Submission Guidelines
The Inflectionist Review has a strong preference for non-linear work that carefully constructs ambiguity so that the reader can play an active role in the poem. In general, we commend the experimental, the worldly and universal, and eschew the inane, trendy, and overly personal. Work that reveals multiple layers with further readings. Work that speaks to people across borders, across literary and cultural boundaries, across time periods, is more likely to fascinate us (and the reader).
Though the editors have a special interest in shorter poems, we are open to longer works that adhere to our general philosophy. Multi-sectioned or thematically-linked poems are also encouraged.
Novice and seasoned writers are welcome to submit; it is the quality and strength of the work that ultimately determines its inclusion in our journal. Unfortunately, we cannot offer payment for the publication of your work. The Inflectionist Review annually nominates published work for The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and Orison Poetry Anthology. Contributors are invited to read in the Inflectionist Reading Series.
We are especially interested in artful exploration of POC, LGBTQ and other social justice issues and seek to support poets from underrepresented backgrounds.
Poetry Guidelines
We read submissions year round.
You may submit 3-7 poems at a time. Please include all poems in one document, uploadable via our submission manager.
Do not include any personal information in the document, as submissions are read blindly.
In the Comments section of the submission manager, please include a cover letter and a short biographical statement, including previous publications.
Turn-around time is approximately 3 months.
Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but please make a note in Submittable to withdraw a piece that has been accepted elsewhere.
Previously published work is not accepted.
If a certain poet particularly intrigues us, we will include a larger selection of their work, along with an extended biography. In hopes of delving further into their creative process, the selected poet will be interviewed, with the Q&A published in that issue.
Book Review & Interview Guidelines
We look for reviews of collections from a diverse group of poets with something unique and powerful to say. We prefer not to publish negative reviews, but it’s fine to discuss a specific weakness, lack, or question you have related to the collection. We actively encourage, though do not limit ourselves to, reviews of collections from underrepresented poets.
Reviews should be under 1000 words, but mini-reviews are particularly encouraged.
Books must be published by an independent or university press.
Books must be recently published (within the last year).
Please include brief (50 word) bios for both the reviewer and reviewed poet.
We will also gladly consider well-edited poet interviews concerning recently published books and the craft in general.