I’ve never published before, or published very little. No one has ever heard of me. Does my work still really have a chance of getting published?
Yes. We engage in “blind reading,” the process by which the author’s name and publishing history are not attached to the work. This gives a level playing field to all submitters.
I write poetry and prose. May I send one submission in each genre?
No, unfortunately. However, we encourage you to submit your work to the journal more than once, as long as the submissions occur during different reading periods.
How can I be sure you received my snail mail submission?
You will receive an email confirming we’ve received your submission. If you do not include your email address with your submission, you must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. We’ll put that in the mail when we receive your submission to confirm receipt.
How long will I have to wait until I hear from you about my submission?
You should hear from us within twenty weeks of the close of the reading period. If you have not heard from us by that time, you can assume your work has not been accepted for publication.
How will I be informed of your decision about my submission?
We will email you within twenty weeks of the close of the reading period. If you did not give us an email address, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your submission so that we can reply to you via snail mail.
Do you work with volunteer readers?
Yes, we do. We’re always looking for more qualified people to help us read and critique the diverse and interesting memoirs we receive. Our readers critique submissions from home using our online Submission Manager. If you’re interested in becoming a reader, contact kguis [at] memoirjournal [dot] com.
What format do you prefer for submissions?
We accept Microsoft Word. If you use a different word processing program, please save your file as an RTF or text-only document before you send it.
How do I enter your contests?
All work submitted will automatically be entered in the contest. If you don’t want your work to be eligible for the contest, please let us know in your cover letter.
How much does it cost to enter my submission?
There is no charge to enter our contests. Zip. Nada. FREE.
Do I have to include a cover letter?
Yes, please include a cover that at least includes your name, address, phone and email. If you’re submitting online, please paste your letter into the “Comments” section of our online Submission Manager.
Why must I leave my name off my document?
We engage in “blind reading,” the process by which an author’s name and publishing history are not attached to the work. This gives a level playing field to all submitters.
If I leave my name off my document, how do I know you won’t mix up my submission with someone else’s?
We use an online Submission Manager. It never misplaces anything.
If you publish my submission, does that mean I can’t publish it later in the full-length book I’m writing?
You should consult your publisher about that. However, we will not retain the rights to your work (we purchase one-time rights only), and all rights revert to you six months after the issue is published.
I’m working on a book. Can I send you four or five chapters?
Sorry, no. Though we would enjoy reading your book chapters, we only accept submissions that follow our guidelines. You might think about sending us your book material edited in such a way that it can “stand alone” as a submission.
I published a book. Can I mail it to you so you can see if there’s anything in it you like?
Unfortunately no. But if you make a selection under 10,000 words and submit it to us, we’ll be happy to read it. If you send it anyway, we apologize but it will go unread.
Will you publish critical or interpretive essays about others’ memoirs, or will you only publish actual memoirs?
Yes, we hope to publish critical and interpretive essays. We’ll be publishing writing about memoir as well as memoirs themselves. We have many questions about memoirs—Why are more memoirs being published? Can a poem really be a memoir? We want the journal to explore these issues in any way.
How frequently do you publish?
Twice a year: Spring+Summer and Fall+Winter. In 2008, we had three issues because of our Inaugural Re-Release.
I don’t see the information I need here.
We are happy to answer your questions. Email us at submissions (at) memoirjournal (dot) com or call us at (415) 339-3142.
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