre. The winners are awarded a $200 cash prize. Students from around the world are encouraged to submit.

★ Rider University Annual High School Writing Contest

Accepts essays, fiction and poetry. All finalists will receive a Certificate of Honorable Mention. All winners will be considered for publication in Venture, Rider’s literary magazine.

★ Write the World Competitions

We’re a community of young writers (ages 13 to 18), hailing from over 120 countries. Join our global platform, and explore our ever-changing library of prompts as you establish a regular writing practice and expand your repertoire of styles, all while building your portfolio of polished work. Enter competitions for the chance to receive feedback from authors, writing teachers, and other experts in the field.

Academic Research

★ The Concord Review

The Concord Review, Inc., was founded in March 1987 to recognize and to publish exemplary history essays by high school students in the English-speaking world. With the Fall Issue (#118), 1,196 research papers (average 7,500 words, with endnotes and bibliography) have been published from authors in 45 states and 40 other countries. The Concord Review remains the only quarterly journal in the world to publish the academic history papers of secondary students.

★ The Curieux Academic Journal

The Curieux Academic Journal is an academic journal written entirely by high school students.

★ National History Day

Each year more than half a million students participate in the National History Day Contest. Students choose a historical topic related to the annual theme, and then conduct primary and secondary research. You will look through libraries, archives and museums, conduct oral history interviews, and visit historic sites. After you have analyzed and interpreted your sources, and have drawn a conclusion about the significance of your topic, you will then be able to present your work in one of five ways: as a paper, an exhibit, a performance, a documentary, or a website.

★ The Scribe Review

A quarterly online journal dedicated to publishing the academic English essays of high school students.

★ The Milking Cat

The Milking Cat is dedicated to providing weekly comedic pieces from a variety of aspiring high school comics. With pieces ranging from comics and movies to stories and satires, The Milking Cat is the place to be for young comedians.

Current Events and Culture

INKspire is a place for youth to share their stories and offer perspectives on relevant, contemporary issues. Young people can learn from one another, share their stories, thoughts and ideas while connecting with other youth around the world.

Please see the description at the top of this list.

★ Teen Opinions

Teenopinions.org is a platform for teens and tweens worldwide to share their opinions, ideas, reflections and perspectives with the world. Our mission is to give every teen and tween an opportunity to freely publish their perspectives in a non-competitive environment.

★ Young Post

Young Post is a teen print news and English-teaching product that is part of the South China Morning Post. While we are a Hong Kong product, we do welcome students from around the world in our pages and on our site. We have a Junior Reporters club , in which students learn reporting skills, and pitch and contribute stories. We have local members who have moved overseas for senior school or university who still contribute, but it would be wonderful to hear from more students interested in sharing stories that matter to them with their Asian peers.

★ Youth Voices Live

We are a site for conversations. We invite youth of all ages to voice their thoughts about their passions, to explain things they understand well, to wonder about things they have just begun to understand, and to share discussion posts with other young people using as many different genres and media as they can imagine!

★ American Foreign Service Association National High School Essay Contest

Why Diplomacy and Peacebuilding Matter: In a 1,000- to 1,250-word essay, identify two cases — one you deem successful and one you deem unsuccessful — where the U.S. pursued an integrated approach to build peace in a conflict-affected country.

★ The American Prospect 2020 Essay Contest

High school juniors and seniors may write 1,000 to 1,600 words on one of these two books: “ Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few ” by Robert B. Reich or “ The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration ” by Isabel Wilkerson High school freshmen and sophomores may write up to 1,200 words on one of these two books: “ Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City ” by Matthew Desmond or “ Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America ” by Barbara Ehrenreich

★ Goi Peace Foundation International Essay Contest for Young People

Guidelines for the 2019 International Essay Contest for Young People will be announced at the end of January 2019.

★ Profile in Courage Essay Contest

Describe and analyze an act of political courage by a US elected official who served during or after 1917.

★ Represent Magazine

A publication by and for youth in foster care, the stories in Represent give inspiration and information, while offering staff insight into those teenagers’ struggles.

★ We the Students Essay Contest

What are the essential qualities of a citizen in your community in 21st-century America? We encourage you to bring emotion, creativity, specific examples (including current events), and well-researched facts into what you write. A good essay will demonstrate how citizenship is not an abstract idea, but is, in fact, action inspired by constitutional principles. We can’t wait to see what citizenship looks like in your community!

