Ghost City Review

Analysis of Ghost City Review Submission Guidelines

Ghost City Review is a notable platform for poetry and other literary submissions, with distinct characteristics that set it apart from other journals. Here’s a comprehensive analysis based on the provided criteria.

Positioning of Ghost City Review

• Level: Ghost City Review positions itself as a welcoming space for both emerging and established authors, making it accessible to a wide range of writers. This inclusivity suggests that it operates at a beginner to intermediate level, though it also attracts more seasoned poets due to its eclectic tastes and established presence in the literary community.

Unique Advantages

• Non-Silent Rejections: Unlike many journals that do not communicate rejections, Ghost City Review guarantees responses to all submissions, which can be reassuring for writers awaiting feedback[1][4].

• Diverse Submission Categories: The journal accepts a variety of forms beyond poetry, including prose, flash fiction, and visual art. This broad scope encourages creative experimentation and allows poets to explore different genres within the same platform[5][7].

• Simultaneous Submissions Encouraged: Writers are allowed and even encouraged to submit their work to multiple venues simultaneously, which is a significant advantage for those looking to increase their chances of publication[1][4].

• Rolling Submission Schedule: Ghost City Review operates on a rolling submission basis, meaning writers can submit at any time rather than being restricted to specific reading periods. This flexibility can be particularly appealing for busy writers[5][9].

Types of Poetry Suitable for Submission

Ghost City Review seeks poetry that is:

• Unique, insightful, and musical
• Eclectic in style and subject matter
• Original works that have not been previously published in literary journals or blogs (though personal blogs or social media posts are acceptable if taken down prior to submission)[1][7].

Writers are encouraged to read past issues to gauge the types of poetry that resonate with the editors, particularly looking for styles or themes that may be underrepresented in previous publications[7].

Requirements and Suggestions for Submitters

• Submission Format: Submit up to three poems in a single Microsoft Word document or in the body of the email. PDFs or links will be automatically rejected[1][4].

• Author Bio: A brief 2-3 sentence author bio written in third person must accompany submissions; failure to include this will result in rejection[1][5].

• Subject Line Format: Include your last name, first name, and submission category in the email subject line (e.g., Smith, Joe - Poetry)[1][4].

• Response Time: Expect a response within 2-4 months. If no response is received after four months, writers are encouraged to follow up[1][5].

Alternative Submission Recommendations if Rejected

Should your submission to Ghost City Review be unsuccessful, consider these alternative poetry submission sites:

• Rising Phoenix Review: Focuses on visceral poetry with strong imagery and narratives. They also accept simultaneous submissions and have a commitment to diverse voices[9].

• Palette Poetry: Offers opportunities for both new and established poets, including contests with cash prizes. They provide valuable feedback through community engagement initiatives[9].

• Eunoia Review: Known for its fast response times (often within 24 hours), Eunoia Review accepts a variety of poetic styles and encourages innovative storytelling through poetry[9].

These alternatives maintain similar accessibility and support for poets while offering unique features that may align with different writing styles or goals.