ABOUT

Platform Review developed from ARTS by the People’s popular open-mic nights. First-time readers who attend our literary open mic, The Platform, receive a second round of applause for having the courage to present their work to an audience. We strive to create an environment that welcomes and encourages writers at all stages of their craft and we love New Jersey writers. Our on line journal, Platform Review, is focused on bringing this same tone of inclusivity and community. We want submissions from local (New Jersey, Philadelphia and New York City) voices and emerging writers.

ARTS by the People is a community based arts non profit located in New Jersey, one of the most diverse states in the nation. Almost one-quarter of our population was born outside of the U.S. Our mission is to showcase creative work that reflects the diversity of our region. We especially invite submissions from those who have been historically underrepresented in the arts. Good literary and artistic work builds bridges, strengthens understanding, and fosters acceptance of all peoples. Thus, Platform Review strives to promote artists and writers whose voices have been silenced or ignored including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, people with disabilities, and older adults. We are especially drawn to voices from New Jersey.

PLATFORM REVIEW PEOPLE

Mary Brancaccio
Poetry Co-editor
Mary Brancaccio is a poet and teacher. Her poetry collection, Fierce Geometry, is just out from Get Fresh Books Publishing. Brancaccio's poetry has appeared in Naugatuck River Review, Minerva Rising, Edison Literary Review, Lake Affect Magazine and Adana, among others. Her poem, "Unfinished Work," was recently nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is included in several anthologies of poetry, including Writing the Land: Maine, Writing the Land: Northeast, Farewell to Nuclear, Welcome to Renewable Energy (a response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster) and Veils, Halos and Shackles: International Poetry on the Oppression and Empowerment of Women. Brancaccio has an MFA in Poetry from Drew University. She lives in South Orange, New Jersey. Her website is ghostgirlpoet.com.

from Mary: "...I glorify everything I see,  everything I can think of. I want ordinary men and women, brushing their teeth, to feel the ocean in their mouth. I am going to glorify the sink with toothpaste spat in it." an excerpt from the poem "Glory" from Mary Ruefle: Selected Poems

Margaret R. Sáraco
Poetry Co-editor
Margaret is a storyteller, writing at the intersection of poetry, fiction, memoir, and plays. Her CUNY Graduate School master’s in Women’s Studies fueled her writing about feminism and politics early in her career. She also holds a master’s in mathematics (Montclair State University) and a BFA in Theater Arts (Syracuse University). Nominated for a Pushcart Prize and twice recognized in the Allen Ginsberg Poetry Contest Margaret is widely published in anthologies and journals. She is the author of the poetry collections If There Is No Wind (2022) and Even the Dog Was Quiet (2023) with Human Error Publishing A life-long educator and student, she embraces writing communities like ARTS By The People that are forward thinking, creative and inclusive.

Kristine Chung Salcedo
Non Fiction Editor
Kristine Chung Salcedo (she/her) serves as secretary and board member for ARTS By The People. She is currently a student at The New School pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing and lives in New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and son.

Shane Wagner
Fiction Editor
Shane Wagner is a writer, artist, and board member for ARTS By The People. Winner of Brooklyn Poets Yawp Poem of the Month, July 2019, and was selected Editor’s Choice for the 2020 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Awards. His poem, “Father and Son,” was turned into a short animated movie as part of ARTS By The People’s Moving Words project. He lives in Chatham, NJ, where the voices of his wife and three children regularly work their way into his poems.

Liz Hunt
Web Development
Liz graduated with a Master in Business Administration focusing on Marketing. She has since self-released a book of poetry and prose, “When Life Begins and Ends: Reflections on Healing and Rising Above Loss” (2022). Liz has published articles and poetry in Collective World by Thought Catalog. She is currently pursuing a traditional publishing deal as well as working on her next book. 

Meghan King
Operations

Samantha Hernandez
Intern, Web Design

MJ King
Intern, Operations