Submitting work

Article Submissions

The Editors will be glad to examine article manuscripts from all who are interested in submitting them. Manuscripts should be between 12-18 typed, double-spaced pages including bibliography, should not contain footnotes, should treat subjects of contemporary significance, and should be interesting to and readable by a non-specialist reader. Submit two copies of article manuscripts, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for return, OR a Word file as an attachment using the form found on this page.

We accept simultaneous submissions (sending your article to more than one journal at a time). We will only consider one article by any author at a time. You can expect a decision within three months of submitting.

The objective of the Editors of The Midwest Quarterly is to discover and publish scholarly articles dealing with a broad range of subjects of current interest.  In no way competing with the more specialized journals, The Midwest Quarterly seeks discussions of an analytical and speculative nature rather than heavily documented research studies.

Article manuscripts and questions should be sent to:
Casie Hermansson, Editor-in-Chief
Pittsburg State University
The Midwest Quarterly
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
Telephone:  (620) 235-4369
E-mail: chermansson@pittstate.edu

Poetry Submissions

We look for poems that dare to be authentic, and we’re open to any form. We like to read poetry that moves us—whatever the style. We wouldn’t mind seeing more humor. Please review these guidelines before submitting your work:

  1. MQ publishes only previously unpublished poems.
  2. Poets may submit up to 10 poems in one Word document.
  3. Submit work via web submissions. MQ will continue to accept poetry via email or post, but we will be going to web submissions only—beginning Fall 2021.
  4. The poet's name must appear on each page.
  5. Poems should be no more than 80 lines each, though the poetry editor will sometimes consider longer poems of exceptional merit.
  6. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but poets should so indicate at the time of submission and send immediate notice of acceptance by another journal.
  7. Include a cover page that includes any awards or past publications, submission information, contact information, and third person short bio.

From Fall 2016, all poetry published in The Midwest Quarterly in an annual volume (comprising 4 issues, Fall-Summer) will automatically be considered for the Stephen Meats Poetry Prize. Stephen Meats served as Poetry Editor from 1985 until 2016. The Midwest Quarterly is building an endowment to support future winners of this award in coming to Pittsburg State University for a reading of their work. (Donations in support of this endowment can be made via the Pittsburg State University Foundation.)

Similarly, from Fall 2020, all poetry published in The Midwest Quarterly in an annual volume will be considered for nomination for the current year’s Pushcart Prize.

Poetry submissions and related questions should be sent to:
Lori Martin, Poetry Editor
The Midwest Quarterly
Pittsburg State University
1701 S. Broadway
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
E-mail:  lkmartin@pittstate.edu

The Stephen Meats Poetry Prize

The Midwest Quarterly co-sponsors (with PSU Foundation's endowment for this purpose) the Stephen Meats Poetry Prize, which will award $500 to the author of the best poem published in the four issues (October, January, April, July) that make up each volume of the Quarterly. The award was created in 2016 and named for Chairperson emeritus and Professor emeritus of English Stephen Meats, long-time poetry editor of The Midwest Quarterly (1985-2016). Besides authoring and editing numerous scholarly articles and editions, Meats also published a book of poems, Looking for the Pale Eagle (1993, 2014); a mixed genre book of poems and stories, Dark Dove Descending and Other Parables (2013); and a poetry chapbook, Treehouse (2016).

meats; photo with book

PSU Poetry Chapbook Competition

Cow Creek Review, PSU's student literary magazine, has an open call for poetry chapbook submissions for their inaugural chapbook competition. The winner will receive a cash prize and publication. See here for details. Be sure to submit directly to CCR, not to The Midwest Quarterly: https://www.cowcreekchapbook.org/ .