Submitting your poetry can be an exciting step for any writer. It allows your work to reach a wider audience, connect with other poets, and receive recognition for your craft. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the world of poetry submissions, from finding the right opportunities to preparing your poems and managing the process.
Why Submit Your Poetry?
Submitting your poems to literary journals, magazines, or contests offers several benefits. It can help you grow as a poet and share your unique voice with the world. Understanding these advantages can motivate you through the submission journey.
Expand Your Readership
Published poetry reaches readers beyond your immediate circle. Literary journals and anthologies have dedicated audiences who are actively seeking new voices and perspectives. This exposure can introduce your work to appreciative readers and build a following.
A wider readership also means your poems can spark conversations and connect with people in unexpected ways. Sharing your art allows it to live beyond your personal drafts.
Receive Feedback and Validation
Having your poetry selected for publication is a significant form of validation. It means that editors or judges found your work compelling and worthy of sharing. This recognition can boost your confidence and encourage you to continue writing.
While direct feedback is not always given, the act of being published itself serves as a positive affirmation of your skill. It confirms that your efforts in crafting poetry are resonating with others.
Build Your Poetic Resume
Each publication credit adds to your poetic resume or C.V. This is important if you plan to pursue further literary endeavors, such as applying for grants, residencies, or M.F.A. programs. A strong publication record demonstrates your dedication and success.
Your publication history can also attract attention from agents or publishers for future projects, like a full-length collection. It showcases your commitment to your craft over time.
Finding Submission Opportunities
The first step in submitting poetry is to locate suitable venues. Many literary journals and presses are looking for new poems. Knowing where to search can make this process much more efficient.
Online Databases and Websites
Several online resources specialize in listing submission opportunities. These platforms often provide detailed information about each venue, including genres accepted, submission fees, and response times.
- Duotrope: A subscription-based service that lists thousands of active literary markets. It offers statistics on response times and acceptance rates.
- Submittable Discover: Many journals use Submittable for their submissions, and their “Discover” feature allows you to browse opportunities.
- Poets & Writers: This website offers free extensive listings of literary magazines, small presses, and writing contests.
- New Pages: Provides calls for submissions for literary magazines, independent publishers, and writing conferences.
Always check these sites regularly, as opportunities and guidelines can change frequently. Look for places that publish poetry similar in style or theme to your own work.
Literary Journals and Magazines
Literary journals and magazines are primary outlets for poetry. They can be online-only, print-only, or a combination of both. Each has its own aesthetic and focus.
Take time to read a few issues of any journal you consider. This helps you understand their style, the type of poetry they prefer, and whether your work would be a good fit. Many journals make their content available online.
Anthologies and Contests
Anthologies are collections of poems, often centered around a specific theme. Contests typically offer prizes, sometimes including publication and monetary awards. Both can be excellent ways to gain exposure.
Always review the theme and rules for anthologies and contests carefully. Pay attention to eligibility requirements and any associated entry fees. Some contests are free, while others charge a small fee to help cover administrative costs or prizes.
University Presses and Small Presses
For poets considering publishing a full collection, university presses and small independent presses are key. These presses often run open submission periods or contests for book-length manuscripts.
Research presses that publish poets whose work you admire. Look at their catalog to see if your style aligns with their editorial vision. This step is usually for poets who have already accumulated a number of individual poem publications.
Preparing Your Poems for Submission
Once you’ve found potential venues, the next crucial step is to prepare your poems professionally. Presentation matters and can influence an editor’s first impression.
Revising and Proofreading
Before submitting, ensure your poems are polished and free of errors. Read them aloud to catch awkward phrasing or rhythm issues. Ask trusted readers for feedback on clarity and impact.
Proofread carefully for typos, grammatical errors, and punctuation mistakes. Even a small error can distract an editor from the quality of your poem. Use spell-checkers, but also rely on your own careful reading.
