The First Line

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The First Line is a literary journal publishing original fiction, occasional poetry, and critical nonfiction essays built around provided opening lines.

Response time info: four to five weeks after the issue deadline

Read the full guidelines at thefirstline.com↗

Submission calls

fictionScience FictionFantasyHorrorLiteraryMysteryRomanceHumorYoung Adult

Stories must begin with the provided, unaltered first line and should be 300-5,000 words; all genres are welcome. The 2026 deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, with decisions typically sent four to five weeks after each deadline.

nonfictionLiterary

Critical essays about a favorite first line from a literary work must be 500-800 words. The 2026 deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, with decisions typically sent four to five weeks after each deadline.

poetryLiterary

Poems must begin with the provided, unaltered first line; there are no restrictions on form or line count. Poetry is accepted rarely, with 2026 deadlines of February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

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