The Massachusetts Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of writing are you looking for?
We seek a balance between established writers and promising new ones. We're interested in material of variety and vitality relevant to the intellectual and aesthetic questions of our time. We aspire to have a broad appeal; our commitment, in part regional, is not provincial.
"Inspired pages are not written to fill space, but for inevitable utterance; and to such our Journal is freely and solicitously open." —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Articles and Essays of breadth and depth are considered, as well as discussions of leading writers; of art, music, and drama; analyses of trends in literature, science, philosophy, and public affairs.
Fiction: We consider one short story per submission, usually up to 30 pages.
Poetry: A poetry submission may consist of up to 6 poems. There are no restrictions for length, but generally our poems are less than 100 lines. Please include your name on every page.
Fiction and Poetry manuscripts should be submitted separately. No mixed submissions please.Are there any genres or topics that you do not consider?
We no longer consider plays for publication. We also do not consider reviews of single books.
How should I submit work?
Please mail to:
The Massachusetts Review
South College
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003We do not submit manuscripts via fax or electronic mail.
Please type and double space fiction manuscripts.
Poets and writers should include name and address on the first page of the manuscript.The Massachusetts Review is a non-profit journal, and it is impossible for us to acknowledge receipt of manuscripts unless a self-addressed stamped postcard is enclosed with your submission. No manuscript can be returned or query answered unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Please read a copy of MR before submitting work. We cannot offer free sample copies, but you may order the current issue for $9, back issues for only $7: visit our back issues order page for an order form.
Do you have a reading period?
Please do not send poetry or fiction manuscripts from June 1st through October 1st. Non-fiction is read year-round.
Do you accept simultaneous submissions?
Reluctantly.
Do you pay for contributions?
At the time of publication we pay thirty-five cents per line for poetry ($10 minimum per poem); $50 for an essay or a work of fiction. Authors also receive two complimentary contributor's copies.
Subscriptions: $25 annually (four issues) Current issue: $9 Back issues: $7
Editorial Office: South College, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-2689 Fax 413-577-0740
e-mail: massrev@external.umass.edu
page last updated 6/26/06