The editors invite submissions of poetry, fiction and nonfiction of general interest (no literary criticism). Please clearly mark the outer envelope as fiction, poetry or essay. Do not mix genres in the same submission. Payment rate is $40 per printed page.
All prose manuscripts should be double-spaced.
Previously unpublished material only. Manuscripts submitted without a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be recycled without response. (Mention in your cover letter if you want your manuscript returned—remember to include sufficient postage on your SASE as well.) Include your e-mail address to receive announcements from The Missouri Review.
Standard response time is from 10-12 weeks. Manuscripts are read year round. Sample copies are available for $8.95.
Simultaneous submissions are okay as long as you notify us if accepted elsewhere.
We are now accepting online submissions. See details for general online submission guidelines.
Poetry
TMR publishes poetry features only—6 to 14 pages of poems by each of 3 to 5 poets per issue. Please keep in mind the length of features when submitting poems. Typically, successful submissions include 8-20 pages of unpublished poetry (note: please do not send complete manuscripts—published or unpublished—for consideration).
The Tom McAfee Discovery Feature in poetry is an ongoing series, awarded at least once a year at the discretion of the editors, to showcase the work of an outstanding new poet who has not yet published a book. This award is chosen from among the regular submissions. There are no deadlines and no application process. This feature carrries an additional cash award beyond the regular payment schedule and has been funded by the family and friends of Tom McAfee.
Fiction
While there are no length restrictions, longer manuscripts (12,000 to 15,000 words) or “flash fiction” manuscripts (2,000 words or less) must be truly exceptional to be published. We recommend writers familiarize themselves with fiction from previous issues before submitting.
The William Peden Prize of $1,000 is awarded annually to the best piece of fiction to have appeared in the previous volume year. The winner is chosen by an outside judge from stories published in TMR. There is no separate application process.
Essays
Nonfiction of general interest only. All submissions should be addressed to “nonfiction editor.” There are no restrictions on length or topic, but we suggest that writers familiarize themselves with nonfiction from previous issues. Queries are welcome. Excerpts from book-length nonfiction manuscripts will be considered, but must be able to stand alone.
The Jeffrey E. Smith Editors’ Prize
The Missouri Reviews sponsors the annual Jeffrey E. Smith Editors’ Prize Contest in fiction, poetry, and essay, with a winner and three finalists named in each category. Length restrictions are 25 pages for fiction and essay, 10 pages for poetry. Winners will be published in the following spring issue plus each will receive a cash prize: $5,000 each for fiction, poetry, and essay. Postmark deadline is October 1 (Update: This has been extended to October 8th, 2012!). A $20 fee per submission includes a one-year subscription. The complete guidelines can be found here and a list of recent winners here.
Send snail mail submissions to:
[genre] Editor or contest category
The Missouri Review
357 McReynolds Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211
Or you can submit to the contest online!