How Much Does the Paris Review Pay for Fiction?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you an aspiring writer looking to get your fiction published? The Paris Review is one of the most prestigious literary magazines in the world, known for showcasing exceptional works of fiction.

Naturally, you may wonder how much they pay for fiction submissions. In this article, we will delve into the payment structure of The Paris Review and give you a breakdown of what you can expect.

Payment Structure

Before we discuss the exact payment figures, it’s important to note that The Paris Review pays differently for fiction and poetry submissions. In this article, we will focus specifically on fiction payments.

Fiction:

  • Print Publication: If your fiction piece gets accepted for print publication in The Paris Review, they pay a flat fee of $1,000. This is an impressive sum considering the magazine’s reputation and reach.
  • Digital Publication: Although The Paris Review primarily focuses on their print edition, they occasionally publish fiction pieces online as well. For digital publication, they pay a reduced flat fee of $500.

Additional Perks

Besides the monetary compensation, there are a few additional perks that come with being published in The Paris Review:

  • Prestige: Being published in such a prestigious literary magazine is an accomplishment on its own. It can significantly boost your writing career and open doors to other opportunities.
  • Credibility: Having your work featured in The Paris Review adds credibility to your writing portfolio.

    It shows that your work has been recognized by esteemed literary professionals.

  • Exposure: The Paris Review has a large and dedicated readership both in print and online. Being published here means your work will reach a wide audience of literary enthusiasts.

Submission Guidelines

Now that you know about The Paris Review’s payment structure for fiction, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with their submission guidelines:

  1. Word Count: The Paris Review accepts fiction submissions between 3,000 and 8,000 words. Ensure your piece falls within this range.
  2. Formatting: Submit your work as a Microsoft Word document or PDF file.

    Use standard font (Times New Roman or Arial) with a font size of 12.

  3. Cover Letter: Include a brief cover letter introducing yourself and any relevant writing credentials you may have. Keep it concise and professional.
  4. Simultaneous Submissions: The Paris Review allows simultaneous submissions, but they expect to be notified immediately if your piece is accepted elsewhere.

The Selection Process

The Paris Review receives thousands of fiction submissions every year, so the selection process is highly competitive. Once you submit your work, it goes through a rigorous review by the editorial team.

If your story makes it past the initial screening process, it will undergo multiple rounds of consideration before a final decision is made. This ensures that only the highest quality fiction pieces are chosen for publication.

In Conclusion

The Paris Review offers an attractive payment structure for fiction submissions, paying $1,000 for print publication and $500 for digital publication. Beyond the monetary compensation, being published in The Paris Review comes with prestige, credibility, and exposure to a wide readership.

To increase your chances of acceptance, carefully follow their submission guidelines and submit your best work. Remember, even if your submission is not accepted, the experience of submitting to such a renowned literary magazine is valuable in itself.

So, polish your fiction piece and send it off to The Paris Review. Who knows, you might just see your work gracing the pages of this esteemed publication!