MWA Poetry Anthololgy Q&A

Many poets have been sending in questions about submitting work to the upcoming Maryland Writers Association Poetry Anthology. (Find the full submission guidelines here.)

Since the deadline is coming up -- October 27 -- let's get those questions out of the way and those submissions sent in to MWA.

Q: Why is the theme of the anthology, "love," so broad? Can that include romance? Brotherly love? Love of oneself? Love of freedom?


A: The theme of the anthology is intentionally broad to accommodate a diversity of perspectives and voices. It is not necessarily who or what we love that we have in common, but how love makes us feel.

We hope to organize the anthology into sections that explore various aspects of love – romantic love, love of nature, love of family, etc. If you’d like to see a model anthology that uses this approach, The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart, edited by Robert Bly, is an excellent example.

Q: How do I know that my submission was received?

A You will be sent a confirmation email. If you have sent in work and did not hear back with a “Thank you for submitting” note, please resubmit.

Q: Is the three poem limit firm? I have more than three poems that fit the theme.

A For now, yes. After the 10/27/10 deadline, if we are interested in receiving more submissions, we may extend the deadline and allow MWA members to submit a limited number of additional poems.

Q: I write in a language other than English. May I submit a poem in written in my native language?

A: Yes, as long as you provide a translation in English. If your poem is accepted for the anthology, it will appear in the original language, followed by the English translation.

Q: I have never had a poem published before. May “amateurs” submit their work?

A: MWA members are established authors, students, beginners, and everyone in between. Our hope is that the anthology will reflect who we are as an organization. We would love to be your first – or just your latest -- publishing credit.

Q: Can MWA officers submit?

A: Yes. All MWA members, including officers, are welcome to submit their poems. Everyone’s work will receive equal consideration from the editor and/or an editorial panel.

Q: I’d like to submit poems that were published or are being considered elsewhere. Is that okay?

A: If the poems you are submitting have been published, please check that the rights have reverted to you. See the original “Call for Submissions” for details.

If the pieces you are submitting are being considered by another publication, let us know if they are accepted. Also, check for information on the publication rights.