From the INTRODUCTION to the new anthology, “The Best of Delmarva Review 2008-2023:”

EVERY STORY, EVERY POEM, EVERY ESSAY in The Best of Delmarva Review contains much more than what appears on the page. Each of the 14 stories introduces another layer beneath the surface. Each of the 63 poems presents not only what is said but what is not said, and the poet’s voice stirs new feelings with each reading. The 19 essays are relevant to you, and the personal ones will strike your emotional core with their honesty and authenticity. In all, there are interesting new worlds to explore or new ways to explore today’s world. Those are among the promises you will find in this collection.

As we selected the writing for “The Best of” anthology, we were in awe of the creativity shown by the authors published over a 16-year history. Since the first edition in 2008, the editors have read thousands and thousands of submissions from aspiring and established writers. We decided to draw attention to the writing qualities that stood out. We hope that will be useful to other writers and interesting to readers.

Editors Give “Golden” Advice on Writing

If you are an aspiring writer honing your work to submit to the best literary journals, our genre editors are offering their best advice to you in this anthology—based on their actual experience. As one writer said recently, “That’s golden.”

The anthology is divided into three sections: Fiction, Nonfiction, and Poetry. Each is the size of a small book. Each begins with an “Introduction” taken from an interview with the editors. They describe key qualities that stood out to make an outstanding short story, an excellent poem, or a memorable personal essay. The observations are offered to enrich an inquisitive reader’s enjoyment.

Welcome to The Best of Delmarva Review, 2008 – 2023

The outstanding writing of 75 authors was selected from 550 writers published by the Delmarva Review over its 16 years. We should point out, once again, that all of those published were chosen from thousands of submissions. Our editors read each one in search of the best new work. The review’s emphasis has always been on outstanding writing quality.

Delmarva Review, a National Literary Review

Sometimes our name improperly implies a regional literary journal. The authors published in this volume are from 18 states, the District of Columbia, and one from Scotland. It is significant that two-thirds are from the tri-state Chesapeake-Delmarva region. That is a testament to having active local writing organizations. The fact that the Delmarva Review has welcomed submissions from all writers, regardless of borders, has given authors the opportunity to grow. Their creative strengths can be seen among their peers everywhere, in both print and digital editions, thanks to internet technology. While a unique opportunity for writers, the national and international competition for new quality work has been substantial. For every hundred submissions received, two reached the stage of publication. As the review grew in recognition, the number of submissions reached into the thousands annually. We read them all, as promised, and we responded to every author, as promised. And, unlike many other literary publications, we have never charged the author a reading or publication fee. We remain an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit literary journal.

Over 16 years, we have published in print the original writing of 550 writers from 47 states, the District of Columbia, and 19 foreign countries. Still, a significant number, 45 percent, hail from the Chesapeake-Delmarva region. While our reach has grown nationally, and beyond, we expanded the regional “readership” for our authors through weekly publication of their poetry and prose in local media. By design, our growth has benefited our authors and readers. Being published in the review is a literary achievement, and the audience is far-reaching.

Volunteer Strength: “We Have Built Something.”

Volunteer spirit is powerful. Add expertise to that power, along with a healthy dose of inclusion, and you have the makings of the Delmarva Review. All of the editors and staff of the review are volunteers, and all are established in their fields. We do not derive salaries from the review. We derive the pleasure of giving our strengths to build those of others, and that simple formula works. After all the work is done every year, we know we have built something, and it is good.

Please see the section toward the end of the anthology titled “About the Editors.” It gives you a brief view of the strengths of each of the editors and advisers who produced this anthology. They have been involved in previous editions, as well. My message to our writers is, “You are the chosen. You are the special ones.” My message to our readers is, “You are the fortunate ones. We present outstanding original poetry and prose for your reading pleasure.”

I once read a critic’s lofty review of literary journals saying that he wouldn’t review “volunteer staffed” reviews because they were short-lived. Well, the Delmarva Review has risen through the quagmire of thousands of small publishers of “literary” works for 16 years and has witnessed the decline or elimination of some of the most venerable literary journals as well as many highly regarded commercial magazines and better newspapers, etc., etc., etc….and of those that have died, it was due, in large part, to lack of funds or lack of audience, not lack of staff. Thankfully, we have always had a strong volunteer staff and support. Please see the “Volunteers” page toward the end of the anthology. It is a tribute to the 49 volunteers (and more) who have contributed their powerful spirit and expertise to the Delmarva Review during its 16 years of publication.

The anthology is readily available worldwide from major online booksellers, and specialty regional bookstores. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit publication, we are grateful for the support we have received from tax-deductible contributions and grants from Talbot Arts with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

Wilson Wyatt, Executive Editor