“TRANSITION aims to speak to the broader intelligentsia and the educated lay public
through jargon-free, readable prose that provides both insight and pleasure.”
—F. Abiola Irele and Tommie Shelby, Editors
TRANSITION magazine is a quarterly, international review known for compelling and controversial writing on race, ethnicity, culture, and politics. The editors seek unconventional essays, memoirs, reviews, and short stories—especially by writers of color. “Submissions to TRANSITION must be written in a lively, engaging, non-academic style free of jargon,” says Henry Louis Gates, Jr., one of the editors. “We prefer work that is unpredictable and personal but nevertheless carefully crafted and stylistically tight.” This prestigious magazine is edited at Harvard University, and editorial board members include heavy-hitters such as Toni Morrison, Jamaica Kincaid and bell hooks. The magazine also attracts famous contributors such as Spike Lee, Philip Gourevitch and Carlos Fuentes. Read the magazine before you submit.
Guidelines: For specific prose, poetry, review essays, artwork and photography guidelines download this PDF.
Terms: No pay; gets all rights (negotiable). Writers receive 3 contributor copies on publication and a one-year subscription.
Submissions: Simultaneous submissions OK with notification. E-mail queries OK, but manuscript submissions must be on paper.
Sample copy for $12, available by check from the editorial office. Call 1-617-496-2845.
Response in 3-4 months.
Send queries or manuscripts of 8,000 words or less to:
The Editors
TRANSITION Magazine
104 Mt. Auburn St. 3R
Cambridge MA 02138
E-mail: transition@fas.harvard.edu