The Mersey Review is an online journal of short writing: flash fiction, flash nonfiction, and poetry. They publish a wide range of writing—both traditional and experimental—from both new and established authors: “if words are involved then you can bet we’re interested.”

That said, they do have a special interest in writing that subverts expectations and surpasses the ordinary limits of craft: “we want work that pushes the boundaries of storytelling & artistry, that seeks to live larger than the page but also respects everything on it.” You can read the journal online to get a sense of what they publish.

The Mersey Review is published three times a year, and so far they’ve published six thoughtfully designed issues. The length of each issue varies from around 15 to 30 pieces.

Now through June 30, The Mersey Review is open to submissions for their summer issue, scheduled for publication on August 4. After that, they will reopen to submissions from October 1 through October 30 for their autumn/winter issue, scheduled for publication on December 1.

Authors of flash fiction and flash nonfiction may submit one piece, 750 words or fewer. Submissions longer than 750 words will be rejected. Poets may submit one poem, 40 lines or fewer. There is no minimum length for any genre.

The Mersey Review accepts all kinds of fiction and nonfiction. They are mainly looking for, “engaging writing that makes us feel.” They also accept a wide range of poetry: “blank verse, traditional, experimental, prose poetry, rhyming, etc., & so on.”

 Authors may send one submission per genre at a time. They will respond after the submission window closes, between July 1 and July 14.

Every two weeks, The Mersey Review also publishes a feature called Mersey Mondays. This feature is showcased online and also sent directly to subscribers of The Mersey Review’s Substack.

Most of the same submission guidelines apply, except that for Mersey Mondays they accept pieces up to 1,500 words. They also like to focus these features on experimental poetry and prose, as well as craft essays, open letters, mini plays, and reviews. Submissions for Mersey Mondays are always open.

Authors may submit one piece at a time to Mersey Mondays, and should wait one month before submitting again. Writing published in Mersey Mondays will not be published in the regular issue of The Mersey Review. 

The Mersey Review accepts submissions via email, not online or by post. The accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept erotica. They also do not accept translations without permission from the original author and/or publisher.

The Mersey Review only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.

If you would like to learn more or submit to The Mersey Review, please visit their website here. And if you’re interested in submitting to Mersey Mondays, please check out their guidelines here.