Submissions

What We Want

Content

Anything and everything, but it has to be good. What’s good? That will change per issue on the whims of our editors, but Stanza Cannon generally seeks and appreciates poems with imagination, passion, intelligence, guts, and/or wit. There’s no specific subject, theme, or tone we’re looking for (unless announced for special issues), so give us your best and don’t be afraid to test our boundaries! Stanza Cannon would love to publish the likes of which has yet to be blared from its pages.

Time Limits

There are no length/time limits, but the editors are not fond of epics unless they are top-notch, out-of-the-ballpark, emotionally haunting, world-illuminating works. Similarly, short-form and micro-poetry are considered only if astounding, and please follow the tradition of reciting the poem twice, with a decent (full 5-7 second) pause of silence in-between, if submitting recordings of haiku/senryu, couplets, etc.

Format

While the editors do appreciate poems that are visually exciting, keep in mind that poems submitted to Stanza Cannon need to be able to be read aloud. So while aspiring cummingses, Zukofskys, etc. are more than welcome to submit, be aware that pieces must be comprehensible orally. Each poem should be submitted as its own .mp3 file and titled in the following fashion: “AuthorNamePoemTitle.”

Stipulations:

  • Only original works, those written/conceived of and performed by the author, will be considered.
  • Simultaneous submissions are not currently accepted. (If the poem is submitted elsewhere in written form but not as an audio file, it is not considered a simultaneous submission and will be considered.)
  • Previously published poems are eligible for publication so long as you inform the editors where the works appeared originally so Stanza Cannon can provide due credit.
  • Stanza Cannon does not tolerate hate speech: words that demean, degrade, or insult individuals or groups, and the editors will not consider any lines that aim to inspire violence toward others.
  • Any submissions containing licensed music – original or otherwise – in any degree will not be considered.
    • Singing of words original to the poem within the submitted poem is permissible.
  • At this time, there is no compensation for publication other than amplification and bragging rights. (Hopefully this will change soon.)
  • Please submit only once per issue. If we decide to pass on your poems for one particular issue, they may be better suited for another issue or another publication.

The How To:

Stanza Cannon

1) Email up to three original poems to stanzacannon@gmail.com with the subject, “[(Pen) Name] Submission,” and be sure to include your (pen) name; the titles of your pieces; and a short, third-person bio with links to your website, social media accounts, etc. in the body of the email. If the file(s) exceed Gmail’s 25MB limit, send the audio file(s) to our Dropbox and all the other stuff to the email above.

2) Each poem should be attached/uploaded as its own .mp3 file (“AuthorNamePoemTitle.mp3”) as well as either copy and pasted into the body of the submission email or attached in a single .doc or .pdf. (Text will not be published and is required only to help protect against plagiarism.)

3) Stanza Cannon aims to respond to submissions within one month.

4) If chosen, poems will appear as separate embedded players, identified by title and author, in an issue of the editors’ choosing as well as part of a playlist.

Stanza Cannon – The Grab Bag

1) Email up to three original poems to stanzacannon@gmail.com with the subject, “[(Pen) Name] Grab Bag Submission,” and be sure to include your (pen) name; the titles of your pieces; and a short, third-person bio with links to your website, social media accounts, etc. in the body of the email. If the file(s) exceed Gmail’s 25MB limit, send the audio file(s) to our Dropbox and all the other stuff to the email above.

2) Each poem should be attached as its own .mp3 file (“AuthorNamePoemTitle.mp3”) as well as either copy and pasted into the body of the submission email or attached in a single .doc or .pdf. (Text will not be published and is required to enable faithful recordings as well as help protect against plagiarism.)

3) If you receive a confirmation of intent to publish (acceptance…yay!), you will also be given therein a randomly selected poem to record.

4) After taking your time to read and rehearse that poem, record yourself reading it (verbatim) and send the .mp3 to stanzacannon@gmail.com in reply to your original acceptance email.

5) Only after receiving the .mp3 of your assigned poem will your original submission be eligible to appear in a future issue.

6) Both original and cover will appear on the same page as two separate embedded players. Each will be identified with poem title, author, and speaker.

Pointers

  • As an audio-centric zine, we want to amplify voices unique not only in what they say but how. Recite your work faithfully to how you wrote it. Experiment with your readings. Send us the one you think is best suited for the meaning it owns.
  • Speak clearly and at an appropriate volume.
  • Listen to your submission before you send it.
  • We consider “poetry voice” poison, but even poison has its uses.
  • Make sure your recording is as clean as possible by minimizing background noise or use it as part of the experience. (Guerrilla-style recording in public areas can make for great ambiance, but the poem must be distinguishable.)
  • Please include the title of the poem in your recording.
  • Please do not include your name or any introductory bits in the recording; they will be cut, as we believe the poem should speak entirely for itself.
  • By submitting any work(s) to Stanza Cannon, you claim said work(s) to be your own and no-one else’s.
  • In publishing the recordings, Stanza Cannon claims First Electronic Rights. Rights to published poems and recordings revert to the original artists upon publication in Stanza Cannon.
  • By submitting your poem to The Grab Bag, you consent to allowing another person to record your poem for publication solely via Stanza Cannon (as hosted on its chosen audio platform), which claims First Electronic Rights to that recording as well. Rights to published poems and recordings revert to the original artists upon publication in Stanza Cannon.
  • Stanza Cannon is not responsible for others’ actions regarding poems assigned for The Grab Bag.
  • By submitting a recording of another poet’s work to The Grab Bag, you agree to never claim that poem as your own. Claiming that particular recording of another author’s poem as your own recording is legitimate, but approval from the original author is required if you plan to monetize said recording.
  • Records are kept of all poems sent to The Grab Bag participants to discourage plagiarism and enforce legal action against perpetrators.