People often ask me how to find places to submit their poems. So here I provide my favorite list. There are others, but these are the most comprehensive that I’ve found, given that I’m on a tight budget. Where noted, some of these may charge fees for a few of their services, but all of them contain a lot of free information as well.
http://www.duotrope.com
This free resource lists thousands of magazines and publishers and describes the type of work they seek. Links to their websites make it easy for you to get a close look at what they’ve already published.
One excellent feature of Duotrope allows you to define search criteria for the kinds of magazines you’re looking for and also define some of the policies and features of those magazines. For example, there is an option to display only those poetry publishers that accept electronic submissions. You can also search by genre (e.g., formal verse, free verse, fantasy, horror, etc.).
Duotrope is usually the source I go to first when I’m looking to submit my poems.
http://www.poets.org
Perhaps the most useful overall resource for poets and writers, they have a database of magazines and publishers similar to Duotrope above. They also have much more, such as the Poets and Writers database (a listing of poets and writers from English-speaking countries, complete with bios, calendar, and contact information). If you are a published poet, you would be wise to apply for a listing in their database. Sometimes publishers contact these listed poets with opportunities to publish, read, or attend events.
P&W is among the best for information on upcoming grants, awards, and contests. This information is available both online and in their bimonthly printed magazine.
Also featured is a discussion forum where poets may post announcements, get help and information, or just commiserate with others.
Although some areas are for subscribers only, most of the P&W website is free, including the databases mentioned above.
Writer’s Digest, publisher of Poet’s Market and Writer’s Market
http://www.writersdigest.com
One of the oldest resources, Writer’s Digest publishes two important annual directories, one focusing on poetry and the other one on all genres of writing.
Like other listings, the directories contain information about the editorial needs of the publishers and give links to their website, if any. Purchase of either the Poet’s Market or the Writer’s Market gives you access to subscriber-only areas of the website. These books can be ordered online or purchased in major bookstores.
http://www.dustbooks.com
This publisher grew out of the small press explosion of the 1960s and continues to be an important source for poetry and writing in general. Although it has lost some of its standing in recent years, those who want to know the latest publications from the small independent presses or from small academic presses will find the publications of Dustbooks very valuable.
The two main publications are annuals: The International Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses and The Directory of Poetry Publishers. The former covers most kinds of writing and is found in many libraries. Online versions of these publications are available for a subscription fee.
Winning Writers
If you’re into contests, this may be the best place to go. Literally thousands of contests are listed, including those you can enter for free. The editors of the website also warn you of contests to avoid (based on the number of bad reports).
The Winning Writers website has much free information. If you enter many contests, you would benefit from the Premium membership (also called “Poetry Contest Insider”). The membership will greatly increase the number of contests listed. The cost for the subscription is reasonable, $9.95 quarterly, and you can cancel at any time.
I will list other resources here as I discover them. If you have your own favorites, please post a comment below.
—Robert S. King
Beyond Words 