Genres Accepted: fiction, nonfiction, drama, mixed genre, interview
Medium: Print and Online (4/year)
Established: 1998
Circulation: N/A
Tagline: Timothy McSweeney’s Politics Surprise the Other Missionaries
Payment: Varies
About: McSweeney’s is not merely a publication—it is a publishing house, founded by Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, What Is the What, etc.). Publishing options include a quarterly literary journal (“Timothy McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern”) and a daily-updated website (“McSweeney’s Internet Tendency”), as well as several other publication branches.
The first issue of McSweeney’s published only works rejected by other journals. Since then it has published pieces by writers like Michael Chabon, Stephen King, David Foster Wallace, Joyce Carol Oates and more, but it remains committed to new writers. The editors promise that, with the exception of mistakes and mishaps, every submission is read and considered.
Analysis: McSweeney’s is easily likable—it is funny and intelligent and incredible quirky. For this reason, it is very important to become familiar with the publication before submitting. It isn’t easy to find a copy of the print journal to browse, but there is a bounty of useful information on the website. Take the time to thoroughly read the online submissions instructions—they are informative and entertaining.
Calvin Connection:
Hekman Availability: Not available