Submission Guidelines
Submission for fiction: closed.
OPEN FOR POETRY SUBMISSIONS!
(September Issue)
Submissions will (probably) close on August 15, but that depends on how many submissions come in and whether the issue starts to take shape. If I find what I'm looking for sooner, I may close early; if not, I might keep it open a little longer.
I love poems that tell a story, especially the kinds that reveal something more than just emotion. Think narrative, reflective, and layered with themes or hidden meanings. I’m not looking for poems that read like unedited diary entries or are solely about crushes. Romantic elements are fine but there needs to be more than just longing on the page.
Political poems are more than fine! But they should also reflect critically on the situation, offers a personal or collective lens (beyond shouting into the void) and imagines change or survival (not just pain). It should have intention, not just reaction.
Previously published poems are welcome! Actually, they’re preferred. If you’ve never been published, submit anyway. All rights belong to you.
To get an idea of my taste: I like Charles Bukowski, Carolyn Forche, Nathaniel Mackey (fun fact: I took one of his classes on Open Field Poetry almost 20 years ago at UCSC, one of the few classes that impacted me as a writer), Dorothy Parker, Langston Hughes, Denise Levertov, Charles Olson and more...
Guidelines:
Send only 1-3 poems in one of the formats: doc, docx, or pdf
File name label: (name – poetry)
1 page per poem
If you have a verse novel / epic poem, send only 1 page and provide a link to the full work (your site or self-publishing platform).
If your poem was previously published in a journal or magazine, please include the journal’s name, issue number, and year.
Include your name (or pen name), short bio (no more than 50 words), and a link to your author website or any page where readers can find more of your work.
No multiple submissions / submit only once per sub call
Simultaneous submissions are totally fine. I’m not claiming any first publication rights, so feel free to send your poem elsewhere, too. If another publication accepts your piece and requires first rights, just let me know, so we can avoid any conflicts or confusion down the line.
Two ways to send:
(highly preferred) If you have gmail, you can send your submission here:
Or send an email submission (subject line: Poetry Submission) to: cyndipentaoneplus@gmail.com