MAR does accept and read submissions year round; all genres are accepting submissions. We accept fiction, poetry, translations, and nonfiction (including personal essays, essays on writing, and short reviews)—There is NO reading fee for a regular submission, but our contests do require an entry fee. Contributing authors will receive two complimentary copies of MAR as payment. We encourage simultaneous submissions, but request immediate notification if the work is accepted elsewhere. We seek to acquire First North American Serial Rights; all rights revert to the author upon publication. MAR does not consider work which has previously appeared elsewhere in print or online, for regular consideration or for its contests. To submit via our submission manager, please click here.
Fiction Editor: Meg Spring
Mid-American Review considers work that is character and/or language-oriented without sacrificing narrative. We are open to submissions from new and established writers, both traditional and experimental work, including short-shorts. Please send only one story per submission, or up to 5 shorts. MAR considers pieces up to 6,000 words in length; authors wishing to submit longer manuscripts or novel excerpts should query first at mar@bgsu.edu. We are looking to read a story we haven’t read before, or a familiar story presented in an original way.
Poetry Editor: Mary Robles
Poems should emanate from textured, evocative images, use language with an awareness of how words sound and mean, and have a definite sense of voice. Each line should help carry the poem, and an individual vision must be evident. We encourage new as well as established writers. There is no length limit on individual poems, but please send no more than six poems.
Nonfiction Editor: Karen Craigo
Intensive examination and getting below the surface of the subject is of primary consideration in MAR‘s essays. We publish both traditional and experimental essay forms; we gravitate to a distinct voice and work that goes beyond the author’s own experience to engage the larger world. We do not typically publish scholarly essays, but personal examinations of scholarly and critical topics are welcome. MAR considers pieces up to 6,000 words.
Reviews Editor: Joseph Elia
We also seek book reviews of ~500 words, following the MLA style sheet, of works of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction published within six months of our publication dates (June & December). Please query (click on editor’s name above) before sending a book review, to ensure we find it promptly in our system.
Translation Editor: George Looney
All submissions must include the original as well as the translated work. Chapbooks (approximately 10-15 poems) are designed to provide readers with an introduction to a single contemporary poet or a group of poets. An introductory essay of 300-500 words outlining the historical context of the poetry is encouraged. Translations of contemporary fiction and poetry are also welcome and should follow the guidelines listed under Fiction and Poetry. All rights to translate should be acquired before submitting, and translators should be prepared to provide proof of these rights.
