Bluestem Magazine About We have deep roots and we thrive on the prairie. We’re Bluestem, a national literary journal, produced by the English Department of Eastern Illinois University. Since 1966, we’ve given voice to writers and poets from around the world--writers who’ve won the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Prize, Pushcart Prize, and more. Submission Caps: They may close to submissions early if they reach their quota. Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1966 Publication Medium & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 2 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower Bluestem Magazine's overall average response time is slower than most magazines. More ChallengingBluestem Magazine's overall acceptance rate is lower than most magazines. More ResponsiveBluestem Magazine's overall rate of non-response is lower than most magazines. Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Flash Fiction: Up to 1,000 words; Up to 3 pieces. Short Story: 1,000 - 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Review: No specific word count limits known. Essay: Up to 5,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: Open to all/most Genres, including: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 5 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Expand section Visual Art DNQ Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to publication's website Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Instagram @bluestem_magazine Support this Publisher: Purchase Issue(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Bluestem Magazine Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Fiction Nonfiction Poetry Visual Art Group by submission Include outliers Accuracy We have received 89 reports from 83 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 10 min | 117.0 mean avg | 115.0 median | 282 max days (255.3 std dev) Responses 86.51 % Acceptances: 1.12 % of submissions accepted (63.0 avg. days per acceptance) | 1.20 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 85.39 % (127.2 avg. days per rejection) | 13.2 % personal, 61.8 % form, 25.0 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 13.48 % (46.2 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 55 responses are pending (28 min | 66.8 mean avg | 55.0 median | 399 max days waiting | 284.0 std dev) from 55 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information Most submissions are acknowledged within one day. Most recent response reported was received on 20 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 07 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 12 Sep 2026 00:48 UTC (6 hours, 19 minutes ago). View report of recent responses from this project Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 28 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only