Founded in 1996 by poet and editor Richard Long, 2River is a pioneering online literary press that has consistently championed poetry and short fiction in the digital realm. From its inception, 2River sought to leverage the internet's potential to disseminate carefully curated work without the constraints of print economics, establishing itself as an early and enduring presence in electronic publishing. The press is best known for its quarterly journal, The 2River View, which presents a concise selection of poems and visual art in each issue, and for its annual chapbook series, which offers individual poets a focused, book-length platform. Its mission is to provide a discerning, accessible venue for contemporary poetry, emphasizing craft and clarity over trend or spectacle.
Publishing focus
2River prefers poems with these qualities: image, subtlety, and point of view; a surface of worldly exactitude, as well as a depth of semantic ambiguity; and a voice that negotiates with its body of predecessors.
PoetryChapbookPoetry Collections
Selected authors John Allman, Wendy Taylor Carlisle, Amy Pence
Calls & opportunities
5 listed
Manuscript submissions
Reading periodJan 1 to Dec 31
Reading feeYes
Response timeLess than 3 months
Simultaneous submissionsYes
Unsolicited submissionsYes
2River accepts submissions for The 2River View and for its chapbook series. Writers should consult the website for specific reading periods, as they may vary. The press favors poetry that is accessible yet resonant, with attention to image, music, and emotional precision. Simultaneous submissions are generally accepted, but notify immediately if work is taken elsewhere. Include a brief bio and contact information. For chapbooks, send a cohesive manuscript of 15-25 pages. Response times can range from a few weeks to several months; patience is advised. Above all, read sample issues to understand the editorial aesthetic before submitting.
We like to think that writers have read several entries in the 2River Chapbook Series and that they are familiar with the history of poetry and poetic theory.