Ballast Journal About Our mission is to add more poetry and literary discussions into the world by publishing writers and connecting those writers with other writers and readers. We are committed to remaining an accessible literary journal through year-round and fee-free submissions.Ballast does not aim to fill a niche in poetry publishing — we just want to add more. Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2022 Publication Medium & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 4 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Ballast Journal's overall average response time is within a normal range for magazines. More ApproachableBallast Journal's overall acceptance rate is higher than most magazines. More ResponsiveBallast Journal's overall rate of non-response is lower than most magazines. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Review: No specific word count limits known. Essay: No specific word count limits known.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Critical, Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Literature/Books: Theory/Analysis/Criticism.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Open Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; 3 - 5 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms, including: Long poetry, Visual poetry, Other form.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to publication's website Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @ballastjournal.bsky.socialInstagram @ballastpoetryjournalX (Twitter) @ballastjournal Support this Publisher: Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Ballast Journal Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Nonfiction Poetry Group by submission Include outliers Accuracy We have received 42 reports from 37 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 6 min | 53.4 mean avg | 42.0 median | 137 max days (1,442.6 std dev) Responses 95.24 % Acceptances: 19.05 % of submissions accepted (43.3 avg. days per acceptance) | 21.62 % of submitters accepted Rejections are often underreported, which skews the statistics in favor of acceptances. Most publishers have a lower acceptance rate than indicated here. Rejections: 76.19 % (55.8 avg. days per rejection) | 18.8 % personal, 46.9 % form, 34.4 % unspecified | 2.4 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 4.76 % (27.5 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 6 responses are pending (1 min | 71.8 mean avg | 17.0 median | 218 max days waiting | 386.6 std dev) from 5 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors will try to make a decision within 90 days. (11.9 % of the responses reported to us for this listing have taken longer than 90 days.) Do not query on the status of your submission before 90 days have passed. Submissions are acknowledged within 3 days on average. Most recent response reported was received on 22 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 15 Jul 2026. Date compiled: 18 Sep 2026 01:32 UTC (46 minutes ago). View report of recent responses from this project Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 23 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only