Contemporary Literature A project of University of Wisconsin Press (see other related projects). About Contemporary Literature publishes scholarly essays on contemporary writing in English, interviews with established and emerging authors, and reviews of recent critical books in the field. The journal welcomes articles on multiple genres, including poetry, the novel, drama, creative nonfiction, new media and digital literature, and graphic narrative. CL published the first articles on Thomas Pynchon and Susan Howe and the first interviews with Margaret Drabble and Don DeLillo; it also helped to introduce Kazuo Ishiguro, Eavan Boland, and J.M. Coetzee to American readers. As a forum for discussing issues animating the range of contemporary literary studies, CL features the full diversity of critical practices. The editors seek articles that frame their analysis of texts within larger literary historical, theoretical or cultural debates. Peer Review: This publication uses peer review for some or all submissions. Check for details. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1960 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationPublished 4 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationPublished 4 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Nonfiction Open Audience:Scholars.Lengths: Essay: 6,250 - 8,750 words.Styles:Academic, Critical.Topics: Literature/Books: Theory/Analysis/Criticism, See guidelines.Payment:No monetary payment No monetary payment.Submissions:Method: Submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.Media: Text. 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:Bluesky @uwiscpress.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @uwiscpress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Contemporary Literature 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. We have not received any submission reports for this listing in the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsThe Brittingham & Felix Pollak Prizes in Poetry Charges fees for all submissionsUniversity of Wisconsin Press 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: 19 Jul 2026For scholarly publications, we check their guidelines for changes twice a year, and we audit the listing once a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only