The First Line

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

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

Read the full guidelines at thefirstline.com↗

Submission calls

fictionLiteraryScience FictionFantasyHorrorMysteryRomanceHumorYoung Adult

Stories must begin with the provided first line, which cannot be altered unless editors note otherwise; all genres are welcome. Stories should be 300–5,000 words, though the range is flexible. The 2026 deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

nonfictionLiterary

Critical essays about a favorite first line from a literary work; essays should be 500–800 words. The 2026 deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

poetryLiterary

Poems must begin with the provided first line, which cannot be altered; there are no restrictions on form or line count. Poetry is accepted rarely. The 2026 deadlines are February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.

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