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The Common Literary Journal: 7 Reasons This Award-Winning Magazine Defines The Modern "Sense Of Place"

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For over a decade, The Common Literary Journal has stood as a unique beacon in the world of contemporary letters, challenging writers and readers alike to reconsider the very definition of "place." Established in Amherst, Massachusetts, this nonprofit, biannual magazine—based at the prestigious Amherst College—has carved out a vital niche by publishing bold, engaging literature and art that is deeply rooted in location. As of , the journal continues to be a powerful force, celebrated not just for its aesthetic quality but for its profound editorial vision.

The magazine’s core mission is to deepen our individual and collective sense of place, serving as a vibrant common space for the exploration of global voices and local narratives. From its celebrated print issues to its extensive online dispatches, The Common consistently delivers a fresh perspective on how geography shapes human experience, making it an essential read for anyone interested in award-winning contemporary fiction, poetry, and essays. Its influence is cemented by a string of major literary awards and a commitment to publishing both established luminaries and brand-new writers from around the world.

The Common Literary Journal: A Profile in Contemporary Letters

The Common is more than just a literary magazine; it is a literary organization with a clear, focused vision. Its history and structure are intertwined with the academic excellence of its host institution, Amherst College.

  • Founded: 2011
  • Location/Base: Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts
  • Editor-in-Chief & Founder: Jennifer Acker
  • Format: Biannual print magazine and extensive online content (The Common Online)
  • Mission: To deepen our individual and collective sense of place through bold, engaging literature and art.
  • Key Genre Focus: Stories, essays, poems, and dispatches that embody a strong sense of place.
  • Notable Awards: Whiting Literary Magazine Prize (2019), recognition from the Best American series, PEN America, O. Henry, and Pushcart Prizes.
  • Key Programs: David Applefield '78 Fellowship, educational partnerships.

The magazine's commitment to this "sense of place" theme acts as a powerful unifying force, drawing together diverse narratives from across the globe—from detailed observations of local life in Maine to international reports from Morocco and Ukraine.

7 Ways The Common Literary Journal Is Shaping Modern Global Literature

The journal's impact extends far beyond the pages of its physical magazine. It has become a crucial platform for literary discovery and a benchmark for editorial excellence. Here are seven key aspects that define its current influence and topical authority in the literary world:

1. The Unwavering "Sense of Place" Mission

The Common’s editorial focus is its defining characteristic. It seeks out literature where the setting is not merely a backdrop but an active, shaping character in the narrative. This thematic constraint has ironically led to an explosion of creativity, with writers exploring the nuances of location in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. This mission is central to its identity as a nonprofit literary magazine, fostering a collective understanding of geography and culture.

2. Championing Global Voices (Issue 30 Focus)

The journal prides itself on its international scope, publishing new writers and artists from around the world alongside established favorites. The latest available issue, Issue 30, powerfully exemplifies this global reach. It features a special portfolio of art and poetry from Ukraine, offering a direct, moving perspective on contemporary events. Additionally, the issue includes short stories and essays that transport the reader to diverse locations such as Morocco, Canada, Phoenix, and Cape Cod, demonstrating a true commitment to global literary exchange.

3. The Prestigious Whiting Literary Magazine Prize Win

A major milestone in the journal's history was winning the top Whiting Literary Magazine Prize in 2019. This award is one of the most significant honors a literary publication can receive, recognizing its editorial excellence, financial health, and overall contribution to the literary landscape. This recognition immediately elevated The Common into the top tier of literary magazines, confirming its role as a serious and influential tastemaker.

4. Consistent Recognition from Major Literary Awards

Beyond the Whiting Prize, The Common is a perennial favorite for literary recognition. Its published works are frequently selected for inclusion in the "Best American" series, including Best American Essays, Best American Poetry, and Best American Short Stories. Furthermore, the journal has received numerous accolades from PEN America, the O. Henry Prize, and the prestigious Pushcart Prize, solidifying its reputation for discovering and publishing high-quality, memorable literature. It was also named a finalist for the Firecracker Award by the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP).

5. Cultivating New Talent through Fellowships

As an organization based at Amherst College, The Common plays a direct role in nurturing the next generation of literary professionals. The David Applefield '78 Fellowship is a notable example, providing an opportunity for Amherst College students, such as the 2025-26 recipient Aidan Cooper '26, to gain hands-on experience in the world of publishing. This commitment ensures the journal remains a vibrant hub for literary education and mentorship, connecting the academic world with the contemporary publishing industry.

6. The Dynamic Digital Presence: The Common Online

While the biannual print issue is a highly anticipated event, The Common maintains a robust and dynamic digital presence, The Common Online. This platform allows the journal to publish content more frequently, including interviews, book reviews, and literary dispatches that expand on the "sense of place" theme in real-time. This combination of a curated, high-quality print product and an agile online platform ensures the journal’s relevance in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

7. A Legacy Rooted in Amherst College’s Literary History

Amherst College is well-known as one of the world's premier writing colleges, boasting an enviable literary history that includes major figures like Emily Dickinson. The Common, as the college’s award-winning literary journal, is a direct continuation of this legacy. It provides a unique bridge between the academic study of literature and the creation of contemporary literature, leveraging the college's resources and outstanding faculty to maintain its high standards of editorial and artistic quality.

Submitting to The Common: What Writers Need to Know

For aspiring and established writers, submitting work to The Common represents a significant opportunity. The journal is known for its open submission periods and its commitment to reading a wide range of voices. The editorial team, led by Jennifer Acker, emphasizes the importance of the "sense of place" in all submissions—whether fiction, nonfiction (essays, memoir, dispatches), or poetry.

Writers should study the back issues, especially the recent Issue 29 and Issue 30, to understand the magazine’s aesthetic and thematic depth. They publish work that is both intimate and expansive, often tackling complex emotional and political geographies. The editorial process is highly selective, reflecting the journal's commitment to maintaining the quality recognized by the Whiting Literary Magazine Prize and the Pushcart Awards. Understanding the nuances of their "sense of place" motif is the key to a successful submission to this highly-regarded biannual literary journal.

The Common Literary Journal: 7 Reasons This Award-Winning Magazine Defines the Modern
the common literary journal
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