A Poets View

Let’s talk a little bit about how to format your poetry submissions for snail mail or mail submissions.  This does not apply to email.  There are many magazines particularly hard copy magazines who only accept mail submissions.  If this is the case then read their guidelines.  If they do not specify format, then the protocol is as follows:

 Use 8 1/2 x 11 20lb computer or typing paper.  Type your name, address, phone number, email address and the line count for your poem on the right hand side of the paper.

Space down about 4 lines and begin typing your poem.  Use single space lines unless the guidelines ask otherwise.  Type only one poem per page unless you are submitting haiku or senryu in which case you may have more on the page.   If your poem is longer than one page then on the next page at the top left hand corner type your name, space down and type the name of the poem the page number and either continue stanza or new stanza.  I think it’s always a good idea if your poem is longer than one page to begin the second page with a new stanza.

Another tip, if the magazine allows it and you are sending more than 4 poems with a cover letter it is a good idea to allow the magazine to recycle the pages after they are read.  The reason?  For the standard postal first class stamp you can send 5 pages along with a SASE.  If you send more and want your poetry pages returned you will have to affix more postage to the SASE.  It’s just a matter of saving money.

So, start submitting and submit often.

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