Comstock Review, Inc.


Type Of Publisher
Magazine-press-2
Year Established
The Comstock Review (Journal) – 1987; Comstock Review, Inc. – November 2019
Address
121 Victoria PL Syracuse, New York 13210 United States
Mission Statement / Editorial Focus
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.
Do You Accept Unsolicited Submissions?
Yes
Reading Period
From 01 / 03 / 01 -31
Response Time
01 - 04 months
Author Payments
none
Contests
1) Muriel Craft Bailey Memorial Poetry Contest runs from 4/1 to 7/15 2) Chapbook contests run from 8/1 to 10/31
Do You Have Any Cover Letter Advice?
We accept mail submissions, but prefer Submittable. Be Brief! It's not a blurb; it's a 50-word bio/credits. THE POEM IS THE THING. Include contact info in COVER letters for poetry contests. DO NOT include your name /address on Contest documents.
What Do You Look For In A Submission?
Content and Craft. Meaningful use of poetic technique. Thoughtful sound and rhythm use. An understanding of what language can do - a compelling read, but something deeper, more intimate, or grander. We appreciate playfulness as well as the craft.
What Advice Do You Have For First-time Submitters?
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.
Do You Have A Favorite Unsolicited Submission Discovery Or Anecdote?
We operate anonymized two-tier reading in our contests. In the chapbook contest, editors screen chapbooks and send the top 25 to the final judge, who receives them without identifying information as well.
Who Is Your Ideal Reader?
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) to incarcerated people. Our ideal reader may be new to reading poetry or a lifelong learner.

Magazine-press-2