For the month of February, many journals are actively reading or closing soon, and some have open windows that stretch through spring. These include contests and themed opportunities in addition to traditional magazine submissions.
Below are reputable magazines, what they accept, and submission deadlines where available.
Poetry Magazine
Genre: Poetry
Submission Window: Open January–June (typical annual window).
Deadline: Rolling within that period — aim to submit by end of February to increase chances for spring issues.
Tip: Prioritize your best poems early in the year.
The Kenyon Review
Genre: Fiction, Poetry, Essays
Next Known Window: Last open period was Sept 1–30, 2025; 2026 spring window has not yet been officially announced (likely March–May).
Deadline: TBA (commonly late spring). Check their submissions page for updates.
The Rumpus
Genre: Essays, Interviews, Nonfiction
Deadline: Ongoing submissions (no fixed seasonal closing announced) — submit in February for consideration in upcoming editorial cycles. Generally no set deadline but review times vary.
The Offing
Genre: Poetry, Fiction, Hybrid Work
Deadline: Ongoing submissions — The Offing accepts queries year-round with no fixed February cutoff listed; treat February as robust submission season.
Transition Magazine
Genre: Essays, Fiction, Cultural Criticism
Submission Time: Many issues accept year-round; consult their site for themed calls (deadlines vary by issue).
Markets with Close Deadlines
• Prairie Schooner — closes Feb 15 (poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction).
• Frontier Poetry Not in Love Haiku Challenge — closes Feb 15 (theme: Love/Hate).
• Aftershock Review — closes Feb 14 (poetry).
• Ink Sweat & Tears — closes Feb 15 (poetry, flash, visual/film poems).
• The Northwest Review — closes Feb 15 (multi-genre).
• Wales Poetry Award — closes Feb 16.
• New Voices: North 2026 — closes Feb 22.
• Broken Sleep Books (wildcard manuscripts) — closes Feb 28.
• Split Lip Magazine — closes Feb 28 (various forms).
• The Canterbury Tales Writing Competition — closes Feb 28 (themed contest).
• Tupelo Press Snowbound Chapbook Prize — closes Feb 28 (poetry chapbooks).
