Harvard Review — Essays
Overview
Harvard Review, published by the Harvard College Library, is a literary journal with a long-standing commitment to contemporary writing. Its pages have featured established and emerging voices across poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and the editorial standard reflects the rigour one expects from an institution of its calibre. This open call for essays is not a contest but a general submission window, meaning accepted work will appear in a future issue alongside other selected pieces. The journal does not offer a prize or a themed issue; the reward is publication itself, with the attendant editorial attention and readership that Harvard Review provides. The submission fee of $3 is modest and likely supports the journal's operations. Writers should note that the review receives a high volume of submissions, and the stated response time—up to a year, with an aim of six months—reflects that reality. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, provided the journal is notified promptly if the work is placed elsewhere. In terms of curatorial vision, Harvard Review seeks essays that demonstrate literary merit, intellectual depth, and a distinctive voice. There is no stated thematic constraint, which suggests an openness to a wide range of subjects and approaches, from personal narrative to cultural criticism. The word limit of 7,000 words allows for substantial, developed work. The requirement for double-spacing, pagination, and contact information on every page indicates a professional, detail-oriented editorial process.