If you’re a writer with bold ideas and powerful storytelling chops, the Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR) might be your next big break.

With payment rates that go as high as $1,000+ for poetry, fiction, essays, and investigative journalism, it’s one of the most prestigious and rewarding literary journals you can submit to.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing for VQR — from what they publish and how much they pay, to who can submit and how to send your work in.

Let’s get started. 

What is the Virginia Quarterly Review?

The Virginia Quarterly Review (VQR) is a quarterly literary magazine founded in 1925 by James Southall Wilson, at the request of University of Virginia president E. A. Alderman.

Originally launched as a “National Journal of Literature and Discussion,” it has long been a home for poetry, fiction, essays, book reviews, photography, and even comics.

Over the decades, VQR has earned a reputation as one of the top literary magazines in the United States.

VQR has published legendary writers and thinkers like T.S. Eliot, William Faulkner, Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Salman Rushdie, and Pablo Neruda.

It also champions emerging voices from around the world.

Its editorial standard is simple: excellence.
Every issue seeks to deliver writing that is timely, timeless, and deeply resonant.

Over the years, VQR has earned numerous awards and honors for its contributions to the literary world.

Each issue is carefully curated and reflects a strong sense of purpose, cultural engagement, and literary craft.

Whether you’re a reader or a writer, VQR delivers a rich, thought-provoking experience that pushes boundaries and ignites discussion.

What kind of content do they accept?

VQR accepts submissions in three major categories:

• Poetry: All forms and lengths are welcome. Whether it’s lyrical, experimental, or narrative, VQR looks for poetry that moves and challenges the reader.
• Short Fiction: Stories should be between 2,500 and 8,000 words. They generally do not publish genre fiction (like romance, fantasy, or sci-fi).

But they welcome literary fiction with emotional depth, original voice, and thoughtful themes.

• Nonfiction: Essays, memoir, and literary journalism ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 words.

VQR values nonfiction that is meticulously researched, intellectually compelling, and emotionally resonant.

Investigative reporting and deep-dive stories are particularly welcome.

VQR is not just a venue for polished writing, but for ideas that matter — stories that reflect the complexity of the human experience and shed light on both the personal and the political.

What are their writing guidelines?

To ensure your work is reviewed properly, follow these guidelines closely:

• Only unpublished work is considered. This includes any work previously published online, in anthologies, or in chapbooks.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but you must notify VQR immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
• Accepted file formats are Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) and PDF.
• Use a standard font (such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Helvetica) at 12-point size.
• Text should be double-spaced with generous margins and minimal formatting.

Clean and simple is best.

Submitting professionally formatted work is not just courteous — it shows respect for the editors’ time and allows your writing to shine.

Who can write for them?

Anyone can submit.

You don’t need an MFA, a bestselling book, or a long list of bylines.

While VQR has featured many of the world’s literary giants, they actively seek new and emerging voices.

They are committed to publishing a diverse range of perspectives and styles, and they recognize that excellence can come from any background.

If your work is fresh, original, and finely crafted, you have every reason to submit.

How much do they pay?

VQR pays some of the highest rates in the literary publishing world:

• Poetry: $200 per poem (up to 4 poems), or $1,000 for 5+ poems submitted as a suite.
• Short Fiction: Typically $1,000 and up per story.
• Nonfiction & Essays: Generally $1,000+, paid at approximately 25 cents per word.
• Investigative Reporting: Higher rates are possible, and pre-approved travel expenses may be covered.

VQR may also help secure additional funding for long-form pieces.

As for rights: VQR requests first North American print and digital magazine rights, nonexclusive online rights, and some limited additional rights.

You retain full copyright and may resell the work after a 90-day exclusive window.

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 VQR isn’t just another line on your résumé — it’s a career milestone.

The magazine’s prestige and reach make it one of the most respected platforms in contemporary literature.

Having your work appear in VQR signals to readers, editors, and publishers that you are a serious and exceptional writer.

You’ll also benefit from thoughtful editorial guidance, beautiful print and digital presentation, and a lasting place in the literary conversation.

VQR also stands out for the way it treats its contributors.

The editorial team takes great care in working with authors to shape and polish their pieces while still honoring their original voice.

This level of attention is rare, especially in an era where many outlets are rushed and underfunded.

In addition, publication in VQR can open the door to other opportunities — future assignments, book deals, speaking invitations, and more.

Many VQR contributors go on to win major literary awards or gain wider exposure through anthologies and reprints.

It’s the kind of credit that builds lasting credibility.

If you’re looking for a publication that both challenges and elevates, VQR should be high on your list.

How do I get started?

Before submitting:

• Read recent issues to understand their style and tone. Some content is free online, or you can purchase issues from bookstores or directly from VQR.

When ready to submit:

• Use their official Submittable page — they do not accept submissions via email or post.
• Submit one prose piece OR up to five poems per reading period.
• Group all poems in a single file for poetry submissions.
• If your work is accepted elsewhere, update your Submittable account with a note or withdraw the piece.

Other important notes:

• VQR receives over 10,000 submissions per year, so response times can be long (up to six months).
• They respond exclusively through Submittable. Do not email or call to follow up on your submission.
• If you received a confirmation email or system acknowledgment, your submission was received.

Patience is key.
Focus on making your work as strong as possible and let the editors take it from there.

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 poem, story, or essay?
Head over to their website to get started.

WRITE FOR VQR ➤

Final thoughts

The Virginia Quarterly Review is one of the most respected, well-paying, and artistically ambitious literary journals today.

Whether you write poetry, short fiction, essays, or nonfiction, VQR offers a rare platform where your work can be taken seriously and seen by a wide, discerning audience.

Submitting to VQR is more than just chasing a byline — it’s a statement that you value literary craft, meaningful ideas, and cultural depth.

Your work won’t be lost in the crowd.
If accepted, it will be showcased and remembered.

Each issue is a curated blend of voices — new and legendary — woven together with intention and excellence.

If you’re ready to step up, to be challenged, and to reach thoughtful readers who care, this is your chance.

Polish your best work and submit.

It just might be your name appearing alongside some of the most celebrated writers of the last hundred years.

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 ➤