★ NaNoWriMo Young Writer’s Program

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, empowering approach to creative writing. The challenge: draft an entire novel in just one month. For 30 wild, exciting, surprising days, you get to lock away your inner editor, let your imagination take over, and just create! Our Young Writers Program supports under-18 writers and K-12 educators as they participate in our flagship event each November, and take part in smaller writing challenges year-round. Summer Writing: Stay cool and creative all summer long by participating in Camp NaNoWriMo’s July session—either online here or over at Camp NaNoWriMo , or offline by using our writer-friendly, print-out-able Summer Writing Program resources. Choose a project you care about, set an ambitious goal, get feedback on your progress, and receive support from an international community of fellow writers.

★ One Teen Story

An award-winning quarterly literary magazine that features the work of today’s best teen writers (ages 13-19).

★ Ringling College Storytellers of Tomorrow Creative Writing Contest

We’re inviting all high-school age students to submit unpublished, original English-language stories of up to 2,000 words in length for the 4th Annual “Storytellers of Tomorrow” Contest. The criteria for earning prizes in this contest is simply overall quality, meaning that well-edited, engaging, and evocative stories have the best chance of winning over the judges.

★ Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Circle Awards

These awards are offered to recognize superior work by student journalists usually as individuals but sometimes as an entire staff working with either print or online media.

★ National Scholastic Press Association Individual Awards

Each year, the National Scholastic Press Association presents the Individual Awards, honoring the best individuals in scholastic journalism. There are six categories. Entries are judged by teams of professionals with experience and expertise in the area of each particular contest. The contests are open to any student on staff of an N.S.P.A. member publication.

★ Quill & Scroll Awards

We encourage, support and recognize individual student initiative and achievement in scholastic journalism, regardless the medium.

★ Dear Poet Project

A multimedia education project that invited young people in grades 5 through 12 to write letters in response to poems written and read by some of the award-winning poets who serve on the Academy of American Poets Board of Chancellors.

★ New York Times Opinion Section Letter to the Editor Contest

A letter-writing competition for high school students that runs from March 31, 2019 to April 8, 2019. We invite you to submit a letter to the editor in response to a Times news article, editorial, column or Op-Ed in the last few days. We will publish a selection of our favorites.

★ YCteen Writing Contest

YCteen is written by a staff of teen writers who work in our New York City newsroom. But writing is a form of conversation, and we want you to join in. We invite you to submit letter to the writer, responding to their story. This is an opportunity to express your opinion or present your own point of view on a story you’ve read.

Playwriting

★ Princeton University Ten-Minute Play Contest

Eligibility for this annual playwriting contest is limited to students in the 11th grade in the U.S. (or international equivalent of the 11th grade).

★ VSA Playwright Discovery Program Competition

Young writers with disabilities and collaborative groups that include students with disabilities, in the U.S. grades 6-12 (or equivalents) or ages 11-18 for non-U.S. students, are invited to explore the disability experience through the art of writing for performance — in the form of plays, screenplays, or music theater. Writers are encouraged to craft short (10 minute) works from their own experiences and observations in the style of realism, through the creation of fictional characters and settings, or writing metaphorically or abstractly about the disability experience.

★ Writopia Lab’s 10th AnnualWorldwide Plays Festival

An annual Off-Broadway festival of one-act plays written by playwrights ages 6 to 18 and produced, designed, directed, and acted by New York theater professionals.

★ Young Playwrights Festival

The Young Playwrights Festival takes place each spring at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. If your play is selected for the festival, you will work with a creative team composed of National Theater Institute alumni — a director, dramaturg, designer, and actors to develop and stage your script.

★ Youth Plays New Voices One-Act Competition

We welcome submissions of challenging, entertaining plays and musicals that are appropriate for teen and younger actors and/or audiences.

★ Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest

Sponsored by Hollins University, the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest provides scholarships, prizes, and recognition for the best poems submitted by high-school-aged women.

★ The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers

Recognizes outstanding young poets and is open to high school sophomores and juniors throughout the world. The contest winner receives a full scholarship to the Kenyon Review Young Writers workshop.

