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What Are Magazine Editors
Really Looking For?
Is the poem engaging,
from the first stanza to the last?
Does the poet use fresh, innovative language?
Is there a natural rhythm
and flow to the poem?
Is the language
beautiful? Does it take my breath away?
Do the lines of the poem have their own sense of musicality?
Do I want to read this poem again?
Does the poet paint a
picture with words effectively?
Does the poet create atmosphere?
Do certain lines of the poem jump off the page – do they linger?
Does the style, content, theme of this poem match the flavor of my magazine? Will it fit in well with the other poems in
this issue?
Do I like this poem?
Does this poem speak to me?
(When it comes right
down to it, this is a very subjective answer. You can have 10 well-written, well-constructed
poems, but if it doesn’t speak to the editor, it won’t be chosen.)
*Always research a magazine/journal/publisher before
submitting. Order a sample issue (if in
print form only), or read some of the poetry online on the website, to see what
kind of poetry they publish. This should
always be your first tactic.
*You should be proud of every rejection letter you
receive. Each one brings you closer to
the YES letter! Every poem will find a
home. You just have to find the right
one.
Cristina M. R. Norcross
Editor, Blue Heron Review
Visit Blue Heron Review to learn more about a new literary magazine, specializing in mystical and spiritual verse.
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