How to Submit to Chestnut Review — A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Chestnut accepts poetry packets. For typical poetry submissions you may submit several poems (their Submittable category explains free vs paid submission counts and formatting recommendations). Poems should be single-spaced; start each poem on a new page when uploading a single document.

Useful links:

• Chestnut Review — Submissions (official)
• Submittable — Poetry form

Prose submissions generally accept one piece between about 1,000 and 5,000 words (check the form for current limits). Do not submit excerpts of longer works; the piece should stand on its own. Use single spacing and include a word count in the header if requested.

Link: Submittable — Prose form

Flash accepts very short work (often up to 1,000 words or less). They sometimes publish microfiction and flash creative nonfiction. If your piece is concise and strong — a flash slot is worth trying.

Link: Submittable — Flash form

Visual artists can submit portfolios (guidelines on file types and image counts are in the Submittable form). Typical limits include up to 20 images per submission; check the form for exact specs.

Link: Submittable — Art/Photography

Editors read faster when your file is tidy. Basic formatting tips:

• Use a simple readable font like Georgia or Times New Roman (12pt) for prose; keep one-inch margins.
• Single-space poems (or follow the Submittable instruction); start each poem on a new page if it’s one combined file.
• Include word or line counts where requested (especially for prose and flash).
• Export as DOCX or PDF if the form allows both; for visual art, name files clearly and follow image-size guidance.

Good submissions include:

• A short author bio (1–2 lines) with relevant credits or what you write about
• A short cover note if there is context (only if it matters)
• Links (if requested) to an author page, portfolio, or previously published work
• Correct file names and a final proofread

Typical small magazine agreements:

• Non-exclusive or first North American serial rights are common, but verify the exact contract they provide if accepted.
• Many journals allow authors to repost after an exclusive period — check the acceptance email for reposting terms.
• Save a copy of your acceptance email; it usually contains the rights and payment agreement.

When accepted, Chestnut Review’s editor will generally send a contract or acceptance email that explains payment timing (e.g., within X days of publication) and how they will pay (PayPal, bank transfer, etc.). Keep copies of invoices if requested.

Template A (poet):

Jane Doe is a poet from Columbus, OH. Her work appears in Example Journal and Small Press Review. She runs a weekly critique group and writes about form and craft.

John Smith is a fiction writer and copy editor. His short fiction has been published in Local Magazine and online at BigLit. He teaches creative writing part-time.

Keep it short and factual. Example:

Hello Chestnut Review editors,

Please find attached [title] — a [poem/collection/short story] of [word-count/line count]. 
I appreciate your time and consideration. Thank you.

Best,
[Your Name]
[one-line bio and link to portfolio if applicable]

Chestnut Review pays contributors for accepted work. Payment is immediate income — for many writers this is the most direct benefit of publishing with reputable small presses.

A paid publication builds your portfolio:

• Use bylines to pitch paying markets and freelance clients.
• Collect clips to apply for grants, contests, residencies, or paid editing gigs.
• Leverage pieces into readings, teaching slots, or workshops.