Short fiction is often where writers “pay their dues.” But it should also be where they first get paid. So we decided to pay 10c/word. Professional rates for new writers only. Because your words have value from day one.

Who else has days where opening a blank document feels like staring into an existential void that somehow knows all your insecurities? Like, chill out Universe, I just want to have fun with my hobby.

Thank you for the kind words, Celina celina! It always makes my day to hear positive feedback from our authors :) Read Celina's stories for free in Elegant Literature magazine. Vending Machine Angel, in the Mundane Magic issue, and Mercy, in the Sinister Sanctuaries issue.

Elegant Literature: The only magazine that exclusively publishes NEW writers for pro rates. Your story deserves readers, not a permanent home in your drafts folder.

Your job doesn’t define your writing identity. Octavia Butler wrote daily while working as a dishwasher, potato chip inspector, and telemarketer. She'd wake up at 2 AM to write before her shift. After 5 years of grinding she sold her book. Sometimes that's what it takes.

Deadline Reminder: JUNE 12 days left to submit your story for the Elegant Literature $3000 Award For New Writers.

Writing a novel: packing for a month-long trip with two checked luggages and a carry-on. Writing a short story: packing for the same trip but everything has to fit in your left pocket.

For writers beginning their journey: We host live trainings by award-winning authors and other industry pros to teach the craft, the mindset, and how to navigate the industry. Use those skills by submitting to our magazine, which pays pro rates and only publishes new writers.

Literary magazine business model: ✅ Pay writers in “exposure” ✅ Charge submission fees ✅ 6-month response time ✅ Form rejections And they wonder why writers drink.

“But I don’t have any publishing credits!” That’s not a problem at Elegant Literature. We exclusively publish writers who haven’t broken in yet. Because someone should.

Have you ever tried writing just the dialogue, then adding action, introspection, and description after the fact? Did it flow better or become flat and mechanical?

Most writers remember that first acceptance letter like athletes remember their first championship. That’s why Elegant Literature exists. To be that meaningful first for talented writers who haven’t broken in yet.

Ghosted my manuscript for 3 months. Refused to work on our issues. Somehow still can't get enough of each other...

Most lit mags: “Sorry, we need writers with experience." Us: “Emerging writers ONLY. Pro payment. $42k in awards every year." Sometimes change is just common sense.

Here’s what’s broken about publishing: The people who need opportunity the most are the least likely to get it. Here’s how we’re fixing it: $3,000 monthly award to a writer who is NOT a professional author. Your story starts here.

$3000 award for a writer who submits a story by the end of the month. 10 stories get published and paid 10c/word. 25 more get an Honorable Mention and $20. 43 magazine issues published since 2021. $200k+ paid to emerging talent. Award judged by Patrick Barb.

What’s your character’s non-negotiable? What if character development isn’t about extensive backstories, but about one critical question: what would this person never compromise on, even if everything else was at stake?

The sad story about short fiction? Many magazines claim to welcome new writers while mostly publishing established names. We fixed that by only accepting writers who aren't pros AND still paying a professional rate for your work (also we give a $3000 award every month).

I'm thrilled to announce I've been shortlisted for the final round of the longlist for a writing fellowship that may lead to an unpaid internship, which I need to get accepted to my MFA.

Every published author we’ve talked to: “This is such a great initiative. I wish Elegant Literature had existed back when I started writing!” That’s why we built it. Education, community, and publication, all under one roof.