Poet Lore

We have a mission of discovery at Poet Lore; therefore, every submission is read without regard to reputation by the Executive Editor. Poet Lore publishes a range of established and award winning poets such as Ai, Kim Addonizio, Mathew Dickman, Linda Pastan, Nathaniel Mackey, & Carl Philips, who share the space with emerging, unknown, or perhaps incarcerated poets, some of whom may be the future stars of American poetry; indeed, they often are. Furthering this mission of discovery, we nominate published poems for both the Pushcart Prize and Best New Poets. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity and highly encourage submissions from marginalized voices. 

Before submitting translations of works that are not in the public domain, please identify the rights holder and obtain a statement that the rights to publish an English translation are available. Include the original text if possible, as well as a short biography of the writer and the translator, and a short introduction of the work. If there are extenuating circumstances that prevent you from including a copy of the original text at the time of your submission, please note that in the cover letter.  

You may submit up to 5 English translations of poems. 

• Include the titles of all poems in your cover letter (bullet points or numbers are easiest).
• If a poem is more than one page, please indicate if the second page begins with a new stanza.
• We accept simultaneous submissions, however, let us know in your cover letter if poems are simultaneously submitted, and please inform us immediately if a poem is accepted elsewhere.