Formatting Guidelines
Adhering to standard manuscript format makes your submission easy to read. While specific guidelines may vary, generally follow these points:
- Font: Use a clear, standard font like Times New Roman or Garamond, 12-point size.
- Spacing: Single-space your poems, with double spacing between stanzas.
- Header: Include your name and page number in the upper right corner of each page.
- Contact Info: Place your name, address, email, and phone number in the upper left corner of the first page.
- Poem Title: Center the title of each poem before the poem begins.
Always check the specific guidelines for each journal, as they might have unique requirements. Some platforms may have automated formatting tools.
Crafting a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a brief, professional introduction to your work. It should be concise and respectful. Keep it to three to five sentences.
Include the following:
- The name of the editor or journal you are submitting to.
- The titles of the poems you are submitting.
- A brief mention of any significant prior publications (optional, but helpful if you have them).
- A polite closing.
Avoid summarizing your poems or explaining their meaning in the cover letter. Let the poems speak for themselves.
Writing a Short Bio
Many journals request a short biographical statement. This is typically written in the third person and is about 50-75 words long. It should highlight your writing-related accomplishments.
Include your location, any writing degrees or programs, and a few notable previous publications. You can also mention a unique interest or profession if it adds to your identity as a writer. For example: “[Your Name] is a poet living in [City, State]. Their work has appeared in [Journal A] and [Journal B]. They hold an MFA from [University].”
Understanding Simultaneous Submissions
Simultaneous submissions mean sending the same poem to multiple journals at the same time. Many journals accept this practice, but you must withdraw your poem immediately from all other venues if it is accepted elsewhere. Always check a journal’s guidelines on simultaneous submissions.
If a journal states they do not accept simultaneous submissions, respect their policy. Submitting exclusively can mean a longer wait for a response, but it avoids potential issues.
The Submission Process
With your poems prepared, you are ready to send them out. The process is usually straightforward, especially with online platforms.
Using Online Platforms
Most literary journals use online submission managers like Submittable or Moksha. These platforms streamline the process for both writers and editors.
You will typically create an account, select the correct submission category, upload your poems (usually as a single document), copy and paste your cover letter, and then pay any submission fees if applicable. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully.
Following Instructions Carefully
This cannot be stressed enough: always read and follow each journal’s specific submission guidelines. Guidelines cover everything from word count to formatting, preferred file types, and response times. Failing to follow them can lead to your submission being rejected without review.
Take a few minutes to review the guidelines before you submit. It shows professionalism and respect for the editors’ time.
Tracking Your Submissions
Keeping a record of your submissions is essential. You can use a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated online tool like Duotrope. Track the following:
- Journal name
- Date submitted
- Titles of poems submitted
- Submission fee (if any)
- Expected response time
- Date of response
- Outcome (accepted, rejected, withdrawn)
This tracking helps you manage simultaneous submissions, follow up if necessary, and see your overall submission activity.
Handling Rejection Gracefully
Rejection is a common part of a poet’s journey. Most poets receive many rejections for every acceptance. Do not take it personally; it often means your poem wasn’t the right fit for that specific journal at that time, rather than a judgment on your talent.
When you receive a rejection, take a moment, and then move on. Rejections are simply part of the process, a sign that you are actively putting your work out there. Consider it a step closer to an acceptance.
Celebrating Acceptance
When you receive an acceptance, celebrate! It’s a significant achievement that reflects your hard work and talent. Be sure to thank the editor for the opportunity.
Confirm any publication details, such as publication date, proofs, and payment (if applicable). Share the news with your friends, family, and writing community. Your success is a testament to your dedication.
Conclusion
Submitting your poetry is a rewarding journey that connects you with readers and helps you grow as an artist. By carefully finding opportunities, preparing your work professionally, and managing the submission process, you increase your chances of publication. Remember to be persistent, learn from every experience, and celebrate each step along the way. For more helpful tips on creative writing and navigating the literary world, explore other articles on SearchAndHelp.com.