Gyroscope Review is a print and online poetry magazine published quarterly. You can read their current issue as well as past issue on their site or order them in print. They welcome both new and established poets and are currently open for submissions for their fall special issue with the theme: Crone Power limited to poets over 50 who identify as women.

I wondered how and why this magazine came to be, so I asked Editor Constance Brewer some questions to find out. See my interview with Brewer and a link to their submission guidelines below.

HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about Gyroscope Review. 

BREWER: Gyroscope Review is a quarterly poetry magazine offering fine contemporary poetry in all genres, including science fiction, fantasy and horror. 

We offer both readers and writers an alternative to the realm of college-sponsored literary magazines. Submissions are accepted quarterly for issues releasing in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall (Annual Crone Power issue). Deadlines are noted on our website. We generally respond to submissions within 10 weeks. 

Gyroscope Review is produced in PDF format, available on the website so it can be read digitally. Print and Kindle editions are available for purchase on Amazon for those that prefer a hard copy. Each issue runs about 75 pages and is in an 8.5 x 11 format for those of us with poor eyesight. 

The editors submit nominations for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net.

HOPKINSON: How/why was Gyroscope Review originally started? 

BREWER: Gyroscope Review came about when two editors were left adrift by the closing of a poetry magazine. They decided to start their own magazine to offer an alternative. Launched in early 2015, Gyroscope Review publishes finely crafted contemporary poetry in all genres, from both new and established poets. Editor Constance Brewer and Assistant Editors Elya Braden and Hanna Pachman curate each issue. We want to be a place for the unpretentious modern reader who needs a break from the daily fire hose of information. Poetry as meditation and mind break.

HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience? 

BREWER: Modern readers looking to immerse themselves in contemporary poetry. We offer an Annual Crone Power issue each Fall for woman-identifying poets over the age of 50. We think they have a lot to say and often get overlooked. 

HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for? 

BREWER: We are looking for fine, contemporary poetry. Nothing with archaic language. We’re not fond of poems that talk about writing poetry or love poems that don’t bring something new to the table. We rarely take forms unless they are well done.

The editors have eclectic tastes and tend to reject most rhyming poetry (unless it sparkles), or poetry that is better heard as spoken word. However, we love to be surprised. Not sure if it’s for us? Give us a try or shoot us an email and ask. 

HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in? 

BREWER: We’d love more well-done political commentary. No rants or personal commentaries, just eye-opening awareness. We like poems that honor a reader’s intelligence. We’d like more humorous poems that lift our spirits. 

HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?

BREWER: Too many favorites to name. I like to sample different literary journals to keep my eye fresh, reading both traditional magazines and the newer, quirky ones. There’s something out there for everyone.

HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with Gyroscope Review?

BREWER: I love reading the slush, opening each submission in hopes of finding a gem. It’s like playing the lottery every day and who wouldn’t like that? I also love working with the Assistant Editors as we discuss the merits of each poem. 

HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions? 

BREWER: We accept submissions only through Submittable. https://gyroscopereview.submittable.com/submit

HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you? 

BREWER: We have a contact form on our website at gyroscopereview.com OR 

Email: editors@gyroscopereview.com 

Subject line your question appropriately so you don’t end up in spam and delay a response. “Hey” and “Question” usually end up in spam.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 1, 2021

Reading Periods:

• Spring issue: January 15 – March 1
• Summer issue: April 1 – June 1
• Fall Crone Power issue: July 1 – September 1
• Winter issue: October 1 – December 1

THEME(S): The Spring Issue usually has a theme alongside regular submissions

FORMAT: electronic (PDF), print on demand, Kindle

SUBMISSION FEE: None 

PAYMENT: No payment at this time

ISSUE FREQUENCY: Quarterly

AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: 8 -10 weeks 

SUBMISSION METHOD: Submittable

SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes

FORMS: Poetry Only

SOCIAL MEDIA: We announce all deadlines and info on social media. Follow us! 

Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

DUOTROPE: https://duotrope.com/listing/16463/gyroscope-review

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