Harvard Review

Analysis of Harvard Review for Poetry Submissions

Positioning of Harvard Review

• Elite Level: Harvard Review is recognized as a prestigious literary journal, often categorized alongside top-tier publications like The New Yorker and Poetry Magazine. It has a reputation for publishing high-quality work from both emerging and established writers, making it an elite platform for poetry submissions.

Unique Advantages Compared to Similar Tier Journals

• Established Reputation: Founded in 1992, Harvard Review has published notable authors such as Seamus Heaney and Jhumpa Lahiri, enhancing its credibility and appeal to serious writers.

• Diverse Genres: Unlike some journals that focus solely on poetry, Harvard Review publishes a mix of poetry, fiction, essays, and book reviews. This broad scope allows poets to reach diverse audiences and engage with various literary styles.

• Editorial Support: The journal has a robust editorial team that provides thoughtful consideration to submissions. This includes a commitment to nurturing both new and established voices, which can be particularly beneficial for poets looking to develop their craft.

Types of Poetry Works Suitable for Submission

• Literary Poetry: Harvard Review seeks poetry that demonstrates literary merit, originality, and engagement with contemporary themes. Submissions should reflect a strong command of language and form.

• Experimental Works: The journal is open to innovative and experimental poetry that pushes boundaries while maintaining clarity and emotional resonance.

Requirements and Suggestions for Submitters

• Submission Guidelines: Poets can submit up to five poems or up to 7,000 words of prose. Manuscripts must be paginated and include the author's name on every page.

• Reading Fee: There is a reading fee of $3, which may be waived in cases of financial hardship.

• Simultaneous Submissions: The journal allows simultaneous submissions but requires that authors notify them if their work is accepted elsewhere.

• Familiarization with the Journal: It is recommended that submitters read previous issues of Harvard Review to understand its aesthetic and editorial preferences better.

• Patience Required: The response time can take between three to six months, so poets should be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait before receiving feedback.

Alternative Submission Recommendations if Rejected

If your submission to Harvard Review is not accepted, consider these alternative platforms:

• Ploughshares: Known for its high standards and diverse literary content, Ploughshares also accepts simultaneous submissions and has a strong reputation in the literary community.

• Kenyon Review: This journal publishes a wide range of poetry styles and encourages submissions from both emerging and established poets. They also have a commitment to fostering new voices in literature.

• Rattle: Rattle is known for its accessibility and responsiveness to submissions. It publishes contemporary poetry and offers various contests that can provide additional exposure for poets.

By understanding the characteristics of Harvard Review alongside its submission requirements, poets can make informed decisions about where to submit their work within the competitive landscape of literary journals.