Where To Send Poetry
The art of writing poetry has been around for centuries, and it has not gone out of fashion. Many of us have written at least a few poems in our lifetime, whether it was for a school project or simply a way to express emotions. However, many aspiring poets are unsure of where to send their work in order to get it published. This article will discuss the various options available to poets who want to share their work and potentially get it published.
The first thing to consider when deciding where to send poetry is the type of poem being submitted. Some publications are specific to certain styles or even poets, so it is important to check the guidelines carefully. For example, certain magazines may only accept poems from poets who live in a certain country, or only poems with a certain meter.
It is also important to research each publication carefully, to determine whether or not it is reputable and whether it is still active. If a publication has not been updated in a long time, submitting to it will be pointless. There are a few websites that make it easier for poets to find reputable and active publications, such as Submittable and Poet’s Market.
In addition to researching each publication, it is also important to read the most recent issue of the publication in order to get an idea of the kinds of poems they are interested in. This will help ensure that the poems sent are suitable for the publication.
When submitting poetry, it is important to keep in mind that most publications receive many submission. Therefore, it is important that each submission stands out and is as professional as possible. It is also important to ensure that the poem is in the correct format, which may vary from publication to publication. Most often, it will be necessary to include a brief biodata, as well as a brief description of the poem.
Most importantly, it is important to be patient. Most publications receive a large number of submissions and so it may take some time for a response to be received. With a bit of research and patience, any aspiring poet should find the right place to send their work.
Popular Submissions
For those who have a particular style in mind and want to give their work the best chance, researching popular publications is a great first step. Many publications, particularly literary magazines, have a dedicated readership, so submitting to these is a good option. Submissions to these magazines may be harder to get accepted, however they offer the potential for more widespread recognition.
There may be certain Submission calls that come with larger prizes or more public recognition. Often these will attract more submissions and so the competition will be higher, however a well-crafted submission can still have an excellent chance at securing a publishing slot.
There are many lists available online that detail some of the most popular submission magazines, such as Poets & Writers and The Writers College Review. These tend to focus on more established publications, such as The New Yorker and The Paris Review.
Another great way to find popular publications is by researching events and awards. The Pushcart Prize, for example, is a particularly popular submissions magazine, and many of the winning entries came from the dozens of magazines that are part of The Pushcart Prize family.
Signing up to dedicated mailing lists and publications websites is another way to keep up to date with popular publications. For example, Poets & Writers has their own mailing list, alerting subscribers of calls for submissions, as well as emails from emerging publishers.
Lesser-Known Publications
For those who are looking for an outlet for their work that is perhaps less competitive and less established, smaller, lesser-known publications are a great alternative. Submissions to these publications may not gain as much recognition, however they offer a great opportunity for new and emerging poets to get their work out there.
There are many sites that list smaller publications, such as the Open Pen Magazine and the Pigeon Pages. These sites are often used to discover up and coming poets and to discover new publications.
In addition, social media can be a great place to find lesser-known publications. Twitter and Instagram in particular are great platforms to use when researching publications. Monthly hashtags, such as #submissioncall, are regularly shared by magazines looking for submissions.
Networking with other poets is also a great way to find lesser-known publications. Often other poets will be aware of smaller magazines that may be looking for submissions, so asking around is a great way to discover these.
Some of the best submissions may come from smaller, lesser-known publications, as these often have a smaller readership and therefore writers have a greater chance of being recognised.
Online Submissions
These days, there are also a range of online publications that poets can submit to. Sites such as Medium and Tumblr are great places to share work, as they have large readerships and are free to join.
In addition, there are plenty of online poetry workshops, such as Poetry With Me and Poetry Sauce, which provide a great way for poets to get feedback on their work, and to practice for submissions. It is also possible to organise readings or podcasts for online submissions, which can be a great way to get work out there.
Many online publications offer quick turnarounds and the potential for more readers and recognition. However, it is important to check each website carefully to determine whether or not the publication is legitimate.
