Mid-American Review
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[edit] Overview
Mid-American Review is an international literary journal dedicated to publishing the best contemporary fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and translations. Founded in 1981, MAR is an official publication of the Department of English and the College of Arts & Sciences at Bowling Green State University.
MAR is proud of its tradition of featuring the work of established artists. Mid-American Review has published such writers as Steve Almond, Aimee Bender, Billy Collins, Carl Dennis, Rita Dove, H.E. Francis, Stephen Dunn, Linda Gregg, Yusef Komunyakaa, Mary Oliver, Richard Russo, William Stafford, James Tate, Melanie Rae Thon, David Foster Wallace, Dan Chaon, C.K. Williams, and Philip Graham. MAR takes great pride in the publication of new and up-and-coming writers. In celebration of its twenty-fifth anniversary, MAR made its Spring 2005 its first Unpublished Writers Issue. The journal is also dedicated to introducing non-English speaking voices to our audience through our translation chapbook series.
Work which originally appeared in Mid-American Review has been reprinted in The Best American Poetry, The Best American Short Stories, The Best American Nonrequired Reading, Pushcart: Best of the Small Presses, The O. Henry Award, New Stories from the South, Poetry Daily, and Harper's Magazine".
[edit] History
Mid-American Review was started in 1972 by Robert Early, a professor of creative writing at Bowling Green State University, as Itinerary, a publishing format for graduates of Bowling Green State University's noted Masters of Fine Arts program. Itinerary provided early publication credits for such distinguished BG alumni as Carolyn Forche, Charles Fort, Jean Thompson, Tony Ardizzone, Dara Wier, Allen Weir, and many other fine poets, fiction writers, and essayists.
In 1980, tired of publishing themselves over and over again, then-MFA students Scott Cairns and Steve Heller suggested to Robert that they better use their resources to transform the magazine from an in-house publisher to a journal of international scope. Robert accepted the challenge and created Mid-American Review, offering it, at the same time, as editorial experience for BG's MFA students. Writers were solicited for the inaugural volume, which features work by such writers as Mark Doty, Cathryn Hankla, Jonathan Holden, David Huddle, T.R. Hummer, A. Poulin, Jr., Richard Russo, and David Wagoner, as well as many new voices. The success of this volume encouraged Robert to continue with the new project, and MAR has been publishing the work of talented contemporary writers ever since.
Fiction writer Michael Czyzniejewski, adjunct professor at BGSU and longtime staff member, took over the position of editor-in-chief in the summer of 2000 and continues to serve in that capacity today. Joining him as co-editor in 2004 was longtime poetry editor Karen Craigo, author of the collection Stone for an Eye. A special issue featuring new work by past contributors, including David Kirby, Denise Duhamel, Robert Olmstead, Cate Marvin, Melanie Rae Thon, and Bob Hicok was released in 2004 to celebrate MAR's 25th Anniversary. This double-sized edition was followed by the journal's Unpublished Writers Issue, showcasing the work of writers never before finding themselves in print. As of Spring 2008, "Mid-American Review" continues to publish issues biannually featuring both emerging and established writers.
[edit] Submission Guidelines
When stories, poems, and essays are submitted to Mid-American Review they will generally be returned or accepted within one to five months, depending on the magazine's publication schedule. MAR does accept and read submissions year-round, but does not currently accept electronic submissions. MAR accepts fiction, poetry, translations, and nonfiction (including personal essays, essays on writing, and short reviews)--There is no reading fee for a regular submission, but the journal's contests do require an entry fee. MAR pays when funds are available (which is rare), at $10/page, with a maximum payment of $50; contributing authors receive two complimentary copies. As writers as well as editors, MAR encourages and understands the need of writers to send simultaneous submissions, but requires immediate notification if the work is accepted elsewhere. The journal seeks 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, for regular consideration or for its contests.
For specific contact information and submission/contest guidelines, please visit Mid-American Review's website.
[edit] Winter Wheat: The Mid-American Review Festival of Writing
Mid-American Review hosts its annual Winter Wheat Festival of Writing each fall, bringing together present and former BGSU writers, but also nationally known and widely published guests for a series of lectures and workshops. These lecture and workshop sessions typically appeal to a wide audience, whether they are seasoned writers interested in polishing and marketing their latest manuscript, or a new writer looking for advice.
Winter Wheat is also home to a State of the Art Symposium, a presentation of scholarly papers relating to the craft of writing. In 2006, the symposium focused on fiction. In 2007, nonfiction, and the State of the Art Symposium for 2008 will center on the art of poetry.
Winter Wheat 2008 will take place November 13-16, 2008, on Bowling Green State University's main campus. Scheduled visiting writers include Anna Leahy, Mary Biddinger, W. Scott Olsen, and Joe Meno.
Registration for "Winter Wheat" begins in September, more information may be found at Mid-American Review's Winter Wheat website.
[edit] 2008 Staff
Editors-in-Chief: Karen Craigo & Michael Czyzniejewski
Fiction Editor: Ashley Kaine
Poetry Editor: Karen Craigo
Translation Editor: George Looney
Assistant Fiction Edtior: Priscilla Wysong
Assistant Poetry Editor: Brad Modlin
Technical Editor: Zach Tarvin
