The Café Review About We began publication of The Café Review in the Fall of 1989. Our purpose, at that time, was to put into print some of the poetry being read at open readings held at a certain cafe in Portland, Maine.1993In 1993, The Café Review shifted from being a monthly publication to a quarterly journal. Part of the reason for the change was to allow ourselves more time to organize and present some of the visual art that has become such an important feature of the review. The art that has appeared in the review over the last few years has truly graced the issues. They provide for the poems space. And the eye a place to rest.Such were the early successes of this fresh publication that it was not long before we expanded to include poets from beyond our small city by the sea. Time went as it is want to do. And twenty-five rapid years later we find ourselves having read and published thousands of poems from the most diverse of locales. We have met many great poets and artists, and made many friends.We forever search for new, strong voices in poetry. And insist upon returning to those before and with us, presenting estimable works of the established literati. By this we pursue our persistent desire to “serve the muse,” and along with poetry she has taught us diligence, patience, and independence. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions, and they do not offer monetary payment for accepted submissions. (Note: About 8% of magazines always charge fees.) The fee is USD $5 (above average for magazines that charge). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1989 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 4 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationPublished 4 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Slower The Café Review's overall average response time is slower than most magazines. Collapse section Nonfiction Open Fee-based Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Review: No specific word count limits known.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Critical, Literary.Topics: Literature/Books: Theory/Analysis/Criticism, See guidelines.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Methods: Email. Submittable submission manager. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Open Fee-based Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Methods: Submittable submission manager. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Media: Text. Collapse section Visual Art Open Fee-based Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Artwork: 6 - 8 pieces.Art Media: Open to all/most Art Media.Art Styles:Open to all/most Art Styles.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Email. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Media: Image. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to publication's website Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @thecafereview Support this Publisher: Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Café Review Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: All Categories Nonfiction Poetry Visual Art Group by submission Include outliers Accuracy We have received 7 reports from 7 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 186 min | 254.4 mean avg | 263.0 median | 317 max days (48.7 std dev) Pending 6 responses are pending (56 min | 90.8 mean avg | 74.0 median | 137 max days waiting | 422.6 std dev) from 6 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The editors will try to make a decision within 180 days. (100.0 % of the responses reported to us for this listing have taken longer than 180 days.) Most recent response reported was received on 13 Aug 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 08 Feb 2026. Date compiled: 11 Sep 2026 06:47 UTC (less than a minute ago). View report of recent responses from this project Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 30 Aug 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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