In casual conversation, the word “literature” is used broadly to reference anything that employs the written word as a vehicle for information exchange. For the purposes of deciding what is fit to be published in the CLR, however, this is a functionally useless definition as it includes anything ranging from ancient Greek philosophy to the legal copy on a car ad.

So, how then do we determine what literature is fit for acquisition? The short answer: we have criteria!

Having specific criteria we use to assess all submissions allows us to make the shift from the unhelpfully general definition of literature to a more selective and purposeful one; colloquially, works that fall into this latter category are known as Literature with-a-capital-L.

What elevates literature to Literature, as per the acquisition criteria we developed, include the following:

Cultural or Academic Value: Works that invite discussion and offer diverse interpretation, are morally or philosophically profound, and/or offer a timeless snapshot of contemporary sociopolitical contexts are Literature.

Unique Voice & Style: Works that push boundaries, explore complex themes, and inspire our readers through innovative writing are Literature.

Of Lasting Relevancy: Works that can survive trends and endure in meaningful ways generation to generation are Literature.

By being selective with what we choose to publish, we hope to curate a reading experience both profound and inspiring.

—Izaiah S.