How to Get Your Poetry Published

There are numerous ways to get your poetry out there, whether you’re looking to submit to a contest or publish a single poem, chapbook, or full collection.

One of my favorite resources for finding literary magazines is Submittable, which is especially user-friendly. You can search by fee/no fee, submission type (e.g., chapbook), and more. Most of the databases here include similar filters to help you narrow down your search.

Duotrope is about $5/month or $50/year, and you can cancel anytime. It has an extensive list and includes magazines that are currently open for submissions, so it will save you a lot of time. I probably use this and Submittable the most.

Other great sources include Newpages and Chillsubs, the latter of which includes an extensive list of literary magazines.

The John Fox includes top-notch literary magazines, though it’s worth noting that they’re more competitive in nature. If you’re looking to publish in a well-known magazine, you can browse the “acknowledgements” page of a favorite poetry book, then check when those magazines are open for submission.

These are just a few of the great resources out there. You can also find literary magazines with open submission periods through a Google search or social media platforms like Threads.

For each literary magazine you’re considering, take a look at their “about” page and poems they’ve published to see if you might be a fit.

Literary magazines often ask for about 3-5 poems in a submission and might publish one or more. Fees for small submissions can range from $0-3+, but it varies. First book, chapbook, and contest submissions can go up to $30 or so.

Note that chapbooks are often around 15-35 poems or so, and full-length collections are generally 48 poems or more, though most are a bit longer (50-60+). Each literary magazine will include a range on their submission form so you know what they’re looking for.

I’d aim to bookmark places where your book falls within the range. For chapbooks, you can look for open submission periods or chapbook contests. Keep an eye out for when those submission periods begin and end; it might be helpful to make a spreadsheet to keep track.

Submission forms vary, but most ask for a submission title, cover letter, third-person bio, and your poems. In your bio and cover letter, include relevant information about your writing career. Make sure to personalize your letter each time. Check out Adroit Journal for additional information on writing your cover letter.

Remember that it takes a long time to hear back, often around six months or so. And don’t be discouraged if you’re rejected; they might just be looking for something different at this time. It happens to us all. Just keep going.

Let me know if you have any questions about publishing your poems or otherwise, and best of luck with your submissions.