Rachel Rathbun, former Cedarville Review Chief Editor Emily Vest , current Cedarville Review Chief Editor 'The Cedarville Review' promotes interdisciplinary expression By Ashleigh Clark Cedarville Univers ity's various publications allow student s and faculty to showcase their academic and l iterary writing skills . All the journals published by the un ive rsity, such as "Channels" or "Musical Offerings," come with high pra ise and recognition, but the "Cedarville Review" has a unique place among such publications . The "Review," as it is sometimes called , began in 1996. It publishes works from burgeoning writers and artists every year. The journal showcases visual art and literary pieces of poetry and prose. Notably, the "Cedarville Review" gives a voice to students by publishing exclusively undergraduate work from all disciplines and departments. A group of students edits The "Review.· After the submission period is done, the editors get together to discuss which pieces will be accepted into that year's publication . The process is highly selective, with the group curating the best pieces to showcase the beauty of literary and artistic expression. The journal is typically published by the end of the academic year. Former chief ed itor Rachel Rathbun Benefiel and current ch ief editor Emily Vest spoke about their experiences working w ith the "Review." Benefiel and Vest have both been featured in the "Review" and non-Cedarville publ ications . Benefiel worked on the "Cedarville Review" for three years and has loved being a part of the team. She noted that getting to see the inside perspective on publ icat ion was one of the greatest fulfillments of the position. "You get to see a literary journal 's publication process from the submission period all the way through printing," she said. "Not only is t hat super rewarding since you get to hold the finished product in your hands, but it's also a really valuable experience for anyone looking into publishing as a career." Vest, the current chief editor, has been a part of the team for two years. She sees the "Review" as a passion project curated by the editors . She echoed Benefiel's love for the insider view on publishing . "The Cedarville Review is still a semi-hidden gem of Cedarville 28 CED.RS Photographs by Logan Howard and Roberto Moran Un iversity," she said . " In her experience, the journal 's advertising has been the biggest change while she has been in charge. The team has added social media (@ the_cedarville_review on lnstagram) to its advertising strategy to reach more people. Both of them we re adamant about the desire for submission variety, not just in style but also in interdepartmental contribution . They are excited to see it grow beyond the Depa rtment of Engl ish, Literature and Modern Languages . Over the last few years, the "Cedarville Rev iew" has been diversifying its collection . Some of the most well-liked pieces, according to Vest and Benefiel, have been ones that take the writer's experiences and infuse them with nuanced writing . Benefiel and Vest would also like to see the "Cedarville Review" continue to grow. Vest is excited to see more variety in prose and poetry. Benefiel wants to see more pieces that "push the boundaries between forms or genres and blur traditional boundaries of what you think you can do.. .[piecies that] cover unique topics Spring 2023
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