The Louisville Review publishes two issues each year.
Submissions are open for the inaugural Frederick Smock Poetry Prize September 1 - November 1, 2025.
The submission window for the general call for The Louisville Review Number 98 (Spring 2026) is open September 7 - 12, 2025.
The submission window for Cornerstone for The Louisville Review Number 98 (Spring 2026) is open September 7 - October 7, 2025.
Please Note: We enthusiastically welcome submissions from previous TLR contributors! However, if you have had work accepted in the general call for either Poetry or Fiction in the last two years (TLR 94 -TLR 97) please wait 4 issues (from publication) before submitting again in that genre.
The Louisville Review accepts unsolicited submissions of fiction and poetry. We accept only unpublished work. Reply time is 8-10 weeks. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, however any work accepted elsewhere must be withdrawn immediately. All submissions are considered based on quality of writing above all else.
If your work is selected for publication, we provide one complimentary print copy of The Louisville Review to our U.S. based contributors with a discount on additional copies shipped to the contributor's address. International contributors will receive an electronic copy of the issue.
Withdrawals
Entire submissions can be withdrawn by logging into Submittable. For partial withdrawals (single poems, for example), send an email to associateeditor@louisvillereview.org.
Entire submissions can be withdrawn by logging into Submittable. For partial withdrawals (single poems, for example), send an email to associateeditor@louisvillereview.org.
Fiction
Our fiction submission guidelines have changed! We now accept two categories of fiction:
Fiction: Submissions of 1,500 words or greater. While we do not have a set word limit, please know that our editors are less likely to choose longer pieces simply because it leaves less room in the journal for other work. Submissions should be double-spaced and page numbered. Capped at 100 submissions.
Short Fiction / Hybrid Prose: Submissions less than 1,500 words. Send us your short and flash fiction! This category is also open to experimental or lyrical short prose. While we do not read unsolicited creative nonfiction at this time, we welcome work that is fictive but does not fit neatly into the fiction genre. Please note we cannot print in color or print images. Capped at 100 submissions.
Poetry
Submit up to five poems. Please be sure all poems are in a single document before uploading. Each page should include complete contact information for the author. Translations are welcome if permission has been granted by the original author.
Submit up to five poems. Please be sure all poems are in a single document before uploading. Each page should include complete contact information for the author. Translations are welcome if permission has been granted by the original author.
Cornerstone
The submission window for Cornerstone for The Louisville Review Number 98 will be open September 7 - October 7, 2025.
The Louisville Review accepts submissions of previously unpublished poetry from students in grades K-12 for publication in our Cornerstone section. We seek writing that embodies fresh ways to recreate scenes and feelings. Cornerstone submissions must be accompanied by parental permission to publish if accepted.
Please Note: We enthusiastically welcome submissions from previous TLR Cornerstone contributors! However, if you have had work accepted in Cornerstone in the last year (TLR 96 - 97) please wait 2 issues before submitting again.
There is currently no fee for submissions to our Fiction, Poetry, and Cornerstone sections.
Have any questions you’d like to ask before submitting? Send us an email at associateeditor@louisvillereview.org.