★ Poetry Matters Project Lit Prize

Whether you are a published poet, have never written a poem, or have the writing of a poem on your bucket list, the Poetry Matters Project invites you to take the “ Poetry Month Challenge” where participants challenge their friends, and family to write a poem of no more than 30 lines in 30 days. Entries can be posted at You can send your entry as an audio recording, document file, mp3, or video file.

★ Princeton University High School Poetry Prize

The Leonard L. Milberg ’53 High School Poetry Prize recognizes outstanding work by student writers in the 11th grade in the U.S. or abroad.

Science Writing

★ curiousSCIENCEwriters

An innovative, extracurricular program that trains creative high school communicators to bring complex science to the general public through the power of story. Science and technology are advancing exponentially, yet fewer than 7 percent of American adults are scientifically literate. With growing medical, environmental and social issues facing us all, it is essential that the next generation of communicators be prepared to help people make sense of emerging science that affects their personal health and well-being, as well as that of the world around them.

★ EarthPlex

EarthPlex is the climate platform for teens founded by a fourteen-year-old. Any teenager can submit a post about climate change or read quality content about the environment, ways we can protect it, the impact of corporations, and more. Our mission is to give those under eighteen a voice in the battle against climate change.

★ EngineerGirl Writing Contest

Every year, the EngineerGirl website sponsors a contest dealing with engineering and its impact on our world. The topic and detailed instructions for the contest are posted in the fall with a deadline for submissions early the following year. Winners are announced in the spring.
THINK is an annual science research and innovation competition for high school students. Rather than requiring students to have completed a research project before applying, THINK instead caters to students who have done extensive research on the background of a potential research project and are looking for additional guidance in the early stages of their project. The program is organized by a group of undergraduates at MIT.

Places to Submit Teenage Visual Arts

★ Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

★ Doodle 4 Google

Calling all K-12 students — bring your creativity to life in a Doodle of the Google logo, using any medium you choose for the chance to be a Doodle 4 Google winner. The National Winner’s artwork will be featured on the Google home page.

★ The Gutenberg Award

The Gutenberg Award recognizes exceptional achievement in the field of graphic arts. Awards are available for printed items, websites, and photographs. Entries may be submitted by graphic arts students at any educational level including those in university, college, community-college, postsecondary technical school, high school vocational, high school technology education, and junior high/middle school technology education programs. There are three different Gutenberg competitions: print, website, and photography.

★ N.S.H.S.S. Visual Arts Competition

High school students may submit visual art and photography, painting, drawing, ceramics, glass, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, weaving, digital and 35mm photography.

Film, Video and GIFs

★ All American High School Film Festival

The All American High School Film Festival is the largest student film festival in the world. Our festival offers an unparalleled experience designed specifically to promote and empower the future of film. Each October, thousands of student filmmakers join us in New York City for an action-packed weekend of resources and entertainment, including our Teen Indie Awards Show, where we hand out over $400,000 in prizes and scholarships.

★ American Youth Film Festival

The American Youth Film Festival is an opportunity for the youth to showcase their movie making skills. Categories include animation; comedy; commercials; documentary; feature; music video; public service announcements; science fiction; and short.

★ Boulder International Film Festival

The Boulder International Film Festival is currently accepting entries of short films made by teenagers (ages 12-18) for the Boulder International Film Festival Youth Pavilion. Winners must be present at Teen Opening Night the evening of March 1.

★ Breakthrough Junior Challenge

Make a three-minute video explaining a big idea in physics, life sciences, mathematics or the science of the Covid-19 pandemic.

★ CineYouth Festival

Cinema/Chicago’s CineYouth Film Festival is designed to encourage youth filmmakers in their creative endeavors. CineYouth provides opportunities for young filmmakers to articulate themselves artistically, and have their voice heard. Held annually in Chicago, CineYouth is a three-day festival celebrating and fostering the creativity of filmmakers 22 years old and younger by screening officially selected work and encouraging their creative endeavors by presenting a filmmaking workshop, discussions and panels.

★ GIF IT UP

GIF IT UP is an annual international gif-making campaign that encourages people to create new, fun, and unique gif artworks from digitized cultural heritage materials. Entrants are invited to search, discover, adapt, and reuse public domain and openly licensed video clips, images, art, documents, or other materials found in D.P.L.A . or international partner libraries Europeana, Trove, and DigitalNZ.

