Bicoastal Review is a journal of poetry, nonfiction, photography, and art. We aim to foster cross-genre conversations between readers and contributors, often on (but not limited to) topics related to the East Coast and West Coast. We publish writing that offers a lens into varied schools of thought and showcases epiphany and mastery of language. Our collective voices explore American writing, highlighting the movements, ruptures, and allegiances unfolding simultaneously at opposite ends of the nation. Writers and artists from anywhere in the world are welcome to submit, though we prefer American English spelling.
We release digital issues February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. We also design Contest Issues as expanded print editions that spotlight our winners and finalists and add artwork, editorial commentary, interviews, and other content (plus postcards with most orders) — available for purchase below.
Response times: We are a small, independent, self-funded journal with a small staff. While we do our best to respond promptly, response times range from a few days to several months as we work through which pieces speak to others to mold a cohesive issue. Contest submissions take longer. For a decision within 2–3 weeks or sooner, select our Fast Response option (feel free to email us if it's been a couple of weeks and/or you need a decision immediately, and we will do our best). We appreciate your understanding.
GUIDELINES
No need for a cover letter or your contact information with the submission, thanks :)
Simultaneous submissions are fine. Please notify us and/or withdraw your submission if your work is accepted elsewhere. We generally do not publish reprints, but we may consider doing so with permission from the prior publication. If we accept your work, please withdraw it from consideration elsewhere.
POETRY
5 poems max, in .doc or .docx. Please separate poems by page. Titles are preferred. If your poems are haikus or very short, feel free to submit more than 5.
Please read our past issues (free online) to get a sense of our vibe. We particularly appreciate political poetry, ecopoetry and nature poems, love poems, poems about the body, feminist poetry, queer poetry, and poems that engage with history, literature, art, and/or modern or digital culture. Hybrid, experimental, and cross-genre work is welcome. No covid/quarantine poems or light verse. We are wary of alternating rhyme schemes. We prefer submissions that avoid capitalizing the first letter of each line unless that choice feels essential.
We accept translations into English with the permission of both author and translator.
NONFICTION
We accept creative nonfiction, critical essays, reviews, interviews, think pieces, and similar works.
1,000-3,000 words preferred, though this is not a hard rule.
FICTION
Short fiction (or hybrid works) should match the tone/themes of our journal and/or be appropriately seasonal.
PHOTOGRAPHY & ART
Submit up to 10 photos or works of art using the highest image quality possible. Feel free to include a few sentences explaining materials, process, theory, and/or anything else you would like to share about the art. Please don't select Fast Response if you're submitting photography or art.
*** All submissions must be original and must not infringe upon any copyright or third-party rights. Any quotations, borrowed lines, or other material from another author or artist must be clearly attributed.
*** We do not accept anything created with AI tools, prompts, or edits.
*** We do not accept writing that espouses bigotry, hate speech, discrimination, or harmful stereotypes targeting any group or individual based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, etc. We value accessibility and social progress, and seek to represent a diversity of inclusive voices across the U.S. literary landscape.
We may charge a reading fee, as our journal is unaffiliated with a university, is free to read, and we pay judges as well as contest winners. If the posted fee presents an economic burden to you, email us at theeditors@bicoastalreview.com — no explanation needed.
Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Issue (Limited Print Edition)
We're thrilled to release a beautiful Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Issue, a colorful print edition that will be 20-35 pages long. A limited print run, this special issue will announce and celebrate the inspired creative work of our finalists and include the winning poem, editorial commentary, original artwork, and more. We also typically include free postcards. :)
* We plan to mail out the first copies between December 1 and January 1. printing times may vary.
Our first ekphrastic contest invited poets to respond to previously published Bicoastal Review poems. Each poem will appear alongside the poem that inspired it, creating a unique conversation between writers across issues and offering a rare opportunity to experience both works together.
