How do I submit?

Please, PLEASE read the submission guidelines carefully and follow them. 

Who do you publish?

Pocketry publishes aspiring and emerging poets who:

1. have not already been published in a literary journal.

2. preference is given to poets whose poems have been rejected multiple times by literary journals. If this is you, attach some of your rejection letters to your submission email.

Pocketry also publishes original artwork from emerging artists.

What do you publish?

Pocketry publishes original poetry and artwork.

Selection process

Up to two poems may be commissioned at the editor's discretion. The remaining poems will be selected from the open call. Artwork may be selected at the editor's discretion or from the open call.

Where will my work appear?

Your poem or artwork will appear in an issue of the Pocketry Almanack, a pocket-sized print journal and in the Pocketry Podcast.

Does my work need to be unpublished?

Pocketry will not publish work that has been previously published in a literary journal (print or digital), anthology or other print publication (eg newspaper, collection of poetry).

But if you have published your poetry or artwork on your website or social media, I will consider it for publication. I will also consider work that has been previously performed at open mics, festivals etc.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The major criteria is it needs to be short and written by you (see the submission guidelines for specific details) and you must not have already been published in a literary journal.

If your poem is published in the Pocketry Almanack and then accepted elsewhere, please cite the Almanack as the original publishing location.

You will retain the copyright to your work. 

Will I get feedback?

I am sorry but due to the number of poems Pocketry receives for each issue, individual feedback cannot be given on your work. Lack of feedback is one of the most frustrating things about the publishing industry which is why Pocketry has created Pocketry's Guide to Getting Published. It contains all the things I have learnt over the years about putting together successful literary journal submissions.

In future I am hoping to pair new editors with emerging poets. If you're an editor and interested in working with a poet, please send me an e-mail with 'Editing Poetry' in the subject line.

How do you select poems?

Pocketry's selection process is completely subjective and biased, based upon the editor's likes and dislikes. Pocketry likes poetry that shares an emotion, uses beautiful language and goes somewhere surprising. Of course, you don't have to fit all of that in one poem or do any of it. Send in your best work. Your favourite poem. The one of you which you are most proud. We trust you.

Will I be paid?

YES! You will receive 20 copies of the Pocketry Almanack containing your poetry or artwork which you can gift to friends and family or barter. Some bartering suggestions include: an unusual word or intriguing anecdote. If you live outside Melbourne, Australia, Pocketry will post your contributions along with instructions on how to create the one page instant book.

Your photo and bio (including a link to your web site, Instagram account etc) will appear on the Pocketry Almanack website. They will also be added to the Pocketry Almanack's Instagram feed and Facebook page.

What happens if you select my submission?

I'll e-mail you and discuss things from there. I'm a one-woman press with a lounge room office so I can’t offer you cash but you will receive twenty copies of the Almanack in which your poem or artwork appears. You can then distribute it to promote your work.

If you are accepted for publication in the Pocketry Almanack, please let all your friends, colleagues, family, strangers in the street know and promote the issue on your web site, social media etc.

Happy Writing!