Given the great volume of submissions we receive each year, the process of reading and responding to them all can be long. We are committed to getting back to you, but we ask for your patience and that you please do not contact us regarding the status of submissions until at least six months have passed with no reply. If you need to withdraw a submission or part of one, the best way to do so is through Submittable. To withdraw partial submissions, please add a note to your file indicating which piece is being withdrawn. Do not submit previously rejected submissions. Submissions are closed during the summer and will reopen on October 1.
Due to administrative costs, we need to charge a small fee for submissions. We have tried to make this fee comparable to what it would have cost to send paper submissions.
Thank you for your interest in Chicago Review and for trusting our staff with your work.
We will consider one short story of up to 5000 words, or up to five short-shorts submitted in one file. We will consider work in any literary style, but are typically less interested in traditional narrative approaches. International submissions and work in translation are particularly encouraged. Translators should secure permission to translate before submitting. We are happy to consider simultaneous submissions.
Simultaneous submissions are allowed but discouraged. While there are no strict length requirements, the poetry editors prefer to read at least 3 pages of work. Please include a cover letter.