What is a Marginalia style essay?
Contributors are encouraged to use the essay form to address issues that appeal to a wide range of readers. We seek essays that situate a thesis in a larger intellectual and cultural context.
Successful essays make clear, compelling arguments—often anchored in specialist knowledge—that engage a diverse readership interested in religion, politics, and social concerns. We encourage contributors to read our essays to note the range of styles and voices we welcome.
What does a successful pitch look like?
We welcome pitches that articulate the essay’s central claim and a brief explanation of how the author will make their point. Pitches should make clear how the essay appeals to MRB readers and what the essay seeks to add to a particular conversation.
Email pitches to: themarginaliarob@themarginaliareview.com | Subject: ESSAY pitch
Selected Essays | Past Publications
James Wood and The Visionless Age
How The Working Class Became Children: The Politics of Kindness in A Victorian Novel
What happens if my pitch is accepted?
Once you pitch is accepted, we request you send us your full essay.
Email your full review to: themarginaliarob@themarginaliareview.com | Subject: ESSAY final copy
Technical Guidelines
Essays should range between 1200-3500 words.
Writers should include their contact information: name, title, phone number and email address at the end of the review. Contact information should be followed by bio of no more than three sentences (you may include a link to website). Please include social media handles.
Times New Roman, 12pt., double spaced, .doc OR .docx (no PDF)
Essays should not contain footnotes, references to page numbers, or hyperlinks.
Marginalia titles all pieces.