Like most literary magazines, we ask that anyone submitting work be familiar with our publication. You may purchase sample copies from the website (see the “current issue” or “back issue” pages). Many bookstores and university & public libraries carry CR. We also provide examples of recently published stories, poems, and essays on our website. Somehow, please read what we publish and see if your work fits our vision before you submit your work.

While it is difficult to define the sort of story we’re looking for, some of the questions we ask ourselves while reading manuscripts are: Is there an engaging opening? Has the author created original, idiosyncratic characters, people you’re interested in following through the story? Is the language crisp and sharp? Is there a provocative central problem or issue in the story? Is the story about something, and is whatever it is about important or troubling? Is the pace suitable? Is the story tightly constructed from start to finish? Most of the stories we accept—though not all—are twenty to twenty-five manuscript pages.

For nonfiction, we are interested in memoir, personal essay, and creative nonfiction. Generally, scholarly essays are not appropriate.