★ Heartland High School Film Competition

The High School Film Competition encourages tomorrow’s filmmakers to create films that inspire filmmakers and audiences through the transformative power of the art form. Students may submit short films under 15 minutes in length that are documentary or narrative; live-action or animated.

★ Live Más Scholarship

The Live Más Scholarship is not based on your grades or how well you play sports. No essays, no test scores, no right or wrong answers. We’re looking for the next generation of innovators, creators and dreamers who want to make a difference in the world.Submit a video (2 minutes or less in length) that tells us the story of your life’s passion. It could be a short film, animation or just a simple testimonial. This is not about how well you can make a film – we just want you to show us your passion and explain why you should be considered for a Live Más Scholarship.

★ Nashville Film Festival

An international competition for narrative, nonfiction and animated films under 40 minutes in length created by filmmakers aged 18 and under.

★ Newport Beach Film Festival

Celebrates the cinematic works, visions, and perspectives of young people from around the world. Through the exhibition of youth-created media, the festival seeks to create a forum for young filmmakers and encourage freedom of expression through cinema. The free event features a screening of short films created by filmmakers 18 years and younger.

★ Seattle International Film Festival

Filmmakers who are age 18 and under can send work to FutureWave Shorts.

★ World of 7 Billion Student Video Contest

Create a short video – up to 60 seconds – about human population growth that highlights one of the following global challenges: Preserving Biodiversity, Sustainable Resource Use, Protecting Human Rights.

Photography

★ High School Physics Photo Contest

The A.A.P.T. High School Physics Photo Contest is an international competition for high school students. For many years this contest has provided teachers and students an opportunity to learn about the physics behind natural and contrived situations by creating visual and written illustrations of various physical concepts. Students compete in an international arena with more than 1,000 of their peers for recognition and prizes.

★ Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year uses photography to challenge perceptions about the natural world, helping to promote sustainability and the conservation of wildlife. We celebrate biodiversity, evolution and the origins of life, and aim to inspire a greater understanding of nature. We champion ethical wildlife photography. This means we advocate faithful representations of the natural world that are free from excessive digital manipulation, accompanied by honest captions and that display total respect for animals and their environments.

★ Rocky Mountain School of Photography High School Photo Contest

Rocky Mountain School of Photography trains students of all ages to become passionate image-makers through practical, hands-on learning environments for all skill levels. The R.M.S.P. High School Photo Contest is an annual opportunity for students aged 14-18 to submit their best images for the chance to win a new camera and other prizes. The contest opens Dec. 1 and closes Feb. 28.

★ SONY World Photography Awards Youth Competition

We are looking for the next generation of talented photographers! The Youth competition, for everyone aged 12-19, recognizes that a love for photography often starts at a young age. The competition helps young photographers grow and flourish into the next stages of their careers. Judges are looking for good composition, creativity and clear photography. The 2019 theme is “Diversity”: In one single image show the judges an example of diversity. To be understood in its widest sense, the image of diversity could concern people, culture or environment and could be of a local or global concern. All techniques and styles are welcomed, and judges will particularly reward creativity.

Do you have an opportunity to add? Let us know by posting a comment or writing to us at [email protected].

Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity

Erica Verrillo has written seven books and published five. She doesn't know why anyone with an ounce of self-preservation would ever want to publish. But, if you insist on selling your soul to the devil, learn how to do it right: marketing, literary agents, book promotion, editing, pitching your book, how to get reviews, and ... most important of all ... everything she did wrong.

  • Agents Seeking Clients
  • Publishers Accepting Unagented Manuscripts
  • Where to Get Reviews
  • Free Contests
  • Writing Conferences
  • Speculative Fiction Resources
  • Self-Publishing
  • Blog Lovin'
  • Calls for Submissions
  • Paying Markets

Thursday, August 13, 2020

47 literary magazines accepting submissions from young writers.

  • Fiction: Up to 2,500 words, open to anything with an interesting voice including absurdist, experimental, flash, et cetera. Multiple submissions of fiction will be accepted if all works together meet or are under the word count.
  • Poetry: Submit 3-5 poems, free verse, experimental, prose poetry, et cetera.
  • If you do not include at least three poems in your submission, it will automatically be rejected.
  • Nonfiction: Up to 2,500 words, humor, travel narrative, et cetera. Multiple submissions of nonfiction will be accepted if all works together meet or are under the word count.
  • Visual Art: Up to 3 works per artist, .TIFF or .JPEG files, all media are acceptable. Artists should also include a Microsoft Word document containing their name, the titles and media of works submitted, and a brief artist’s statement.

