The Laurel Review is a biannual print magazine seeking submissions of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, review, script, and those that blur the lines between genres. We are open for submissions from the beginning of August to the end of May. We seek both established and new voices in the writing world, and we are especially interested in writing by those whose identities have been historically under-represented. Submitters living outside of the United States are encouraged to submit but will regretfully only receive a PDF copy and their work posted online as we are unable to ship internationally at this time. Translations in various genres are also of interest. All accepted US contributors will receive two copies of the issue in which they appear.
All submissions must be received between February 12, 2024 and May 1, 2024. We are looking for a chapbook-length collection of poems, ranging from around 25 pages to 35 pages, not including title page, table of contents, etc.
Please include a cover letter with name, physical address, email address, and manuscript title with your submission.
In addition to the publication of the chapbook and 100 copies, the contest winner will receive an honorarium of $300. If possible, the winner will be invited to give a reading at Northwest Missouri State University as part of the university’s Visiting Writers Series. Travel expenses and lodging will be provided.
Last year's winner, EMPLOYEES MUST WASH HANDS by MICHAEL CHANG, is available for purchase below, along with other recent winners.
The reading fee entitles entrants to a one year subscription to Laurel Review. Subscription will be enacted for US addresses provided in the Submittable form. Due to postage and shipping costs, international entrants will receive an electronic version of the magazine.
Please use this form to order subscriptions, backorder issues, chapbooks, etc. If you live outside the United States and would like to make a purchase, please email us at tlr@nwmissouri.edu before ordering.
All forms of fiction, both traditional and experimental, are accepted. If you are submitting flash fiction (<1000 words), feel free to submit up to three pieces in a single file.
Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please notify us immediately if your piece is taken elsewhere.
Personal essays, travel writing, and other forms of creative nonfiction are accepted. If you are submitting flash nonfiction or micro-essays (anything less than 1000 words), feel free to submit up to three pieces in a single file. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but please notify us immediately if your piece is taken elsewhere.