This month's featured writer's market!

Recently one of the editors of a magazine listed in The Ivory Tower asked me how I chose the monthly featured writer's market.  My answer was honest and short, "By the seat of my pants."  I wish it were more of a scientific method, but there it is.  I look at hundreds of markets each month to see if I want to add them to The Ivory Tower and sometimes one will just impress me more than others,  as Strong Verse did. 

First of all, the poetry is top notch.  I am no real judge of poetry, but when I see verse I like on page after page, I know that the magazine I am reading is something special.  It could be that it is only special to me, but I doubt it. 

Second, the Submission Guidelines are very liberal and they are a paying market:

• Poems may be in any form. Free Verse is neither required nor given special preference. Formal poetry is recognized and welcomed. Translations are welcome if the translator has permission from the owner of the copyright.
• Poems may be of any length, though an epic may not get read for quite a while.
• Read our motto: "Good poetry is meant to be understood, not decoded." If your poetry can only be understood by you or your close group of friends, share it with them.
• No previously published poems.
• Simultaneous submissions are okay if you notify us immediately of publication elsewhere.
• Send three to five poems at a time.
• Payment is ten dollars, for publication in Strong Verse and nonexclusive reprint rights.
• Response time may be up to two months.

Third, they make it very easy to submit to them.  Their on-site Poetry Submission form is very easy and quick to use; there is no need to open your email.

Fourth, they rejected a poem of mine so I know they have taste.  I suck as a poet--just, ask anyone...

Regards,

John Darling