Are you a passionate teen writer?

Do you often find your words pouring into notebook pages or Google Docs, only to realize there's no one to appreciate them? Do you feel alone in your craft, surrounded by adult-dominated publications that seem intimidating or inaccessible?

As a high school writer myself—someone who frequently churns out sporadic poems and articles—I’ve often found myself unsatisfied with limiting my work to school literary magazines or newspapers (which usually have, what, like a 60-person reader base?). That’s why I’ve been on a tireless search for spaces where young writers like us can be seen, heard, and celebrated.

So, for all the aspiring teen writers out there, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 5 youth-friendly and cost-free publications where you can share your writing with the world. I hope you find a new literary home—and maybe even the confidence to keep writing.

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1. Polyphony Lit

Polyphony Lit has to be one of the oldest and largest teen-run literary publications in all of the United States— if not in the world. Founded in 2004, it publishes poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction written exclusively by high school students. Even more incredible is that the editorial board is composed entirely of teens, meaning your work is read, edited, and celebrated by fellow young creatives.

Every submission of yours— regardless of acceptance status— will receive high-quality, detailed feedback. This system helps you step beyond the submission and know what readers love and what to improve on.

Besides publications, Polyphony Lit also offers many contest opportunities, including their Claudia Ann Seamann Awards and many seasonal contests. They also offer a lot of workshops and educational information on how to become a good editor or writer.

Check out their homepage here and there submissions portal here. Some of them have tight deadlines and submission caps. Don't hold back and put your work out there!

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2. The Teen Magazine

Guess what magazine you are reading right now? The Teen Magazine also has to be one of the largest and most impactful teen-writing publications, except with a focus on journalism articles, whether it's opinion writing, feature writing, reviews, personal essays, and more. In contrast to what most magazines would have, The Teen Magazine is not submission-based, but rather, application-based. You can apply to be a writer and then, once accepted, start contributing!

The reason I love The Teen Magazine is simply due to its sheer flexibility and freedom. You can write about anything, pitch any topic you want, and it also fully depends on you when or where you want to write an article. Without the need for a long period of reading time, you can be published within a few hours or even minutes.

If you are looking for an opportunity that does not require a lot of obligations, duties, or responsibilities, The Teen Magazine is for you. Click on the "Apply" button and become a TTM writer today!

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3. The WEIGHT Journal

The WEIGHT Journal is a literary magazine that seeks to elevate the voices of high school students around the globe. They want writing that is real and heavy, that digs into personal and social problems, allowing young writers to write freely, without worry that their work is not “school appropriate.” ​This journal was also started by English teachers from all over the states.

They accept submissions on a rolling basis and are open to high school students anywhere in the world. The journal aims to publish roughly monthly to every other month based on the quality of submissions. They accept all genres, including poetry, slam poetry, flash fiction, short fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid works, or anything within the creative realm. Click here to look at their submission guidelines and previously published works.

4. Teen Ink

Teen Ink used to be the household name for teen writers — and it’s still going strong with a vast archive of published student work in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, reviews and art items. What’s special about them is their legacy; they’re one of the few places where teens had been able to publish freely; that had gone on for decades. Though its submission interface isn’t super modern, it’s an open, free place for beginners to get a foot in the door.

Unlike more carefully curated journals, Teen Ink doesn’t reject submissions — they’ll put your submission where it belongs based on readership (you can find standout pieces in a range of front-page categories) or put pieces in their print issues (which they sell at places like Barnes and Noble) if they’re good enough. If you’re new to the writing scene and want your words out there without the long wait or fear of rejection, Teen Ink is a good place to start. You shouldn’t feel you need to be “literary” or “perfect” — just passionate.

Click here to access their home page.

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5. Apprentice Writer

Apprentice Writer is a distinguished yet youth-friendly yearly literary journal published by The Susquehanna Review, with sponsorship from Susquehanna University’s Writers Institute. It publishes the best poetry, fiction, personal essays, and photography by high school students from around the world. The journal only publishes around 15–25 total pieces per year, so it is a competitive and rewarding process.

A notable aspect of Apprentice Writer is its connection to a university writing community—your work will be read by university professors, editors, and professionals who care about building youth voices, not just peers. They also host the Young Writers Workshop, a summer program where accepted students will workshop the work of their peers and learn from college professors. If you feel good about a finished piece of work, and are ready to submit it to be published, this is the perfect place to think big.

Click here to access their home page.

Other Publication Opportunities

In addition to the ones listed above, there are also a variety of publication opportunities scattered around the internet. One method is to simply search "youth-led literary magazine" on Instagram and there would be— I promise you— more than hundreds if not thousands of publications initiated by teens.

These publications usually have more flexible reading periods (usually all year round) and have a higher acceptance rate than the super prestigious ones. If you are just starting and feeling uncertain, you can always test the waters by submitting your works to a teen-run magazine, many of which would also provide detailed feedback from experienced teen editors.

Someones I would recommend include:

• The Alexandrian Review (works amplifying marginalized communities)
• The Milagros Literary (dark academia vibes)
• Butter Mochi Journal (AAPI voices)
• Fleeting Daze Magazine (dynamic, introspective works)
• SUNHOUSELiterary Magazine (experimental, non-traditional works)

And these are just a few. There are so many more out there waiting for you to discover and submit! So if you're ambitious, recognition-seeking, or simply bored and want to share your writing, go ahead and do so!