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River Teeth: A Journal of Nonfiction Narrative

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About the magazine

River Teeth: A Journal of Nonfiction Narrative, founded in 1999 at Ashland University, is a distinguished literary journal dedicated to the art of nonfiction narrative. Its name derives from the phenomenon of river teeth—the stubborn, submerged stumps that remain in rivers long after the trees have fallen—a metaphor for the enduring, often hidden, truths that narrative nonfiction seeks to uncover. The journal publishes two issues annually, featuring a blend of personal essays, memoir, literary journalism, and other forms of narrative nonfiction that prioritize compelling storytelling and rigorous attention to craft. In addition to the journal, River Teeth administers the annual River Teeth Literary Nonfiction Book Prize, which awards publication to a book-length work of nonfiction narrative, furthering its mission to champion the genre.

Editorial focus

River Teeth is a biannual print journal publishing the best of creative nonfiction, including narrative reportage, essays, and memoir. River Teeth is also home to Beautiful Things , a weekly online magazine of micro essays. River Teeth and Beautiful Things encourages underrepresented writers to submit work for consideration, including but not limited to: BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled writers.

Creative Nonfiction

Submitting your work

Reading periodJan 1 to Apr 1
Reading feeYes
PaymentCash
Response time3 to 6 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes

Writers should submit work that exemplifies the best of narrative nonfiction: factually accurate, artfully constructed, and emotionally resonant. The journal seeks essays that tell a story, with a strong sense of scene, character, and reflection. Before submitting, read several issues to understand the range of work they publish. For the book prize, submit a manuscript that is a book-length work of nonfiction narrative; simultaneous submissions are accepted, but notify the journal immediately if the work is accepted elsewhere. Electronic submissions are preferred via their online portal. Always include a brief cover letter with your submission, and ensure your manuscript follows the guidelines on their website regarding formatting and word count.

Essays for both River Teeth and Beautiful Things must be submitted via Submittable. We publish only Creative Nonfiction prose. Please do not submit poetry or fiction. Visit our website for more details regarding submitting your work.

Read official guidelines

Submission calls

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