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THE TOP LIT MAGS 2026 - FICTION
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This database uses major awards and anthologies to rank more than 270 magazines publishing literary fiction
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It also contains information on: reading periods, cost of submission, any restrictions, word limits, pay, location and website of journal
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Please send comments, suggestions, questions and/or corrections to:
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brecht_dp@protonmail.com
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Please consider supporting this project by buying me a coffee or helping me purchase the books necessary to build this database!
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https://paypal.me/brechtdepoortere
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Ranking methodology
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Components and weights:
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·       Best American Short Stories 2016-2025: 4 points for every featured story, 1 point for every notable story. 2025 weight = 1, decreasing to 2016 weight = 0.1 (weight in fiction ranking = 100%)
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·       Pushcart Fiction 2016-2025: 4 points for every fiction winner, 1 point for every fiction special mention. 2025 weight = 1, decreasing to 2016 weight = 0.1 (weight in fiction ranking = 100%)
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·       Best of the Net Fiction 2015-2025: 2 points for every winning story, 1 point for every finalist. 2025 weight = 1, decreasing to 2015 weight = 0.1 (weight in fiction ranking = 100%)
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·       O. Henry Award for Short Fiction 2016-2025: 1 point for every featured story. 2025 weight = 1, decreasing to 2016 weight = 0.1 (weight in fiction ranking = 100%)
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·       PEN DAU Short Story Prize 2017-2025: 1 point for every featured story. 2025 weight = 1, decreasing to 2017 weight = 0.2 (weight in fiction ranking = 100%)
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Please note the following limitations:
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·       Not all aspects of journal quality can be measured and this is just one ranking amongst many
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·       Use this as a tool, in combination with other information, when deciding where to submit
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·       The ranking is very US-centered, so journals from other countries are at a disadvantage
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This version: 9 January 2026
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Copyright © 2025 Brecht De Poortere
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All rights reserved. Any unauthorised copying will constitute an infringement of copyright. Permission granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only. Commercial copying is prohibited.
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May be used free of charge. Selling without prior written consent prohibited. Obtain permission before redistributing. In all cases this notice must remain intact.
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