Publishing ... and Other Forms of Insanity

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The Best Places for High School Students to Publish Short Stories

At The Koppelman Group, we love working with student writers. After grades and activities, college applications are really just one enormous writing project, after all. While our number one goal is to help kids get into their dream colleges, we also want our students to become better writers, storytellers, and, essentially, communicators, outside of their college applications.

To help our students become better writers, we do a lot of writing with our kids — and by a lot we mean a lot . So, we like to find places for them to publish their work so that it will actually be seen by someone other than application readers. We’ve had students published by regional and national magazines and newsletters, and win awards including thousands of dollars in cash prizes all for writing they developed alongside their college application process.

Below are our top 10 places for students to publish their fiction short stories.

If you’re a student writer who wants an edge in college admissions, send us an email . We help students write outstanding applications that get them into their dream schools.

School Literary Journals

This one may seem obvious, but we’re consistently surprised by how many students tell us that they want to publish their work, but they’ve never submitted to their school newspaper or literary journal. That’s silly. The best place to start your publishing journey is close to home. If your school has a literary journal, get involved! If it doesn’t, consider starting one!

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious student competition in the United States (it was started in 1923). Students in grades 7 through grade 12 are eligible to submit writing including essays, scripts, fiction, humor, memoir, science fiction and fantasy, and more. The awards give out recognitions at the regional and national level, and your work will be compared against thousands of submissions, so winning an award truly means your work stands out.

The Apprentice Writer

This annual journal publishes writing and illustrations by students from across the United States and abroad. Copies of The Apprentice Writer journal are distributed by nearly 3,000 schools, and it is overseen by Susquehanna University and the Writer’s Institute, which are both highly respected for the work they do with writers.   

YoungArts Competition

Writing is one of the ten categories in the YoungArts national competition . The competition is open to students in the United States between 15 and 18, and they offer really helpful application tips on their website including advice from judges and previous winners.

Skipping Stones

Skipping Stones has invited students to submit poems, stories, essays, art, and photo essays to be considered for publication since 2021. Most of the work they publish comes out online, but they do publish in print for their annual awards issue, which recognizes winners of their youth honor awards. They have very specific submission guidelines, so be sure to read them twice and adhere to them completely, as the dumbest way to lose something is by not following the rules.

Bennington College Young Writers Awards

Bennington College runs an annual Young Writers Award competition with categories in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Bennington has a deep literary legacy, including 12 Pulitzer Prize winners and too many New York Times bestselling authors to count — so they know good writing. The competition was created to celebrate this legacy, and is open to students in 9th to 12th grade. Cash prizes range from $250 to $1,000. 

The Creative Writing Awards

For more than 25 years, Penguin Random House, one of the leading publishing houses in the world, has run the Creative Writing Awards to elevate student voices and diverse narratives. The competition is open to seniors attending public high schools in the United States, and stories must be between four and ten pages. The competition is limited to 1000 applications, so be sure to submit soon after they open the competition in October if you are serious about this opportunity! First-place winners have previously been awarded $10,000 each.

Polyphony Lit

If you are looking to join a community of passionate writers, Polyphony Lit may fit the bill. It is a worldwide community of student writers and editors, and students are invited to submit writing, join the editorial staff, write blog posts, take workshops, and more. Like us, they aim to develop young writers and are especially excited to hear from students who want to work with them over an extended period of time. Since 2004, they have received over 19,000 submissions and have responded to every single one with feedback.

The One Teen Story program by One Story gives teenage writers an opportunity to be edited, published, and paid for their writing while still in high school. The contest is free and open to writers 13-19. Three winners have their work published in print, and mailed out to all One Story subscribers.  

Storytellers of Tomorrow Writing Contest

Ringling College of Art + Design in Sarasota, Florida runs an annual Creative Writing Program to “support, empower, and honor young writers.” They embrace the wide variety of narrative storytelling tools technology empowers, and all high-school-age students are invited to submit original stories up to 2,000 words in length. Submissions are accepted in the fall and winter annually.

