Terrain.org


Type Of Organization
Online
Mission Statement / Editorial Focus
Terrain.org is the world’s first online journal of place, publishing a rich mix of literature, art, commentary, and design since 1998. Terrain.org is advertisement-free and free to access.

Social Media Platforms Used
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube
Is Your Group Affiliated With A University, Portal Or Other Agency?
no
Primary Editor/Contact Person
Simmons Buntin
Contact Title
Editor-in-Chief
Contact Email
Publishes
essays, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reviews, art, translation, audio, video
Recent Awards Received
2018, 2020, and 2022 AWP Small Press Publisher Award Finalist; 2022 Pushcart Prize
Representative Authors
Jane Hirshfield, Arthur Sze, Camille Dungy
Submissions Policy
We are open to submissions of all genres from December 15 - April 30. We are open to contest submissions (poetry, fiction, nonfiction) from May 1 to U.S. Labor Day. The Sowell Emerging Writers Prize (an annual book contest) is open August 1 - October 31. No cost to submit regular submissions.
Accepts Unsolicited Submissions
Yes
Submission Guidelines URL
Simultaneous Submissions Accepted
yes
Reading Period
Varies 12 / 15 - 4 / 30
Reporting Time
1 - 5 months
Author Payments
cash
Contests
Annual Contest in Poetry, Nonfiction, and Fiction. $20 entry for $1,000 grand prize in each genre, plus $200 for finalists.
Number Of Unpaid Staff
19
Year Founded
1997
Number Of Issues Per Year
52
Back Issues Available
yes
Ads?
no
Unsolicited Manuscripts Accepted
yes
Format
perfect
Average Page Views Per Month
50,000
Average Unique Visitors Per Month
30,000
Publish Print Anthology?
no
Fiction
10
Nonfiction
25
Poetry
40
Reviews
5
Art
10
Translation
1
Audio
7
Video
2
Name
Simmons Buntin
Title
Editor-in-Chief
How Did You Arrive At Your Current Position?
I founded Terrain.org in 1997 just following graduation with my Master of Urban and Regional Planning. I have been editor-in-chief ever since.
What Is The Staff Structure At Your Magazine/press?
One editor-in-chief, editors and assistant editors for all genres plus education and broadsides (19 editors total), international editorial board (30+).
Do You Have Any Cover Letter Advice?
Tell us about yourself and publication experience generally; no need to describe the piece itself, though if it needs context we can't get by reading it, that can be added.
How Are Submissions Processed In Your Magazine/press?
We use Submittable. Submissions are reviewed by assistant editors and then forwarded to genre editors who then forward to editor-in-chief, discussion taking place where appropriate along each level.
What Do You Look For In A Submission?
Beauty, power, humility, surprise, delight--you know, the regular stuff.
What Advice Do You Have For First-time Submitters?
Read some of our recent contributions to get a sense of what we publish--that said, we publish a pretty wide array of work. Your best bet is to ensure your submission is polished. Consider having others review it before submitting.
Who Is Your Ideal Reader?
You!

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