Blackwater-FAQs

What is Blackwater Review?

Blackwater Review is Northwest Florida State College's student journal of literature and art. It began decades ago but was discontinued for several years. We are now in the 22nd year of its current iteration. Entirely home-grown and homemade, the journal documents the creative work of students and stands as a testament to their artistry, skills, and imaginations.

Who can submit to Blackwater Review?

Any Northwest Florida State College student enrolled in at least one college-credit course may submit work. Submissions of poetry, prose, mixed-genre writing, visual art, and more are accepted between April and January. You do not need to be enrolled in an art or writing class to participate.

Are all submissions published?

No. While students are encouraged to submit, publication is not guaranteed. Space is limited, and the review process is competitive. On average, around 125 written works are considered, with 50 selected. About 80 art pieces are submitted, and 17 are chosen.

How are submissions judged?

Each submission is reviewed anonymously by at least three faculty, staff, or NWF retirees. Submissions are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, and reviewers do not know the identity of the author or the scores given by others.

What are the Blackwater Review contests?

There are two annual contests:

The Dr. Vickie G. Hunt Memorial Prose Contest, judged by a panel of NWFSC faculty.
The James and Christian LaRoche Memorial Poetry Contest, judged by professional poets outside the college.

When is the journal published?

After submissions close in January, reviews and edits take place through March. The final issue is printed and typically unveiled at a reception held in April.

What are the Editors' Prizes?

Each year, Editors' Prizes are awarded to one poet, one prose writer, one overall writer, and one artist whose work is considered exceptional. These prizes are supported by donations through the NWFSC Foundation.

How to submit?

Blackwater Review aims to encourage student writing, student art, and intellectual and creative life at Northwest Florida State College by providing a showcase for meritorious work. Blackwater Review is published annually at Northwest Florida State College and is funded by the college. Students interested in submitting their work can do so by visiting the Blackwater Review submission page for guidelines.

Where to purchase?

Blackwater Review can be purchased at the Barnes and Noble campus bookstore.

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Blackwater Review

A Journal of Literature and Art

Frequently Asked Questions