If you are a passionate student writer who wants to get published, pick a few of the opportunities above to pursue. Writing requires perseverance, and we estimate a mimimum of a 90% rejection rate for student writers. If you want to have your work seen through the noise, you need to simply start submitting and then keep going even when rejections have you down.

Applying to college is tough, so send us an email . We guide students towards success.

literary magazines for high school students

13 Teen-Authored Literary Journals Adults Should Read

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Stacey Megally

Stacey Megally is a writer, runner, and incurable bookworm. Her writing has been featured in The Dallas Morning News, Running Room Magazine, The Bookwoman, and on stage at LitNight Dallas and the Oral Fixation live storytelling show. When she isn’t knee-deep in words or marathon training, she’s hanging out with her smart, funny husband and their two extremely opinionated dogs. Instagram: @staceymegallywrites

View All posts by Stacey Megally

If you’ve been keeping up with reading trends for more than a decade, you probably know that YA literature is all the rage — not only with teenagers, but also with adults. There are a lot of reasons adults are so drawn to these stories: recognition, relatability, and an increase in availability, among others. I’d venture to add that we can’t help but be curious about how our experiences during that unforgettable time of life — terrifying and exhilarating all at once — compare to what teens are going through today.

That said, with the exception of a handful of books written by teenage authors , most YA literature is written by adults. So, if we really want to get an authentic perspective on what teens are experiencing right now, shouldn’t we be reading stories written by them?

Fortunately, there are plenty of teen-authored literary journals that provide a steady stream of young adult voices throughout the year. I first discovered the world of literary journals that showcase only teen writers when I became a board member of #TeenWritersProject , a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an inclusive platform for fostering creativity and innovation for high school-aged writers. One of my responsibilities is serving as an editor of the #TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Zine . Through that work, I’ve come to more fully appreciate why all of us should be reading teen-authored literary journals.

To get a little more perspective, I talked to #TeenWritersProject founder delmetria millener about how she thinks teen-authored literary journals impact both teens and adults. millener founded #TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Zine because she recognized that teenagers are the best “documentarists of our times,” but needed a storytelling space of their own — away from the noise of adult voices — that would “allow them to be their honest, in-your-face selves.” She has seen this platform help teen writers to cultivate disciplined writing habits and gain the confidence to look for agents and seek additional opportunities to publish their work.

One of the most important parts of millener’s vision was to include teenagers on the editorial staff.

“I’ve always thought it upside-down that other teen creatives like teen musicians could work part-time in the church choir or join a band,” she told me, “but teen writers had to work in fast food or retail.” She wants to not only show aspiring writers that there are viable career options in the publishing industry, but also give them the opportunity to learn about and explore these kinds of opportunities now — before all the responsibilities of adulthood catch up to them and encroach on their time.

While #TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Zine regularly reaches and inspires teenage readers, millener believes that we adults can learn a lot about the rising generation by reading teen-authored literary journals. “Teens are sending messages through their writing about the state of their mental and emotional health, metaphorically, analogously, and poetically.” She believes teens want nothing more than to reach adults through their writing, and she encourages us to take a moment to listen to them — an opportunity she and I seize regularly. In fact, we’ve often discussed how these teens’ stories leave us feeling a powerful range of emotions — moved to tears, brought to laughter, and everything in between.

So, whether you’re a teenage writer looking to submit, a teenage reader searching for work by your peers, or an adult who wants to learn about and support the next generation of writers, check out these teen-authored literary journals that exclusively showcase work by young people between the ages of 13 and 19. 

Teen-Authored Literary Journals Published by Schools

The Apprentice Writer cover (teen-authored literary journals)

The Apprentice Writer

Created by Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, this annual publication features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and photography by high school students from all over the United States and abroad. In addition to distributing  printed copies to approximately 3,000 schools each year, The Apprentice Writer also publishes its current and past issues online.

Elan Literary Magazine cover (teen-authored literary journals)

Élan

Published by Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, this teen-authored journal is staffed by high school juniors and seniors. Élan features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, plays, screenplays, and visual art by students, ages 14 to 18, from all around the world. Élan publishes two online issues per year and combines both issues into one print edition each summer. Current and past issues are available on its website.

The Interlochen Review

This annual publication is produced by the creative writing students at Interlochen Arts Academy and features not only writing and art, but also music by young artists, grades 9 through 12, from around the world. Editors look for fiction, nonfiction, songs, scripts, and more that exhibit “passion, skill, and an innovative approach to the craft.” Current and past issues are available on its website.

