Toronto Journal is a writing journal in print and sound. We publish two issues per year in the summer and the winter.
Why does this journal exist?
Toronto Journal has two foundational goals: to dig up local history, and to publish great fiction.
Each issue is book-ended by two historical pieces: we open with a non-fiction piece about some forgotten slice of local history from Toronto, the GTA, or surrounding areas, and close with an old piece of local writing from the city’s past.
In between you’ll find several pieces of great fiction from anywhere in the world. As readers and writers ourselves, we read and re-read submissions in order to bring you something good.
How is it different from other journals?
Two key things set us apart: anonymous submissions and the “sound” bit.
We are firm believers that writing should speak for itself. Once a story is written, it exists outside of the author. Yet the typical literary journal submission process requires a cover letter and an overview of the author’s previous writing experience – a process we have always questioned. We aren’t looking for your credentials. All submissions to Toronto Journal are anonymous.
As you may have gathered from our tagline, Toronto Journal is also published in audio format. Why? We want to tell stories. This isn’t anything new. It’s something that goes back a long way. The first ever stories were spoken. They captivated people around the fire and in the marketplace. The first stories we each hear in our own lives are much the same. They are stories that we hear. Everyone who loves stories first learned to love them in the same way: by listening to them told. It’s one of the oldest and greatest traditions there is. We want to be a part of this tradition. Check out the audio version of each issue by looking up Toronto Journal, wherever you get your podcasts.
Where can I find the journal?
All issues can be purchased on our website, and the current issue can be purchased at the following bookstores:
- Another Story Bookshop, 315 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M6
- Ben McNally Books, 108 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1S4
- Book City Beaches, 1950 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4L 1H6
- Book City Danforth, 348 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N8
- Book City Yonge & St.Clair, 1430 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1Y6
- Queen Books, 914 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1J5
The audio version of all issues can be found wherever you get your podcasts:
The current issue is also published on our website.