Call for Submissions and Internship: Mascara Literary Review

Co-founded in 2007, Mascara is a journal which focuses on the work of First Nations, CaLD, disabled and neurodivergent writers, as well as human rights and experimentation. We specialise in publishing platforms for minorities, focusing on cultural cohesion and participation. We foster a space for critical research to bridge the gaps left by institutions; a space for writers, readers and researchers that is progressive and vibrant. We are interested in shaping the way that discourse structures social realities and positions individuals hierarchically.

Submit
Submissions will open from 5 February 2026 to 2 March 2026 in all categories.

Submission Guidelines

We only consider previously unpublished work, ie first serial rights, electronic and print. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable as long as we are notified immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. 

• Nonfiction: One piece of up to 3000 words.

• Reviews: Word length is approx. 1200-1500 words. Please use endnotes, not footnotes for citation.

• Poetry: 3 poems max., all in one file

• Fiction: One short story up to 3000 words, or for flash fiction send no more than 1000 words.

• Formatting & Process: We accept only Microsoft Word doc files (.doc and .docx)

• Format your document in 12 point, Times New Roman, 1.5 spaced

• Name your file by surname and genre (e.g. yoursurname_poetry)

• In the subject line of your email, write your surname and genre of submission (i.e. non-fiction, review or poetry)

• In the body of the email, include a short bio and attach your submission file

Email your submission to:

submissions@mascarareview.com

***Note: Please only submit once until you have heard back from us. (See response times below.)

Response Times

We are a very small team whose editors work on a voluntary basis. Our response time is 3-6 months. Please do not query the status of your submission before 3 months. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

Payment

Poems $100
Fiction and essays $200
Reviews $200
First Nations & CaLD critics $500
Tasmanian critics $400

Please note: We are not currently funded to pay international contributors.

Intern Opportunity

Thanks to a grant from the Copyright Agency, we are currently offering two opportunities for emerging or established First Nations and CaLD editors to write and acquit a grant and be paid $5000. Applications close 27th February 2026. 

Head over to our Support page for details.