Parallax Online

Published by Idyllwild Arts Academy and created, designed, and edited by its high school students, Parallax has been showcasing Idyllwild students’ work in print since 1997. In 2011, the school added Parallax Online , which features work by high school students around the globe. Parallax Online ’s curated fiction, nonfiction, plays, screenplays, book reviews, and author interviews — current and past — can be found on its website.

Independently Published Teen-Authored Literary Journals

Cliche Teen Journal cover (teen-authored literary journals)

Cliché Teen Journal

Cliché Teen Journal , a bi-annual online journal featuring works by teens ages 13 to 19, is on a mission “to break the cliché teen stereotype that many teens despise being labeled under.” CTJ publishes fiction, poetry, personal essays, art, and photography, among other types of work. Current and past issues can be found on its website.

The Daphne Review cover

The Daphne review

This biannual online publication is passionate about helping teens voice their ideas and then sharing that work with the world. The Daphne Review provides a space for young artists, ages 13 to 18, to channel the power of creative expression through written and visual work in any media. Current and past issues are available on its website.

The Foredge Review Cover

The Foredge Review

Named for the term describing the edge of a book, opposite the spine, The Foredge Review believes that “every piece written by another perspective adds to the complexity and beauty of this mess of life.” Published bi-annually, this online journal features fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry from teens, ages 13 to 18, from all over the world, but with a focus on those in Asian countries. Current and past issues are available on its website

Cover image of The Formula

The Formula

Founded in 2020 by teenager Victoria Kim and her team of fellow high school students, The Formula “provides a safe, included community for high school students all around the world to express their experiences, thoughts, and feelings.” The Formula includes work on a variety of topics, including trends, social issues, entertainment, and more. Published biannually, each online issue features fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and artwork on a theme. Current and past issues are available on its website.

The Milking Cat

The Milking Cat describes itself as “the online teen comedy magazine for the humorous and slightly intelligent.” The concept came to life when its founder, Benji Elkins, wanted to publish a humor magazine to rival his high school’s student newspaper, but wasn’t allowed to do so. Produced online by a team of high school students, The Milking Cat features comedic work in any media by teenagers from around the world. All of the work is presented on its website.

Polyphony Lit Cover

Polyphony Lit

Polyphony Lit publishes fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction written and edited by high school students from all over the world. The staff is dedicated not only to helping develop teen editors, but also to building productive writer-editor relationships. The annual volume consists of submitted pieces as well as the works of quarterly contest winners. Current and past works can be found on its website.

Teen Ink Cover

Teen Ink Magazine

For more than 31 years, Teen Ink Magazine has been a publishing platform where young writers, ages 13 to 19, can express their views on the issues that affect their lives. Teen Ink Magazine features poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews, and visual art year-round. Readers need a subscription to access the full magazine, but they can view samples of each issue on the website.

#TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Zine Cover

#TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Magazine

This is the publication for which I volunteer — and the one that started my journey of discovering teen-authored literary journals. The #TeenWritersProject Quarterly Lit Magazine ’s editorial staff is a mix of adults and teens, and showcases fiction, nonfiction, interviews, poetry, dramatic works, and visual art by teens from all over the world. Editor-in-chief delmetria millener wrote this to inspire submissions: “You’re allowed to scream. You’re allowed to cry. Just grab a pen and paper to catch the beautiful mess.” Current and past issues can be accessed on the website.

The Weight Journal

The Weight Journa l believes that “[e]veryone has something heavy to get off their chest,” and strives to offer a creative outlet where teenagers can do just that. The Weight Journal features poetry, slam, fiction, creative fiction, hybrid, and  “whatever else you have.” Editors look for works that will make readers feel the weight of what the writer has to say about the human experience. Current and past works can be found on its website.

By reading teen-authored literary journals, you’re not only getting an opportunity to laugh, cry, listen, and remember, but you’re also supporting the very voices who are continuing the legacy of meaningful, well-told stories we bookworms can’t live without.

To find more literary journal suggestions, including online publications featuring works by writers of all ages , literary magazines published by libraries , and more, check out Book Riot’s literary magazine archive .

literary magazines for high school students

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