Reviews Submission Guidelines

We welcome reviews that engage deeply with ecological and theological concerns in the broadest sense. We look for writing that moves beyond summary toward critical inquiry—reviews marked by an artful sensibility and a clear, distinct voice.

You can pitch, submit, or share an Advance Review Copy via Submittable. Please note that while we list upcoming titles for our contributors, our reviewers choose books based on their own interests; inclusion on our list is not a guarantee of a review.

Reviews can be any length, but we are particularly interested in the breadth and depth offered by 1200-1500 words. Our reviews editor may work collaboratively with writers on tone and formatting.

In terms of review content, we are interested in how you read the work. Identify the text’s concerns and how the writer makes them visible. Does the text present itself/its argument via sound, image, form, logic? Who is the text’s ideal audience? An excellent EcoTheo review generally includes:

• An exploration of how the work speaks to our core themes in the sacred and the natural world.
• Insightful critical engagement with the author’s craft, imagery, and central arguments.
• Brief, impactful quotes that showcase the book’s prose or poetic style.
• A concluding thought on why this work is significant for our community in this current moment, which points to the cultural relevance.

FORMATTING

At the top of your review, please provide the following information:

• [Book Title] by [Author Name]. [Press] ([Publication Date]). [Pages]. [Price].
• In your cover letter, please include a brief bio of yourself.

Poetry Reviews

• When citing poetry, we ask that you handle the text with care: please replicate the original lineation faithfully and double-check all quotations. To give the reader a true sense of the work, aim for three or four excerpts of at least three lines each.
• Follow these general poetry citation guidelines.

Policy Reminders

We publish all forms of expression, including poetry, prose (i.e., fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, interviews, and reviews), and visual art that reflect our values of curiosity, justice, and community. 

Work that has been created, in any part, with the assistance of AI tools is not eligible for submission or publication.

We consider all submissions for publication on our website and/or in our quarterly print issues. 

Please allow us at least three months to review your submission. Our editors are volunteers with other work, family, and creative commitments. We appreciate your patience as we give all submissions the consideration they deserve. We do not accept previously published work, but we do accept simultaneous submissions. Please notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.

For inquiries related to the website or other matters, email our Managing Editor at emmye@ecotheo.org. 

Visual Art Submission Guidelines

General: We welcome most forms of visual art, including but not limited to painting, photography, drawings and sketches, sculpture, and other works suitable for high-quality print reproduction. Submissions must not exceed ten images (color or B&W).  We do not accept works created in collaboration with AI.  There is no need to follow up on receipt of your work. If you haven't heard from us in three months, you may give us a gentle nudge at the point of submission (e.g., Submittable or Cafe). 

Selected artists have their work printed in an issue of EcoTheo Review, often alongside essays, statements, or interviews to help readers understand the artist’s intentions. On an ongoing basis, we also share our artists on our social media platforms and strive to create a community of artists with shared interests and concerns.

Eligibility Criteria Work must operate at the intersection of Ecology, Spirituality, and Culture. We welcome submissions inclusive of all religious traditions and the broadest possible range of spiritual expression, provided the work engages meaningfully with our core mission.

Format: 

1. Submit 3-10 images with files labeled: Last name_first name_title_media_size_year (whatever image size you had previously is fine and should be added here).

2. Include a brief bio (250 words or less). 

3. An artist statement (500 words or fewer) addressinghow you feel your work is situated in the intersection of ecology and spirituality. Please explain your ideas in a way that directly connects to the images you are submitting.  

Policy Reminders

We publish all forms of expression, including poetry, prose (i.e., fiction, creative nonfiction, essays, interviews, and reviews), and visual art that reflect our values of curiosity, justice, and community. 

Work that has been created, in any part, with the assistance of AI tools is not eligible for submission or publication.

We consider all submissions for publication on our website and/or in our quarterly print issues. 

Please allow us at least three months to review your submission. Our editors are volunteers with other work, family, and creative commitments. We appreciate your patience as we give all submissions the consideration they deserve. We do not accept previously published work, but we do accept simultaneous submissions. Please notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.

For inquiries related to the website or other matters, email us at etr@ecotheo.org.