Comstock Review, Inc.

http://comstockreview.org

Magazine, Press

Poetry

The Comstock Review (Journal) – 1987; Comstock Review, Inc. – November 2019

Syracuse, New York

Carolyn Ostrander and John M. Bellinger

Managing Editors

Note: Beginning in 2020 The Comstock Review (a poetry journal founded in 1987) were absorbed into Comstock Review, Inc., a newly formed 501c-3 non-profit organization. The stated purpose of Comstock Review, Inc. is "to promote, inspire and support the writer's community by providing a platform for writers to publish their written works, and to develop and promote programs, events, competitions, activities, and communications for and among writers.” Mission Statement: The mission of Comstock Review, Inc. (“CRInc”) is to promote the writing, reading and appreciation of poetry, and to provide opportunities for poets of all ages to share their work with broad audiences. We work to bring high-quality poetry to a wider audience through print, electronic media and in-person activities. We seek to encourage and honor diverse poetic voices. We affirm the “classic” talents of seasoned writers and give a never-forgotten hand up to new, rising talent. At the same time we work to attract new audiences and to broaden awareness of rich poetic heritages and innovative forms of expression. Editorial Focus of The Comstock Review (poetry journal): Our primary vehicle for achieving this mission is the volunteer editorial board that has overseen publication of The Comstock Review from its founding over thirty-five years ago as the local poetry publication, Poetpourri (renamed The Comstock Review beginning in 1997). The Comstock Review (the poetry journal) is proud of its long-established reputation of publishing the finest known and unknown poets throughout North America. The editors use a peer review process, and choose poems solely on the basis of what we consider to be their artistic merits. The editors bring diverse preferences and interests to the peer review process, collaborating to select the best poems among those submitted. Editors share the following guidelines in general: Well crafted verse, either traditional or non-traditional, A poem that tickles your brain long after the page has turned, Theme or approach that casts new light on the world and the human condition, Effective use of poetic devices and sonic qualities, Refreshing, distinctive imagery and diction.

Yes

http://comstockreview.org/open-reading-period/

Varies 01 / 03 / 01 -31

01 - 04 Due to unexpected volume we are currently responding 1-3 mo past close of submissions.

none

print

yes

http://comstockreview.org/annual-contest/

2

12.50

under 150

200-250

1

N/A

New or Returning? Welcome! Include contact info in COVER letters for poetry contests. DO NOT include your name /address on Contest poems About bios: Be Brief! It's not a blurb (50 word limit) We focus more on poems than poets' credentials

We care about content -and- craft. We appreciate playfulness, but show us what language can do! Thoughtful sound & imagery. A compelling read, a startling insight, meaningful use of poetic technique. We prefer Submittable but also accept USPS.

DON'T WORRY. Be yourself, find your voice. Keep crafting, and send your very best work. THE POEM IS THE THING. It's not too late; you're not too young (or old). Approach every poem as your first. The editors here will appreciate it for what it is.

We use anonymized 2-tier reading in our poem & chapbook contests. In the contests, editors screen submissions & send the top 25 to the final judge without identifying information. In 2015 we were shocked when Ted Kooser won the chapbook prize!

Readers who are open, inquiring, thoughtful. We try to widen our readership by making copies available in local libraries, waiting rooms and (when we can) jails. Our ideal reader may be new to reading poetry or a lifelong learner. Welcome!