Orca A Literary Journal


Type Of Publisher
Magazine
Genres Published
Essays, Fiction, Visual Art
Year Established
2019
Address
Gig Harbor, WA
Mission Statement / Editorial Focus
We are committed to diversity of identities, origins, and perspectives on our pages. Many of our contributors are from other countries and cultures. But the main criterion by which we judge submissions is the quality of the writing. We seek work that is high concept: imaginative, thoughtful, even speculative, and open to possibilities. We look for deep, diverse characters, nuanced and complex plots, and narratives that blend genres or connect seemingly disparate ideas. We currently pay $50 for published short stories over 2000 words and $25 for shorter works.
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions
Yes
Submission Guidelines URL
Reading Period
Year round
Response Time
2 - 4 weeks
Author Payments
cash, subscription
Number Of Issues Per Year
1
Price Per Issue
$11.99
Total Subscribers
100
Total Circulation
500
Do You Have Any Cover Letter Advice?
Just a brief note and bio. Please do not summarize or explain your story for us.
What Do You Look For In A Submission?
Thoughtful literary writing. Well developed characters. High stakes. Forward momentum and a minimum of backstory. We appreciate submissions in which the writer is invisible and the characters carry the action.
What Advice Do You Have For First-time Submitters?
The most common criticism we have about first time submissions is that they are unrevised. When you think it's done, put your story away for a few months, and then come back to it with a fresh eye and revise. Writing is patience and perseverance.
Do You Have A Favorite Unsolicited Submission Discovery Or Anecdote?
A story we received in 2019 was almost rejected by a first reader. The editors happened to take a look, and loved it. It went on to be honored in Best Canadian Stories 2020.
Who Is Your Ideal Reader?
Thoughtful, well read, and unencumbered by trends and popular culture. Our readers are open to new ideas and interpretations. They love to be challenged.

Magazine