The Maine Review seeks outstanding contemporary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, including works in translation and hybrid forms. We are pleased to publish new, emerging, and established writers, and are committed to supporting representation, innovation, and literary artistry.

We encourage submitters to read what we’ve published, and whatever you send our way, please carefully read our guidelines. Submissions that do not adhere to them may be unread.


We will not publish work that normalizes hatred of any marginalized group or individual, though submitted work may thoughtfully consider subjects of discrimination.

We do not publish academic papers or news writing.

We do not publish AI-generated work. Such work will be automatically declined.

General Guidelines:

  • We accept submissions only through Submittable. Submissions must be previously unpublished in print and online.
  • We encourage simultaneous submissions, but please withdraw your submission immediately if it is accepted elsewhere. If only part of a submission must be withdrawn, please notify us using Submittable's "message" function.
  • We encourage submissions from writers of all backgrounds, including but not limited to LGBTQIA+ writers, BIPOC writers, female-identifying writers, unpublished writers, writers with disabilities, and economically marginalized writers.
  • Please address cover letters to the appropriate genre editor. In prose submissions, please include your word count in your cover letter.
  • We ask that contributors whose work we've published wait at least one year before submitting again.
  • Please send only one submission at a time. We do not accept and cannot refund multiple submissions.
  • Please allow us six months before querying.


Fiction and Nonfiction Formatting:

  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Double-spaced
  • 1” margins
  • Pages numbered
  • Please include the word count in your cover letter
  • One piece of 3,000 words or fewer (though we will consider longer works of exceptional merit) or three flash pieces no more than 1,000 words each


Poetry Formatting:

  • 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Single-spaced (or as you would like the poem to appear online)
  • Pages numbered
  • Maximum three poems, no more than five pages total


Submission Schedule:
We are open for nonfiction, fiction, and poetry submissions from January 1–March 31, May 1–June 30, and September 1–November 30. We frequently open week-long free submission periods, during which general submission periods are paused.

We publish issues biannually in the spring and fall, and nominate for Best American Short Stories, the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and other awards.


Submission Fees:

We are a nonprofit organization and ask writers to pay a $3 fee per submission, of which we receive $1.86. This fee directly supports our authors, editors, and programs, and helps cover Submittable costs. If this submission fee is a barrier, please email info@mainereview.com for a link to a fee-waived submission. No explanation is needed. *Please do not email us your submission.*

All donations are tax-deductible and direct donations of any amount are also welcome at mainereview.com/donate. No matter what you give, we are grateful for your contribution and support of our publication!


Writer Payment:

Fiction and Nonfiction writers receive a $25 honorarium per published flash (1,000 words or fewer) and a $50 honorarium for work 1,001 words or more.

Poets receive a $25 honorarium per published poem.

Ends on
Submit to Accepting Applications for Co-Editor

Who We Are:
The Maine Review (MeR) is a biannual online literary journal that publishes culturally significant and innovative writing by writers living in Maine, across the country, and around the world. Maine Review Publications is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to making contemporary literature accessible to writers and readers of all incomes. The Maine Review is committed to fostering an inclusive community that is free from discrimination and harassment for all individuals. Our editors and staff readers are fervent advocates of excellent writing from unpublished, emerging, and established writers.
 

Description of Role:
The Co-Editors work together with MeR's senior editorial staff to support the journal’s biannual issues, features, and events. Additionally, they ensure the journal and the work published remain aligned with the mission and quality MeR is committed to, and engage in strategic thinking around the practices, operations, and future goals of MeR. 

As we are a multi-genre journal with a large team, we divide management (though not creative) responsibilities between the two Co-Editors, with one serving as the primary point of contact between the Poetry team and Managing Editor and Associate Managing Editor, and the other serving as the point of contact for Fiction, Nonfiction, and the Radicle Interview and Book Review series. This call is for the latter role.


 

Descriptions of Responsibilities:

  1. Collaborates with the Co-Editor to oversee operations of MeR and publication of the journal. 
  2. Collaborates with the Co-Editor on communication with the Managing Editor, Associate Managing Editor, Genre Editors, Radicle Interviewers, Feature Writers, and Associate Genre Editors for status updates on projects.
  3. Coordinates with Fiction and Nonfiction Editors.
  4. Oversees Radicle, including requesting contracts, creating feature posts, and overseeing the publication schedule.
  5. Communicates news to the Social Media Editor and collaborates in newsletter production.
  6. Recruits and onboards new members of the editorial team. 


 

Desired Skills and Qualities:
    Preferably, applicants will have experience in most of these areas; however, we are able to train dedicated applicants.
 

  • A commitment to the global literary community and to making literature accessible to readers and writers. 
  • Experience overseeing projects and problem-solving. 
  • Leadership/volunteer management experience.
  • Experience in Fiction and Nonfiction writing.
  • Proficiency in WordPress and Mailchimp.
  • Familiarity with Submittable and Google Workspace.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Experience editing with authors.
  • An understanding of Maine—its history, economy, and culture—is appreciated.  


 

Compensation and Time Commitment:
    We are a volunteer organization. We strive to support and promote our volunteer community in every way we can.

  • Editors receive a $100 honorarium per issue in appreciation of their service. 
  • Editors are featured on our website's masthead, including a headshot, a short bio, and links to their social media profiles or author websites.
  • We promote staff publication news on our social media platforms.
  • We're happy to offer letters of recommendation for jobs, internships, residencies, retreats, and other writing or publishing opportunities.

The time commitment varies based on the publication cycle and individual processes. Generally, the commitment is 3-5 hours per week, but it may increase to 5-10 hours in the weeks leading up to publication. We request a minimum one-year commitment. 


 

How to Apply:

  1. Send a brief personal statement. Tell us: Why are you interested in being the Co-Editor of The Maine Review? How would you support our organization's sustainability values and accessibility commitments? (500 words max)
  2. Describe your connection and commitment to the literary community. Share any prior experience (or barriers to experience) in editing, publishing, literary journals, or other relevant experience. (500 words max)
  3. Upload a Writing Sample. (3,000 words max)
  4. Upload your CV. If you have prior experience with a non-profit or literary journal, please highlight that experience.
The Maine Review