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.

Poetry Friday: Call for Original Poems

Happy Poetry Friday! I have big news to share.

I am editing a new anthology of poetry for the Maryland Writers Association.

The theme is love, in all its facets. I hope many of you will send original poems. The book should be out for National Poetry Month 2011.

I've already a poet ask whether the theme is intentionally broad. Yes. We're going to think beyond romantic love for this book.

To give you a sense of what "love, in all its facets" means, here is one of my favorite (non-romantic) love poems.

A Blessing

by James Wright

Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota,

Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass.

And the eyes of those two Indian ponies

Darken with kindness.

They have come gladly out of the willows

To welcome my friend and me.

We step over the barbed wire into the pasture

Where they have been grazing all day, alone.

They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness   

That we have come.

They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other.

There is no loneliness like theirs.   

At home once more,

They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness.   

I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms,

For she has walked over to me   

And nuzzled my left hand.   

Read the rest at the Poetry Foundation.

Have a wonderful Friday. The Poetry Friday links are at Karen Edmisten's blog today. Thanks for hosting Karen!

For those of you who'd like to  submit to the MWA poetry anthology, here is the official call for manuscripts:

 

Maryland Writers’ Association

Call for poetry submissions

MWA Books, publisher of New Lines from the Old Line State: An Anthology of Maryland Writers, is seeking submissions from MWA members for its second book, a poetry anthology.

The theme is Love, in all its facets. Laura Shovan, winner of the 2010 Clarinda Harriss Poetry Prize, is editor. MWA members are encouraged to send 1-3 of their best poems on this theme, with a limit of 100 lines per poem, to MWAbooks@marylandwriters.org. All poetic forms will be considered.

Deadline for submissions: October 27, 2010

Notification:  December 15, 2010

Publication Date: National Poetry Month – April, 2011

Email submissions: send an attachment with cover letter and 1-3 poems. In the subject line please write “poetry anthology submission.” In the cover letter: your full name, pen name if applicable, street address, phone number and email address. Also include the title of each poem with line count, and a brief bio (approximately 70 words). The poems should be compiled as one continuous Microsoft Word, Rich Text, or Text file so your submission can be sent as one attachment. Include the poem title and your name in the upper right corner of each page you submit. Only electronic submissions will be considered.

Previously published work will be considered, provided it does not conflict with the original publisher’s reprinting policy and the author retains all reprint rights. Any work restricted by third party copyright will not be accepted. Submitting authors grant MWA and MWA Books permission to publish submitted work; otherwise authors retain existing copyrights.

Simultaneous submissions are permissible. Please contact us immediately if your poem is accepted by another publication.

Poets whose work is selected for publication will receive a copy of the anthology, an author discount on additional copies, and invitations to read at promotional events. Due to the high volume of submissions anticipated, we are unable to respond with specific feedback regarding your poems if you are not selected.

You must be an MWA member in good standing to participate. For more information, to renew your membership, or to join now, visit us at www.marylandwriters.org.

This project is funded by the Mildred Werba Fund, gifted to the MWA for use in supporting poets. MWA thanks the Fund and Werba family for their generosity.