With a professional look and a wide range of writing talent, the Crab Orchard Review is drawing good reviews from its readers, the SIUC literary publication editor says.

The Review, released at the beginning of this semester, is highly regarded by local and national readers alike, John Tribble, managing editor of the Review, said.

Our first publication has had a lot of interest in the Carbondale area, Tribble said. We have also sent out copies to other various sources outside of Illinois. They have been impressed as well.

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In its first publication, the Review presents a collection of short stories and poetry, mainly from established writers. The topics covered range from hiking trips in the Alps to a little boy’s imaginary friend.

Sales of the Review have been promising, and the literary magazine has been well received, Richard Peterson, Review editor-in-chief, said.

More than 150 people have subscribed to the Review this semester from places as far away as New York. The University Bookstore sold 50 copies of the Review and has plans to sell the next issue available in the spring, Peterson said.

Sales of the Review are extremely positive, Peterson said. We would like to think that we have done a successful job at marketing our magazine locally.

John Jackson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said the Review was a good experience for both faculty and students to display their publishing talents.

I felt the stories in the Review were excellent, Jackson said. With the professional quality of the magazine, it is a good outlet for students and faculty to showcase professional and amateur writers.

Richard Lawson, emeritus professor in the English Department, said the Review’s staff gives the publication a foundation for future issues.

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John Tribble has had previous experience and is adept at putting publications together, Lawson said. Everyone behind the Review has done a good job and has given the publication an excellent future.

Jeletta Brant, office systems specialist in the purchasing department, said the Review presents a diverse group of writers dealing with varying topics.

I was surprised at the wide variety of subject matters covered in the Review, Brant said. I really liked the way that the material was presented. The wide range of writers represented shows the Review’s openness.

Peterson said the national circulation of the Review is helping to improve the image of the University.

Copies of our magazine have reached 46 states and have been sent to established writers and editors of literary magazines, Peterson said. We are sending out the message that SIUC is a good institution for people who want to write. We feel the magazine is enhancing SIUC’s image.