The Markaz Review

What this publication wants

This is BRYME's summary of the publication's focus — not a copy of their website. Type of writing: Essays, Journalism, Fiction, Poetry, Reviews, Interviews, Personal essays, Opinion. Official guideline: The Markaz Review guidelines.

Topics, themes and styles they look for

• Work from and about SWANA. Strong point of view, clear voice, authority, a commanding lead.
• Comedy issue: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, hybrid — humorous writing or writing about humour. Deadline 1 September.
• Query: one or two sentences on the story, why TMR, why you, plus clips if you are new.

Subjects they avoid

• AI-generated or AI-assisted text or images. Official: violators are permanently banned. Spellcheck/grammar tools are fine.
• Stories or corrections in the body of an email — Word or Google Doc, track changes.
• A made-up honorarium number.

Key requirements

• Duosuma or editor query
• No AI
• SWANA relevance

Who can submit

Official mission: amplify voices from the Middle East, North Africa and Southwest Asia (SWANA). Open to emerging and established writers, and to writing in multiple languages. That is a mission, not a closed passport list.

Rights

Not fully stated on the submissions FAQ.

AI policy

Prohibited

How to write for them

Official requirement: always follow the publication's own guideline exactly.

BRYME's practical advice: write for the publication's audience, use a clear structure, keep paragraphs short, lead with a specific angle, and confirm the word count before submitting. These are practical suggestions — they are not the publication's official rules.

How to pitch

Where a pitch is required, this is the general pattern BRYME recommends — always adapt it to the publication's guideline.

1. Research the publication and read several recent pieces.
2. Choose a specific idea that fits their beat and audience.
3. Write a concise subject line naming your idea.
4. Introduce yourself in one or two lines (who you are, where you publish).
5. Explain the proposed piece in a short paragraph — angle, structure, length.
6. Say why it fits this publication.
7. Include 2–3 relevant clips or links.
8. Close professionally and thank them for their time.
9. Send through the official channel only.

Reads year-round; no submission window to wait for.

Track this pitch

How to submit

Duosuma, or a short query to an editor

Apply through the official channel below. BRYME only records submission destinations it has verified.

• Official guideline: opens the publication guideline (new tab)
• Submission: Duosuma, or a short query to an editor
• Submission email: editor@themarkaz.org

What the guideline asks you to prepare

• Read https://themarkaz.org/submissions/.
• Duosuma portal (comedy portal noted as opening 21 August) or query editor@themarkaz.org.

What happens after submission

Expected response: Not publicly stated

If the publication does not state a response time, BRYME records that it is unknown. A follow-up is generally reasonable after a couple of weeks; if there is still no response, treat that as a likely non-acceptance rather than a rejection. Acceptance is normally communicated by the publication. If they accept, they will tell you exactly how to submit the final piece and, for most, how and when payment is made.