PhillyChapbookReview.org Submissions (header)

Philly Poetry Chapbook Review accepts unsolicited submissions of completed work by email. Submissions are open until further notice.

Writers interested in reviewing or interviewing on assignment can query the editor with a little about yourself and clips if you have them.

Specific guidelines for each category can be found below. There are no fees.

(Last update: 2/11/2024)

Submissions: submissions { @ } phillychapbookreview.org

Queries: editor { @ } phillychapbookreview.org

General Submission Guidelines:

  • We’re looking for reviews of forthcoming or recently published chapbooks and literary essays. We do not publish original poetry, fiction or non-book-related creative nonfiction.
  • Our goal is to publish criticism and analysis that doesn’t feel too academic. Our target audience is people who enjoy books so much that they want to read about the books they read. We want to make that both an educational and an enjoyable experience.
  • We pay a token fee of $10 for all accepted work, because all writers deserve to be paid. We hope to increase our budget in the future, but it’s the best we can do for now. In the meantime, if you have a relevant project, social media accounts, or an author website, we have great internet skills want to promote them.
  • PCR is a curated journal. We purchase first serial rights, which revert to the author one month after publication, and non-exclusive archival and syndication rights.

Book Reviews & Essays

  • We’re looking for reviews of poetry chapbooks. If the publisher or author has a Greater Philadelphia connection, that’s great. If not, we don’t mind. We’re an international journal and quality is key. If it’s a straight, single-book review, we prefer forthcoming titles or chapbooks published within the past year.
  • While we believe that weaknesses should be pointed out for our readers, we want to highlight deserving work. We especially encourage works by authors from underrepresented communities. However, whether a writer can prove their worth through their work will always be our primary standard.
  • All reviews should contain excerpts to highlight the reviewer’s statements. They should also answer the following questions:
    • What is the author trying to say?
    • How does the author achieve their goal and where do they fall short?
    • How does the reviewer feel about the book as a reader?
    • What type of readers might enjoy the book, what type wouldn’t, and why?
  • We encourage research of the author’s background and for some of that information to make its way into the piece. We also encourage creative literary connections.
  • The reviewer shouldn’t have a personal relationship with the book or the author. Acquaintances and colleagues are everywhere, but true conflicts of interest will not be tolerated.
  • Expected length for book reviews is 400-600 words. We’re a review of books, not a trade reviewer like Publishers’ Weekly or Kirkus.
  • Expected length for book essays is 900-2,500 words. Longer is acceptable, if it’s justified.

Craft Essays

  • Essays should focus on a particular element of poetry or chapbook craft and include examples to support their arguments. Specific works and brief quotes should be used to illustrate their point.
  • The tone of essays should be conversational and understood by general readers, writers, and academics, alike. While we love criticism, we want readers of all backgrounds to be able to appreciate it. Avoid too much academic jargon and literary theory.
  • Expected length is 1,500 to 3,000 words. Exceptions can be made.

Author Features

  • Unsolicited finished work may be submitted, but we strongly encourage pitches in this category. You don’t need experience, but should at least have a clear plan. If you do and we’re interested, we can help you coordinate.
  • We’re looking for profiles of chapbook authors based on research and interview. We favor narrative profiles in the style of creative nonfiction, but a standard lede of a few paragraphs followed by Q & A is acceptable.
  • If you want to write a profile of an author who’s chapbook you’re also reviewing, please let us know when you pitch or are assigned the review. This can make for two great pieces, but it’s usually best to coordinate through representatives. We can provide the necessary contacts and credibility.
  • Length varies, depending on the type of piece. Features and interviews of a single author or publisher should be at least 1,000 words.

Submit Chapbooks for Review

  • Digital galleys and advance reader copies of poetry chapbooks can be sent in PDF format with a brief description and author bio to: info { @ } phillychapbookreview.org
  • Otherwise, feel free to send us a brief pitch about the book and the author. Tell us why we should love a book and prioritize it. Not too long, please.

Chapbook suggestions: pitches { @ } phillychapbookreview.org

Please begin subject line with “Chapbook Submission:”.