Colorado Literary Magazines and Publications

We’ve compiled a list of Colorado literary magazine and publications. Colorado is the state we call home and has a thriving artistic and writing community that we want to highlight.

We will update this list once per month, based on active journals, contact information, and working websites.

Want to be added to this list? Email us at fromwhispers2roars@gmail.com with the subject line: Colorado Literary

Colorado Literary Magazines, Journals, and Presses

Colorado Review

Operated by Colorado State University, founded in 1956.

Website: https://coloradoreview.colostate.edu/colorado-review/

Conundrum Press

Founded in the late 1990s.

Website: https://www.conundrum-press.com/

Copper Nickel

Operated by The University of Colorado, Denver. Founded in 2002.

Website: https://copper-nickel.org/

Counterpath Press

Founded in 2006.

Website: https://counterpathpress.org/

Denver Quarterly

Operated by The University of Denver. Founded in 1966.

Website: https://liberalarts.du.edu/english/journals-initiatives/denver-quarterly

From Whispers to Roars

Yeah, it’s us! Founded in 2018.

Website: https://fromwhisperstoroars.com

Lithic Press

Website: https://www.lithicpress.com/index.php

Liquid Light Press

Founded in 2011

Website: https://liquidlightpress.com/index.html

Middle Creek Publishing

Website: https://www.middlecreekpublishing.com/

Mountain Gazette

Founded in 1966.

Website: https://mountaingazette.com/

Pilgrimage

Founded in 1976.

Website: https://www.pilgrimagepress.org/

Pinyon

Founded in 1994.

Website: https://thepinyon.wordpress.com/

Progenitor

Founded in 1967.

Website: https://www.arapahoe.edu/academics-programs/resources/academic-experiences/progenitor

Sage Green Journal

Founded in 2018

Website: https://www.sagegreenjournal.org/

South Broadway Press and South Broadway Ghost Society

Founded in 2018

Website: https://soboghoso.org/

THINK: A Journal of Poetry, Fiction, and Essays

Founded in 2008.

Website: https://thinkjournal.org/index.html

Twenty Bellows

Website: https://twentybellowslit.com/

Wolverine Farm

Founded in 2003.

Website: https://www.wolverinefarm.org/

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Literary Magazine FAQs

What genres do most literary magazines accept?

Many literary magazines welcome a mix of short fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and occasionally hybrid or experimental forms. Always double-check the magazine’s guidelines—some issues or contests focus on a single genre or theme.

Do literary magazines pay contributors?

Payment varies widely. Prestigious print journals may offer an honorarium (e.g., $25–$300, plus copies), while newer online mags often provide publication credit only. A growing number now pay competitive rates (especially for featured work) so review each outlet’s “Payment” or “About” page before submitting.

Can I submit the same piece to multiple magazines at once?

Usually yes, but only if the guidelines explicitly permit “simultaneous submissions.” If another publication accepts your piece first, you must withdraw it from all remaining magazines immediately.

How long will it take to receive a response?

Response times range from a few weeks to six months. Many magazines post average wait times on Duotrope or Chill Subs. Expect longer queues near reading-period deadlines and during editorial staff transitions.

What rights do I keep after publication?

Most magazines request first serial rights (the right to publish the piece first) and non-exclusive archival rights to keep it available on their site or in print back issues. After publication, all other rights typically revert to you, allowing inclusion in a future collection—just credit the original publisher in your acknowledgments.

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Ready to submit or continue learning? Explore our submissions page or resources for writers.

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