Frequently Asked Questions

When is your reading period?

We accept submissions from September 15 to January 15.

When can I expect a response?

We aim to respond to each submission within four months. Due to the volume of submissions, responses will sometimes go out a bit later. If you haven’t heard from us in four months, feel to query us at kenyonreview@kenyon.edu.

How do I upload my manuscript?

You can upload your manuscript using the “browse” button on the submissions form. Then, from the browser window, you can select the file name, and click “open.” The submissions system will prompt you once the file has uploaded successfully.

Is there a limit to how many submissions I can make?

Yes: two submissions per genre per reading period. This enables us to read in a more timely fashion. Work will not be read if the writer has submitted more than two pieces per genre in a reading period.

Your guidelines say I can submit up to 6 poems, but when I try to submit more than one the system won't let me.

To submit a series of poems, the series must be included in a single document. It is best to separate your poems within the document using page breaks (or at the very least titles and spacing between each poem). Do not submit multiple documents.

I've tried to submit my work to your online system, but I keep having problems.

Please email your questions to kenyonreview@kenyon.edu.

What happens if the work I’ve submitted is accepted elsewhere?

First of all, congratulations. We ask that all simultaneous submissions be noted as such upon submission. If your submission is accepted elsewhere, please withdraw it from our system immediately or notify us at kenyonreview@kenyon.edu.

Do you have any suggestions for writers? What kind of work do you accept?

Read The Kenyon Review. Read KROnline. Read work that challenges you. Keep writing. There isn't a particular style we favor. We look for exceptional literary fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction.

I submitted my work last week and I’ve already received a response. Did you actually read my work?

Every submission is read and carefully considered. We know how much effort and love you put into your writing; we're writers too. No one takes this work lightly. Do feel free to try again during the next submission period.