Similarly, it is important to follow copyright laws when submitting work online. Most sites have strict rules regarding the copyright of material shared, so it is important to be aware of these before submitting any work.
Example publications
For those who want to know specific publications they can submit their work to, here are some example publications. The London Magazine, Red Fox Literary Magazine, The New Criterion and The Threepenny Review are all great places to start.
The Poetry Society is another great option, as they list open call submissions in their databases and they also run their own competitions. The Formal Poetry and Verse Daily websites are great resources for those looking to submit their work to other media outlets, such as newspapers and radio.
The Submittable website, which connects aspiring poets with potential publications, can also be a great resource for those interested in submitting their work. A number of listings are available on Submittable, ranging from literary magazines to anthologies and book publishers.
Grants and Scholarships
Don’t forget to research grants and scholarships available for type of work. Opportunities like this can provide a great start for poets who want to get their work published. The Poetry Foundation and the Pushcart Prize are two organisations which are regularly giving out grants and scholarships to aspiring poets. Grants and scholarships can sometimes be hard to find, so it’s often worth researching specific areas of poetry, such as mentorship programmes, to find the right fit.
Furthermore, various literary organisations and events offer grants and residencies for poets. The Anaphora Literary Press, for example, gives out daily grants to poets. These can provide an excellent opportunity for aspiring poets, as they often include funding to help develop and publish the work.
Finally, some universities and other institutions offer grants and scholarships for poets. These tend to be more competitive, however poets may be surprised at the number of options available. For example, the University of Cambridge and Stanford University are two institutions that offer poets scholarships and acknowledgements for their work.
Public Readings
Once a piece of work has been sent off, readings are a great way to further promote it. Public readings are an ideal way for poets to connect with their audience and build relationships with other writers, which can ultimately help in getting published.
Events such as poetry slams and open mic nights are an excellent way to perform poetry, and can provide great exposure for aspiring poets. It’s important to research the event carefully, however, to make sure it is suitable for the type of work being read.
Local libraries and arts centres are often great places to look out for readings. They are likely to have regular events, and are often free or very cheap to attend. Other venues, such as cafes and bookstores, can provide more intimate settings, as well as offering books for sale.
For those who are after a bit more structure, many universities and organisations run their own discrete reading series. These tend to be less structured than the slam events, and provide a great atmosphere for poets to perform and be recognised. Furthermore, most of these events offer the chance to have publications of the work available at the event.
Lesser-known Competitions
An alternative way for poets to get published and recognised is to enter competitions. There are a wide range of competitions available for poets, ranging from highly prestigious competitions such as the Forward Prize, to smaller competitions that do not attract as much attention.
These competitions offer a great platform for poets to get their work out there, and some offer prize money that can be used in order to promote and develop the work. For those who do not feel confident enough to publish their work, competitions are a good way to start off.
When researching competitions, it is important to read the rules carefully, as each one is likely to be slightly different. Most will be very specific about the type of work they are looking for, as well as how many submissions can be sent in.
For those with limited experience in the area, there are plenty of competitions tailored to emerging poets. For example, the Bath Short Story Competition, the Impress Prize and the Melita Hume Prize are all great examples of lesser-known competitions.
Pitching Your Work
For those who are looking to get their work accepted by a specific publication, then pitching their work is a great way to do so. It is important to research the publicationfirst, however, as editors will be looking for certain elements in pitches in order for them to be accepted.
Researching the work of previous contributors is a great way to get a good idea of the kind of work the editors are looking for. It is also important to check whether the magazine has open calls for submissions or if they have a particular stylistic or theoretical angle.
When creating the pitch itself, it is important to be brief and to the point. Generally a good pitch should include a general description of the piece, as well as summarising the theme, poem structure and any relevant biographical information. It is also important to avoid spelling and factual errors, as this will decrease the chances of the pitch being accepted.
For those unsure if their pitch is successful, there are a range of experts and services available to help with the process, such as the Poetry Explorers. Furthermore, the Poetry Foundation’s website contains a range of resources on the process of submitting work, as well as tips on how to improve the quality of pitches.
