We've received a number of questions over the years that we hope to answer here so submitters (and readers) can better understand how Eastern Iowa Review works.

Q: Why is your turnaround so fast?
A: When we have an open reading window, we read. Voraciously. Unrelentingly. And we know what we want re: style and substance, beauty of writing, etc.
Btw, there are a number of other notable journals that are lightning fast with their responses. We're not the only ones. Check out Duotrope: they list the fastest of the fast, often only a day or two before you hear back, like us (would you rather wait 6 months like some journals make you wait?). Sometimes we take our time to settle on a piece - up to a month - but more often we know what we want (again, re: style and substance, beauty of writing, etc.) and when we see it, we grab it. 

​Q: What is your acceptance rate? 
A: We generally hover between 2 and 5 percent of submissions, depending on phase of reading period and response process.

Q: Why the prose poem or the lyric essay?
A: Because it takes more time to do well and we're believers in good writing that simmers for a while during both the production phase and the reading phase. We like to remember what we've read. We like to want to read it again and again. For us, the writing must be unique and beautiful for that to happen.

Q: Do you only accept writing from those in Eastern Iowa or the Midwest?
A: Nope. Just so it's in English, it can be from anywhere. Even Timbuktu. Even Snake Island.

If you have questions, please ask! Send it to: contact @ portyonderpress.com and we'll try to address it here shortly. 

I hope this helps,
Chila


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