About Us
Hellbender Literary Journal (formerly Cheat River Review) was established in 2023 at West Virginia University. Managed and edited entirely by graduate students, Hellbender publishes fiction, essays, poetry and visual art. We are dedicated to publishing both established and emerging writers, and take pride in amplifying marginalized and underrepresented voices.
Our issues are published digitally. This method allows us to make our content free and accessible for all. We publish two issues per year (Spring/Summer; Fall/Winter).
Keep an eye on our submissions page as well as our Submittable for periodic updates as well as additional details about upcoming issues and submission guidelines. For any and all questions, please feel free to shoot us an email at hellbendermag@gmail.com!
2026-2027 Masthead
Editor in Chief – Nick VanNuland
Managing Editor – Jess Munley
Non-Fiction Editor – Faith Lostaunau
Fiction Editor – Cade Mullins
Poetry Editor – Dalan Nelson
Visual Art Editor – HG Gruebmeyer
Faculty Advisor – Mark Brazaitis
Page last updated: June 1, 2026.