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Literary Journal

Michigan Quarterly Review

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About the magazine

Founded in 1962 at the University of Michigan, Michigan Quarterly Review is a literary and cultural journal that has long served as a forum for serious, often interdisciplinary writing. From its inception, MQR has been committed to publishing work that engages with the complexities of contemporary life, bridging the arts, humanities, and public affairs. Its pages have featured a wide range of voices, from emerging writers to established figures, and it maintains a reputation for curatorial rigor and intellectual breadth. The journal is not merely a venue for fiction and poetry but also a space for criticism, essays, and translations that challenge and illuminate.

Editorial focus

Michigan Quarterly Review seeks, cultivates, and amplifies a wide range of artistic expressions that interrogate the world and expand the imagination.

PoetryFictionCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Apr 1
Reading feeYes
PaymentCash
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should familiarize themselves with recent issues to understand the journal's aesthetic, which favors well-crafted, substantive work that often crosses genres. Submissions are typically read year-round, but response times can be slow due to volume. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify promptly if accepted elsewhere. Include a brief cover letter and adhere strictly to genre guidelines: fiction and nonfiction up to 7,500 words, poetry up to 5 poems, and translations with permissions. The editors appreciate work that is intellectually rigorous without being obscure, and they value clarity and originality. Avoid overly familiar themes unless approached with a fresh perspective.

As we continue to promote an expansive and inclusive vision, we seek work from established and emerging writers with diverse aesthetics and experiences. Please consult our submission guidelines for more information on reading periods and specifications.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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