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American Poetry Review

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About the magazine

Founded in 1972 by Stephen Berg and David Bonanno, the American Poetry Review (APR) has long served as a vital forum for poetry that engages with the complexities of contemporary life. From its inception, APR sought to bridge the divide between academic and public poetry, publishing work that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally immediate. Its tabloid format, distinctive in the literary world, signals its commitment to accessibility and its belief that poetry belongs in the broader cultural conversation. Over five decades, APR has maintained a dual focus: presenting new poems by established and emerging voices alongside essays, interviews, and translations that illuminate the art form. The magazine’s ethos is rooted in a generous, non-dogmatic approach to curation, valuing clarity, risk, and emotional truth over adherence to any single school or trend.

Editorial focus

Publishing a broad range of poetry, translations, criticism, reviews, and interviews, the American Poetry Review is dedicated to reaching a worldwide audience with a diverse array of contemporary poetry and prose.

PoetryCreative NonfictionTranslation

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeYes
PaymentCash
Response timeGreater than 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

APR welcomes submissions of poetry, translations, and critical prose. Poets should send 3-5 poems, and translators should include the original text alongside their translation. Essays and interviews should be queried first. The magazine values work that is crafted, resonant, and accessible without sacrificing complexity. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify APR immediately upon acceptance elsewhere. Response times vary; patience is advised. The Stern Prize, awarded annually, recognizes a distinguished body of work, and submissions for the prize are considered from the general submission pool. Before submitting, read several recent issues to understand the range of work APR publishes. There are no strict thematic restrictions, but APR favors poems that demonstrate a command of language and a genuine engagement with the world.

Cover letters are welcome, but not necessary. Submit three to five poems online. Book reviews, interviews, personal essays, and craft talks are also welcome.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

4 listed
ClosedDeadline · 2026-05-15

Stanley Kunitz Memorial Prize

OpenDeadline · 2027-01-02

American Poetry Review — The Stern Prize

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