What publication publishes Ken Cosgrove's short stories?

The publication that publishes Ken Cosgrove’s short stories is The Atlantic. In the early Mad Men episode “5G,” Ken’s colleagues discover that he has been writing fiction under the name Ben Hargrove and that one of his stories has appeared in the prestigious magazine.

Ken’s writing is an important part of his character because it contrasts with his day job in account management. At Sterling Cooper, he is often treated as a conventional young advertising executive, but his fiction reveals a private ambition and a more observant, creative side. Roger Sterling is impressed by the publication, while Pete Campbell reacts with jealousy and tries to imitate Ken by submitting his own story.

The detail is sometimes confused with Pete’s later literary attempt, which involves Boys’ Life. Ken’s story is associated with The Atlantic, a real American magazine founded in Boston in 1857 and long known for publishing essays, journalism, poetry, and fiction. The show uses Ken’s publication success to underline the tension between commercial advertising and artistic achievement.