Since 2023, our journal has connected readers with great topical poetry, nonfiction, and visual art, publishing emerging and established voices for free on www.bicoastalreview.com and on IG. We are thankful to everyone who reads, submits to, shares, and supports. Every purchase helps us continue providing a home for writers and artists while keeping our online content free and accessible. BR is largely funded out of pocket, from submission management to website, design, and printing costs. Your support helps offset those expenses, allowing us to publish new voices, offer thoughtful editorial feedback, keep contest fees low, and continue growing the community. We are excited about the possibility of future print issues, more poetry broadsides, and new collaborations.
Managing this journal and communicating with submitters has been a bright light in my life. It has widened my perspective and taught me so much about people, poetry, art, editing, and design. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us celebrate the writers and artists who make this work possible.
I hope you enjoy a copy of the issue.
With gratitude,
* Price includes shipping and handling for U.S. purchases. Email us at theeditors@bicoastalreview.com if your address is outside the U.S.
Issue 10 (Poetry Contest) (Limited Print Edition)
Issue 10 is a colorful print edition around 30 pages long. A limited print run, this issue celebrates the excellent work of our Single-Poem 2025 Contest finalists and includes the winning poem, editorial commentary, original artwork, a 2-page interview with the contest judge, photos, and more. We also typically include free postcards. :)
Content includes....
Editor's Note
Art by Arlene Tribbia
Art by Lindsey Wagner
Interview with poet Blas Falconer
Poetry by A. Jenson (commentary by contest judge Blas Falconer)
Poetry by Shahé Mankerian (commentary by Jordan Kramarsky and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Andreea Ceplinschi (commentary by Will Sheets and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Rachel Marie Patterson (commentary by Annie Przypyszny and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Claire Gunner (commentary by Tamar Burrows and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Virginia LeBaron (commentary by Will Sheets and Tamar Burrows)
Poetry by Ken Holland (commentary by Will Sheets and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Cameron Tricker (commentary by Grace Hopps and Annie Przypyszny)
Poetry by Paula Finn (commentary by Grace Gaynor)
Poetry by Meggie Royer (commentary by Caitlin Annette Johnson and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Mackenzie Oliff (commentary by Grace Gaynor)
Poetry by Christina Brannon (commentary by Caitlin Annette Johnson and Marina Kraiskaya)
Poetry by Sandra Fees (commentary by Grace Hopps, Jordan Kramarsky, and Tamar Burrows)
Since 2023, our journal has been dedicated to connecting readers with great topical poetry, nonfiction, and visual art, publishing emerging and established voices for free on www.bicoastalreview.com and on IG. We are thankful to everyone who reads, submits to, shares, and supports. Every purchase helps us continue providing a home for writers and artists while keeping our online content free and accessible. BR is largely funded out of pocket, from submission management to website, design, and printing costs. Your support helps offset those expenses, allowing us to publish new voices, offer thoughtful editorial feedback, keep contest fees low, and continue growing the community. We are excited about the possibility of future print issues, more poetry broadsides, and new collaborations.
Managing this journal and communicating with submitters has been a bright light in my life. It has widened my perspective and taught me so much about people, poetry, art, editing, and design. Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us celebrate the writers and artists who make this work possible.
I hope you enjoy a copy of this issue.
With gratitude,
* Price includes shipping and handling for U.S. purchases. Email us at theeditors@bicoastalreview.com if your address is outside the U.S.
Book & Chapbook Editing
I am an experienced editor who works on fiction, nonfiction, and poetry manuscripts, editing for clarity, voice, cohesion, impact, and more. I leave comments in Word or Google Docs. I can also provide Zoom meetings and recommendations on where to submit.
Initial consultations are free — no obligation or pressure to move forward. Fill out the form below or email me at theeditors@bicoastalreview.com with a bit of info on your project, goals, concerns, and timeline. As this is not my day job, I have no interest in overcharging, or taking on projects I'm not the best fit for. So, let's discuss, and I look forward to reading your writing!
Marina
Note: This is not Bicoastal Review's Fast Response option (if you would like to hear back from us quickly on your general submission, with feedback and suggestions.) Working with me on your personal manuscript has no impact on your submissions to Bicoastal Review, including contests.