jmww is a literary journal publishing fiction, flash, poetry, hybrid work, essays, interviews, and other miscellany weekly. We are happy you found us!
We want to see your work, but don't be all stalkerish. Please submit only once every 3 months and only in one submission category (ie, poetry or fiction, fiction or flash). No previously published work, please. We want to be your first. Also, please wait one month after acceptance or rejection to submit again. We love you, but we need our "me" time, too.
Fiction, Essays, Nonfiction: We accept works up to 15 pages double spaced, although 3000 words or fewer usually catches our eye. We like strong characters whose motivations are not always known to us but can be explained within the confines of common sense. We like surprise endings but not gimmicky ones. Any genre is accepted as long as the story is well-crafted. We have no requirements on nonfiction/essays except that they are cogent and are less than 3000 words. We are also interested in flash nonfiction 1500 words or fewer.
Flash Fiction: We like our flash under 1500. Please read our last few issues to get an idea of our tastes. We also *love* the anthologies Sudden Fiction and New Sudden Fiction, edited by Robert Shapard; they are our Bible for flash fiction. Please read them if you haven't.
Poetry: Please submit up to 3 poems of no more than two pages each that give us an idea of your voice and poetic strengths. We aim to publish poetry that contains solid, riveting images, is emotionally complex, and that yields meaning beyond what is merely personal, thus having implications for others and/or society. We do not publish religious-themed poetry unless there is a marked reason for including such images or references in a poem. We admire poetry that makes an impact, whether soft or brash, that is felt in the body while reading, that is thoughtful and carefully wrought. Although we tend toward publishing free verse poems, those that use form, repetition, and rhyme scheme with unique purpose and talent are welcome, as are experimental poems if they are emotionally resonant, in addition to being intellectual or analytic. When submitting, do not include any identifying information on the pages of your submission. We do not accept any previously published work, even if published on your personal blog or social media page. Only one submission per author per period, max.
Interviews: Got an author or book you'd love to share with the world? Contact our person for that, Jen Michalski (jen.michalski@gmail.com) with your pitch (and a sample of your previous work, although it's not entirely necessary). In fact, Jen would like to hear all of your ideas, for columns, for essays on craft or inspiration, your dreams, big and small, your superhero or stripper name. Please note we are no longer publishing book reviews.
A 500-word broad overview of what's working and not working for us in your submission with suggested improvements. Submissions include (1) one story 3000 words or fewer or (2) a combination of flash pieces up to 3000 words. If we wind up accepting your piece, your money will be refunded.
A 500-word broad overview of what's working and what’s not working for us in your submission. We’ll suggest improvements and also focus on suggested sentence-level edits, in addition to broader recommendations. Please submit (1) one story 1500 words or fewer or (2) flash pieces totaling 1500 words. If we accept your piece, your money will be refunded.
A 500-word broad overview of what's working and not working for us in your submission with suggested improvements. Submissions include (1) one story 1500 words or fewer or (2) a combination of flash pieces up to 1500 words. If we wind up accepting your piece, your money will be refunded.
**WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY**
A 500-word broad overview of what's working and what’s not working for us in your submission. We’ll suggest improvements and also focus on suggested sentence-level edits, in addition to broader recommendations. Please submit (1) one story 3000 words or fewer or (2) flash pieces totaling 3000 words. If we accept your piece, your money will be refunded.
jmww is currently looking for an Senior Fiction Editor! The editor will be responsible for overseeing a team of five associate editors, ensuring that submissions are discussed and voted on, providing weekly or biweekly updates, setting the direction for special projects, and communicating with submitters regarding their submissions during the progress and acceptance stages and providing light edits. The editor will also be responsible for soliciting literary-quality fiction, evaluating fiction submissions along with the editors, nominating accepted pieces for literary prizes, communicating with the managing editor and editor in chief, and promoting the journal on social media. The position is currently estimated to require five to seven hours per week and is on a volunteer basis. This is a unique opportunity to gain broad experience with a high-powered creative team from Harvard University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and other Boston-area literary organizations.
We are looking for highly organized, enthusiastic additions to our team. Experience with Submittable, social media, and WordPress are a plus. A 1-year commitment also goes a long way. Please use our Submittable form to upload your CV, a short cover letter, and your favorite literary journal and why. We will be reviewing applications over the next few weeks!