If you’re a writer with a strong piece of fiction, poetry, memoir, or literary criticism, The Threepenny Review is a publication worth considering.

It’s the kind of place where carefully crafted writing is taken seriously — and where your work has the chance to sit alongside some of the best voices in American literature.

In this guide, we’ll cover what they publish, what they pay, and how you can submit your work for a chance to get featured — and paid — by one of America’s most respected literary journals.

Let’s get started. 

What is The Threepenny Review?

The Threepenny Review is an esteemed American literary magazine founded in 1980 by editor Wendy Lesser.

Published quarterly out of Berkeley, California, the magazine has built a strong reputation for excellence across fiction, poetry, memoirs, essays, criticism, and even photography.

Its print readership exceeds 10,000 and its influence extends far beyond — works published in Threepenny have gone on to be selected for The Best American Essays, The Best American Poetry, Best American Travel Writing, and The O. Henry Prize Stories.

Lesser originally launched the magazine after guest editing an issue of the San Francisco Review of Books.

Energized by the experience, she created The Threepenny Review at age 27 — and has been curating top-tier literary work ever since.

Today, it stands as one of the most respected and influential literary journals in the country, with a legacy built on quality, depth, and enduring relevance.

What kind of content do they accept?

The Threepenny Review is known for sharp, intelligent, and emotionally resonant writing.

They accept:

• Fiction – Short stories with compelling characters, thoughtful structure, and literary quality
• Poetry – Up to 5 poems per submission, ideally no more than 100 lines each
• Critical articles – Reviews or essays on books, film, theater, art, or broader cultural themes (1,200 to 2,500 words)
• Memoirs – Personal narratives and reflective nonfiction (up to 4,000 words)
• Table Talk – Short pieces under 1,000 words offering cultural commentary, anecdotes, or sharp insights

Note: All work must be unpublished.

Simultaneous submissions are not allowed.
The Threepenny Review is very clear on this — they emphatically do not consider simultaneous submissions. Make sure your piece is not under consideration anywhere else before submitting.

What are their writing guidelines?

Length limits are strict, and exceeding them can reduce your chances of acceptance:

• Critical Articles: 1,200–2,500 words
• Table Talk: 1,000 words or fewer
• Stories/Memoirs: Up to 4,000 words
• Poetry: Up to 100 lines

Formatting tips:

• Prose should be double-spaced
• Poetry can be single or double-spaced
• Submit one Word document (.doc or .docx) per entry
• Include your name and address in both the document and submission form

Writers will be consulted for major edits and will receive a proof before publication to check for typos.

Who can write for them?

Anyone.

There are no restrictions on nationality, experience level, or background — only the quality of the work matters.

How much do they pay?

The Threepenny Review offers the following rates:

• $400 per story or critical article
• $200 per poem or Table Talk piece

This payment buys serial rights for both print and digital — meaning The Threepenny Review has the right to be the first to publish your work in their print and online formats.

However, once your piece is published, full copyright ownership returns to you.

That means you’re free to republish your work elsewhere afterward, whether in a book, collection, or another format of your choosing.

Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.

Why should I write for them?

Publishing in The Threepenny Review means more than just seeing your name in print. It’s a mark of literary distinction.

With its decades-long reputation and curated selection process, a byline here signifies that your work meets the high standards of one of America’s top literary magazines.

Beyond prestige, there’s real reach.
Threepenny boasts a dedicated readership of over 10,000 and has earned national acclaim.

Pieces published here are regularly featured in major anthologies like The Best American Essays and The O. Henry Prize Stories.

That means your work won’t just be read — it’ll be remembered.

The editorial process is refreshingly respectful.
Editors consult with contributors about any noticeable changes.

Writers also get the chance to review proofs, so you’re treated as a collaborator, not just a name in the slush pile.

And yes — they pay.

While many literary journals only offer exposure, The Threepenny Review offers fair compensation: $400 for stories or essays, and $200 for poems or short pieces.

That’s a rare and valuable gesture of respect for your time and talent.

Whether you’re looking to build your literary resume or reach a thoughtful, engaged audience, submitting to Threepenny is a worthy goal for any serious writer.

How do I get started?

Before submitting, it’s highly recommended that you read a few recent issues of The Threepenny Review to get a feel for their tone, style, and the kind of work they favor.

There are two accepted ways to submit:

1. Online (recommended):

• Submit via their official online system
• One document per submission
• Group up to 5 poems into one file

2. By mail: Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope (SASE) and send your manuscript to:

The Editors
The Threepenny Review
PO Box 9131
Berkeley, CA 94709

Important: Do not email your submissions — they will be discarded unread.

Response times:

• Online: 2 days to 2 weeks
• Mail: Up to 2 months (only replied to if you include a SASE)

If you don’t hear back from an online submission in 2 weeks, assume it’s a pass and feel free to send it elsewhere.

Before you submit:
Paid writing opportunities like these are limited — and they exist because editors are still willing to accept unsolicited submissions from writers around the world. To help keep these opportunities open, don’t submit AI-generated content or low-effort work clearly intended as spam. It wastes the editors’ time and takes away chances from real writers who care about the craft. Respect the opportunity. Respect the process. And respect the people reading your work.

Ready to submit your story, article, or poem?
Head over to their website to get started.

WRITE FOR THREEPENNY ➤

Final thoughts

The Threepenny Review stands out not just for its literary weight, but for how it treats writers.

You’re met with respect, transparency, and fair pay — a combination that’s surprisingly rare in today’s literary world.

In a publishing landscape where many expect writers to work for exposure alone, Threepenny does the opposite.

They honor your craft with real compensation and thoughtful editorial attention.

It’s the kind of place where great work is not only welcomed — it’s truly valued.

Whether you’re submitting fiction, essays, poems, or cultural commentary, this is a platform where your voice can be heard.

And more importantly, it’s a place where your work might reach thousands of serious, attentive readers.

A lot of writers remember the moment they got their Threepenny acceptance — even years later.

Not just because of the paycheck, but because it felt like a nod from the literary world that said: “Yes. You belong here.”

Good luck — and give it your best shot.

Your words deserve to be read, remembered, and rewarded.

Make this submission count.

Looking for more sites that pay you to write?

Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.

You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.

Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.

SEE THE FULL LIST ➤