Pine Hills Review Open for Submissions

Writing for Young Readers with John Claude Bemis

Course Overview and Objectives

John Claude Bemis’s workshop concentrates on narrative techniques for readers aged eight to fourteen. The curriculum covers plot structure, character development and age-appropriate voice in middle-grade and upper-elementary fiction. Participants engage in exercises reinforcing pacing, thematic coherence and strategies for sustaining reader interest.

Manuscript Feedback and Personalized Guidance

Each participant submits sample chapters or short stories for in-depth critique by Bemis. Manuscripts receive line-level annotations on style, dialogue and descriptive clarity. Written feedback is complemented by strategic advice on revision practices and alignment with publisher expectations.

Enrollment Details and Key Takeaways

Enrollment is limited to ensure focused mentorship. The six-week online program culminates in a revised manuscript, a polished submission proposal and a thorough understanding of the middle-grade publishing landscape.

Pine Hills Review: Journal Profile and Editorial Mission

Foundation and Evolution (2014–2019)

Pine Hills Review was founded in 2014 at The College of Saint Rose and became independent in 2019 after the college’s MFA program closed. Its editorial board comprises both emerging and established writers dedicated to showcasing innovative literary forms.

Editorial Focus on Fresh, Experimental and Hybrid Work

The journal solicits fiction, nonfiction, poetry and hybrid creations that defy conventional boundaries. Priority is given to submissions that combine visual elements, unconventional structures or cross-genre narration. Each work is assessed for originality, thematic depth and aesthetic experimentation.

Digital Presence and Weekly Publication Schedule

New material appears every Wednesday on the Pine Hills Review website and is promoted across the journal’s social media channels. A comprehensive online archive preserves all back issues, providing perpetual access to published content.

Submission Guidelines and Procedural Requirements

Annual Reading Period and Frequency Limits

Submissions are accepted from September 1 through April 30 each year. Authors may submit up to two times during this period, encouraging careful selection and revision.

Accepted Genres, Word Counts and Format Specifications

• Poetry: up to six poems per submission

• Fiction and nonfiction: up to 3,000 words per submission

• Hybrid and cross-genre: up to 3,000 words, with optional visual components

• Excerpts from longer works: up to 3,000 words per submission

Email Submission Protocol and Simultaneous–Previously Published Policies

All entries must be emailed in strict accordance with the journal’s online guidelines. Simultaneous submissions are allowed but must be withdrawn upon acceptance elsewhere. Previously published works in any form are ineligible for consideration.

Review Process, Publication Timeline and Author Benefits

Response Time and Editorial Assessment

Editorial decisions are communicated within four to eight weeks. Multiple editors review each submission to confirm adherence to the journal’s standards for quality and creativity.

Publication Lead Time and Archived Access

Accepted works typically appear seven to nine months after acceptance. Each published piece remains in the journal’s indefinite online archive, extending visibility for contributors.

Audio Recordings and “Best of” Anthology Nominations

Authors may provide audio recordings to accompany their published text. Pine Hills Review nominates selected pieces for inclusion in prominent “Best of” anthologies, further enhancing professional recognition.

Advantages for Aspiring and Established Writers

Industry Exposure through Consistent Promotion

Weekly publication and targeted social media outreach connect authors with a broad readership. The journal’s independence allows agile adaptation to digital trends and experimental presentation formats.

Networking and Professional Development via Bemis Workshop

The limited-cohort model fosters peer collaboration and direct mentorship. In-depth feedback and industry insights support manuscript refinement and informed submission strategies.

Long-Term Career Impact and Recognition

Participation in the workshop and journal publication strengthens authors’ credentials. These achievements bolster future submissions to larger publishers, attract agent interest and enhance entries in literary competitions.

Next Steps: How to Enroll and Submit Manuscripts

Enrollment for John Claude Bemis’s workshop is available via the program’s online portal. Pine Hills Review’s complete submission guidelines and formatting requirements are accessible on its official website. Manuscripts should be prepared for email submission prior to the April 30 deadline.