THE COMSTOCK REVIEW
outstanding poetry since 1986
OPEN READING BEGINS JAN. 1 and CLOSES MARCH 31st
There is NO FEE for the Open Reading Period.
The Comstock Review is proud of its long-established reputation of publishing the finest known and unknown poets anywhere. We choose our poems solely on the basis of what we consider their artistic merits. We are not swayed by long publishing histories. We are not afraid of the avant garde but shy from the overly obscure, the patently religious, and needlessly graphic language.
Our editors appreciate: well-crafted verse, traditional or nontraditional, consistency of metaphor, refreshing distinctive imagery and diction, effective use of poetic devices and sonic qualities, a theme or approach that casts new light on the world and the human condition, and a poem that tickles your brain long after the page has turned.
The Comstock Review Contributor’s Guidelines
We do not publish poems under 10 lines or over 60 lines including stanza breaks, epigraphs etc.
The maximum line length cannot exceed 70 characters including spaces and punctuation etc.
Poems must be original, unpublished in ANY medium, print or electronic. Do NOT submit AI-generated poetry.
The Comstock Review reserves first refusal rights in the case of simultaneous submission. Notify us immediately of withdrawals.
Submit your poem(s) as a Word document(s). Editors' eyes appreciate the use of standard fonts and size such as Times New Roman 12 or Calibri 12
Limit each online submission to 5 poems. You may submit more than one time per reading period.
Do not put your name on the poem submission document(s), so judging can be impartial.
Replies will be sent up to 2 months after the close of the reading period.
Acceptances are published in either Issue 1 or Issue 2 of the current year.
Candidates for Pushcart nominations are selected from the current year's accepted poems.
Subscribe and support The Comstock Review. You will receive two issues in the current volume (year). Enjoy a year of intriguing poetry while supporting the printed word!
Subscriptions are critical to our mission of continuing to support poets and poetry readers. In fact
We have no broad institutional support and don't sell any advertising in our journal. We cover the costs of publishing The Comstock Review through contest fees, sales of the journal and winning chapbooks, small donations
- and subscriptions from supporters like you.
Poets and readers supporting poets together. What could be better?
What could be better than a 1-year subscription to The Comstock Review? Why two years, of course!
Get a discount for committing to 2 years of poets and readers supporting poetry together. You get 4 issues of great poetry plus become a dedicated supporter!
When you subscribe and support The Comstock Review for two years you receive four issues - two in the current volume (year), and two from next year.
Enjoy a year of intriguing poetry while supporting the printed word!
Subscriptions are critical to our mission of continuing to support poets and poetry readers. In fact
We have no broad institutional support and don't sell any advertising in our journal. We cover the costs of publishing The Comstock Review through contest fees, sales of the journal and winning chapbooks, small donations and subscriptions from supporters like you.
Thank you!
Be sure we have your correct mailing address.
The issue will be mailed within 2 weeks
Winner of the 2016 Comstock Writers' Group Chapbook Contest
Own your own copy of Ted Kooser's latest chapbook, AT HOME, while supporting the Comstock Review as well. $14 plus online fees.
If you need to order several copies, do it by mail. You will save on internet costs!
Please include your name and address for successful mailing.
Please enter your name and current mailing address below. Winner of the most recent Comstock Writers' Group Chapbook Contest
Own your own copy of ted Kooser's latest chapbook, AT HOME, while supporting the Comstock Review as well. $12 plus online fees.
If you need to order several copies, do it by mail. You will save on internet costs!
Clicking on this means you are in the 2023 Fall/Winter issue, and want extra copies above and beyond the complimentary copy. To share with friends, or to use in a workshop. We offer these at a reduced price to our contributors.
Click on the add-ons. The cost per copy is $11 plus online fees.
If you want more than 5 extras, you can click 2 boxes to get the right total.