About Indie Lit Journal
Indie Lit Journal is a quarterly literary publication dedicated to fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction by independent and emerging writers.
It was created as a sister publication to Indie Lit Lounge to give the journal and the writers inside it a permanent home of its own.
Our focus is simple: publish work that feels alive on the page. Not driven by trends, credentials, or algorithms — just writing that matters and the people who make it.
Our approach
We believe some of the most compelling literature is being written outside traditional publishing structures — by writers working without agents, institutional backing, or built-in audiences.
Indie Lit Journal exists to bring that work to readers with care and seriousness.
We look for work with:
✧ clarity of voice
✧ originality
✧ emotional depth
✧ strong craft
✧ a lasting impression
How we publish
Four digital issues are released each year — March, June, September, and December.
Between issues, selected excerpts are shared weekly to spotlight the writers and keep each volume active. By the time one issue has been fully featured, the next is ready.
At the end of each year, selected pieces are collected into a print anthology.
Who runs the journal
Indie Lit Journal is entirely volunteer-run.
Editors, readers, and contributors give their time because they believe independent writing deserves a serious platform. The journal is sustained by readers and writers who choose to support the work, not by advertising or institutional funding.
All issues are free to read.
Submissions
Submission periods open throughout the year. Some issues are open calls; others may be themed.
Calls for submissions are announced in a Substack post when reading periods begin.
Supporting the journal
Indie Lit Journal is free and accessible to all readers. Paid subscriptions and optional donations help sustain the time, labor, and production work behind each issue and allow the publication to remain volunteer-run.
Contact
For inquiries, collaborations, or other questions, please contact:
editor.indielitjournal@gmail.com
Indie Lit Journal
Independent writing, thoughtfully published.
