Masthead | Hypothetical

Who We Are

We are from different literary traditions, influences, languages, persuasions and perspectives. We include poets, essayists, fiction writers, and benders and inventors of genres. We are writers, readers, bloggers published in a range of publications around the globe. Our goal is to read each submission with the belief it may change us, and so the world. We collaborate across time and space.

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Cynthia-Marie Marmo O’Brien is a writer, editor and educator. Her work was cited on the notable list in the anthology Best American Essays 2011. She has been published in America Magazine, Bellevue Literary Review, Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, Killing the Buddha, Narratively, and Words without Borders’ Dispatches, among other publications. Her reviews have appeared in Booklist, Kirkus, and Publishers Weekly. She received her MFA from Columbia University.

Open Positions

We’re looking for you to become Hypothetical. The ideal candidate for any position is proficient in multiple languages and demonstrates a strong commitment to the magazine’s creed through studies, internships or work experience. Significant experience in publishing or journalism is a plus. All roles are currently unpaid. Candidates may apply and work from any location.

Editorial Assistant (10-15 hrs/wk) The editorial assistant will be responsible for writing, editing and copy-editing a variety of materials for the website and the publication. The editorial assistant will also interface with contributors, readers, and writers. She or he will have the opportunity to pitch and produce features for the blog. The editorial assistant will also participate in administration of the Submittable account and evaluation of unsolicited submissions. A strong background in literature and an ability to analyze texts is essential for this role. Candidates should be excellent at organization and professional communication, and bring an enthusiasm to innovate operations. The editorial assistant will play a key role in maintaining the editorial calendar, balancing multiple responsibilities and generating ideas.

Communications Coordinator (10-12 hrs/wk) The coordinator’s responsibilities include sharing original content in creative and strategic ways; managing and curating Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and other accounts; and generating posts and links connecting Hypothetical’s mission with current events, literature and commentary from other publications/media. The coordinator will work closely with the editor-in-chief to establish the journal’s branding and identity through consistent messaging with various publics. Candidates should social media management and publicity experience; experience in publishing or journalism is preferred. Please provide links to the social media you have managed or currently curate.

Staff Emeritus

Britt Melewski grew up in New Jersey and Puerto Rico. His poems have appeared in Liebamour, the DMQ Review, Puerto del Sol and are forthcoming in Spork Press. He lives in Brooklyn. (Managing Editor, Issues One, Two)

Lauren Westerfield is a writer and freelance editor based in Southern California. Her past editorial work includes contributions to Her Circle Ezine, The Lattice Group and Spectrum Culture, and her essays have appeared in The Rumpus and Share or Die: Voices of the Get Lost Generation in the Age of Crisis. (Associate Editor, Issues One, Two, & Editor, Everything Else)

Vera Asenova (Reader, Issue One)

Lucas Gilardone writes and translates between English and Spanish. A poet, he is also revising a collection of bilingual micro-fiction and writing several political novels. He practices the law in Cordoba, Argentina as a means to collect stories.Lucas is the translator of our creed into Spanish. (Reader, Issues One, Two)

Carla Feinstein is a writer and editor in Portland, Oregon. (Reader, Issue Two)