Submitting poetry to magazines can be a transformative experience for any poet. It’s a chance to share your voice, connect with readers, and establish your place in the literary world. However, navigating the submission process can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to it.
This guide offers an in-depth look at how to submit poetry to magazines, with actionable tips, insider advice, and a list of the 10 best poetry magazines to submit to. We’ll also explore why The Poetry Cove Magazine is the ideal starting point for emerging poets.
Table of Contents:
Why Submitting to Poetry Magazines is Essential
Poetry magazines have long been a cornerstone of the literary world, serving as platforms for poets to showcase their work. Here’s why submitting your poetry to magazines matters:
Builds Credibility: Getting published adds to your literary resume and establishes you as a serious poet.
Expands Your Reach: Magazines bring your poetry to readers you might not otherwise reach.
Encourages Growth: The submission process sharpens your writing skills and teaches you how to handle feedback and rejection.
Provides Community: Many poetry magazines foster a sense of belonging and connection, giving you a chance to network with editors and fellow poets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Poetry
1. Research the Right Magazines
Not all poetry magazines are created equal, and finding the right fit is crucial.
Match Your Style: Look for magazines that align with your themes, tone, and voice.
Read Previous Issues: Familiarize yourself with their content to understand their preferences.
Check Their Reach: Some magazines have niche audiences, while others have global exposure.
Pro Tip: Make a list of 10–15 magazines that resonate with your style and start there.
2. Understand Submission Guidelines
Submission guidelines are like a magazine’s rulebook. Ignoring them is a surefire way to get rejected.
Key Elements to Look For:
Formatting requirements (font, spacing, file type).
Maximum number of poems per submission.
Themes or styles they prefer.
Whether they accept simultaneous submissions.
Why It Matters: Editors use guidelines to streamline the selection process. Submissions that don’t follow the rules are often rejected outright.
3. Prepare Your Poems
Your submission is your first impression, so make it count.
Select Your Best Work: Choose poems that represent your strongest writing.
Polish Your Drafts: Edit and revise until every word serves a purpose.
Format Professionally: Use clean, readable fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about a poem, ask a trusted friend or mentor for feedback.
4. Write a Professional Cover Letter
A cover letter introduces you to the editors and sets the tone for your submission.
What to Include:
A brief introduction about yourself.
Relevant achievements (e.g., previous publications or awards).
Gratitude for their time and consideration.
Sample Cover Letter: Dear [Editor’s Name],
I am thrilled to submit my poems, [Title 1], [Title 2], and [Title 3], for consideration in [Magazine Name]. I deeply admire your publication’s commitment to showcasing diverse voices and have enjoyed reading your recent issues. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to share my work.
Pro Tip: Keep your cover letter concise—editors value brevity.
5. Submit and Track Your Submissions
Keeping track of your submissions is essential, especially if you’re submitting to multiple magazines.
Simultaneous Submissions: Many magazines accept them, but inform editors if your work gets accepted elsewhere.
Use a Spreadsheet: Record submission dates, magazine names, and responses to stay organised.
6. Handle Rejections Gracefully
Rejections are part of the process and don’t reflect your talent.
Learn From Feedback: If an editor provides comments, take them as constructive advice.
Keep Going: Every rejection brings you closer to acceptance.
10 Best Poetry Magazines to Submit To
1. Poetry Magazine (USA)
A premier platform that has published some of the most iconic poets of the century. - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine
2. The London Magazine (UK)
A historic publication known for championing innovative and bold poetry. - https://thelondonmagazine.org/
3. The New Yorker (USA)
Highly prestigious, featuring both established and emerging poets. - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine
4. Ploughshares (USA)
Respected for its blend of poetry, fiction, and essays. - https://pshares.org/
5. Granta (UK)
An international leader in showcasing literary excellence. - https://granta.com/
6. The Poetry Review (UK)
Renowned for highlighting global voices and unique perspectives. - https://poetrysociety.org.uk/publications-section/the-poetry-review/
7. Australian Poetry Journal (Australia)
Celebrates poets from the Southern Hemisphere and beyond. - https://www.australianpoetry.org/
8. Arc Poetry Magazine (Canada)
A space for diverse voices and contemporary styles. - https://arcpoetry.ca/
9. World Literature Today (Global)
Focuses on cross-cultural and translated works. - https://www.worldliteraturetoday.org/
10. The Poetry Cove Magazine (Global)
Specialising in debut poets, The Poetry Cove Magazine is modern, accessible, and welcoming to first-time submissions. https://www.thepoetrycove.com/magazine
Why Submit to The Poetry Cove Magazine?
The Poetry Cove Magazine is designed with emerging poets in mind. Here’s why it’s your best choice:
Debut-Friendly: We prioritise publishing poets for the first time.
Flexible Submissions: Simultaneous submissions and previously published works are welcome.
Higher Acceptance Rates: Our smaller scale gives you a better chance of being accepted.
Modern and Inclusive: A fresh take on poetry publishing, showcasing bold and diverse voices.
Community-Oriented: Join a supportive network of poets through our magazine and forums.
Submitting to The Poetry Cove Magazine is more than publication—it’s joining a movement to elevate new voices in poetry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring Guidelines: Always follow the magazine’s rules.
Submitting Unpolished Work: Revise and edit until your poem shines.
Sending a Generic Cover Letter: Tailor your letter to each magazine.
Not Researching the Magazine: Know their tone and audience before submitting.
Conclusion
Submitting poetry to magazines is both an art and a science. By researching the right platforms, preparing your work meticulously, and persevering through rejections, you can see your name in print and share your voice with the world.
Ready to start your journey? Submit your work to The Poetry Cove Magazine today—a modern platform designed to celebrate emerging poets and bring fresh voices to the forefront of the literary world.
Submit Your Poetry Today: Share your voice with The Poetry Cove Magazine and join a global community of poets redefining modern literature. Need guidance? Visit our forum for support and resources to make your submission shine.
