Quote:
Originally posted by Jane Halpert:
Feel free to tell us about yourself.
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Feel free to tell us about
yourself as well. Some basic information would help decide whether the poetry is is a fit, whether the poet would feel comfortable in the journal, whether the editor favors free verse or form, etc. And then there are the mechanics of submission. Stuff like this:
- Do you or other editors have a magazine or personal site where we could get a feeling for the type of poems that have been accepted, or a link to some of your work? What poets now impress you the most? If you could wave a magic wand, and grab any three poets you wanted, whose work would you publish? That kind of guidance.
- Beyond the theme, are there basic guidelines for the type of poetry you seek? (Other than, "There are no criteria. We seek the best poetry available, and look for a clear voice and accomplished use of language.")
- Mechanics? I assume ss are acceptable. Previously published work accepted? How many poems to submit? Do you make a commitment to respond within a given time frame?
Sorry to push back, but if you want the magazine to be successful - and attract many writers other than those who already know you, or outright beginners - I think you have to be more informative up front than simply announcing,
Hey gang, we're going to have a poetry magazine! Check out other new publications and small print magazines, and see what they do to define themselves, to provide guidance to contributors.
[This message has been edited by Michael Cantor (edited January 16, 2008).]
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