Okay, I finished my poem. It's edited, revised and ready for publication, but where do I send it?
There are many online and print journals that accept poetry submissions via e-mail; in fact, there are many that prefer e-mail submissions. There are certain rules to follow when submitting via e-mail to any journal.
When submitting poetry for publication it is important to know what a journal publishes. Does it print only contemporary Haiku, or only poems written in iambic pentameter? Sending the right poem to the right place will help your poetry to make it past the initial screening.
It is also important a must to know what kind of works (subject matter) the journal normally publishes. For example, if you are submitting to a journal that publishes religious poetry it is best not to submit a poem about your first kiss.
Concentrate on selecting poetry that follows their content tone and subject matter. If the journal doesn't usually print your kind of poetry, it is probably best to look elsewhere for places to submit.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the journal.
- Buy a copy of the journal.
- Read some of the poems online.
- Check out a copy at the library
- Or read the latest issues at your favorite book store.
Always follow the submission guidelines, and pay special attention to submission dates. Many journals do not read all year, and only accept submissions for certain months out of the year. Make sure you know your dates!
When selecting the journal where you want to submit make sure that it is reputable. Never pay to have your poetry published. They should be paying you, if not in money in copies of the journal!
Serious poets must be aware of scam sites that will publish anyone who has ever picked up a pen. You don't want your work listed with poems that are poorly written. Your poetry should be valued highly as a work of art.
Make sure once you have selected a journal for submission that you keep a folder with all the important details regarding your submissions. I generally have on my laptop several folders. One is marked Susan's Submitted Works, and another marked Susan's Published Works.
Make sure you include specific details about the date you sent your piece to the editor, and the day it was accepted or rejected as well as who accepted it. You may need this information later for biographical information, and you don't want to accidentally re-submit something that you have already published!
Click the links below for publishers who take online submissions.
Poetry Publishers Willing to Receive Submissions Electronically
Top 100 Journals Accepting Electronic Submissions
Where have you submitted poetry?
Thanks for this entry, Susan. I haven't submitted many poems, but have had them accepted by Texas Poetry Calendar, a children's magazine called Boys' Quest, a literary journal now out of print and an Austin parenting magazine (also sadly out of print). I do have some collections of poetry, and you have inspired me to do something with them. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you really should do a book. They are great! I'm glad I have inspired you. *:9)
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