5 Great Places to Submit Your Poetry (No Fees, Quick Responses)

As a poet, one of the most exciting—and often nerve-wracking—parts of the writing journey is submitting your work. You’ve poured your heart into your poem, and now it’s time to share it with the world. But where do you start? If you’re looking for journals that embrace emerging poets, offer no submission fees, and have quick response times, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 fantastic journals where you can submit your poetry today.

1. Thrush Poetry

Thrush Poetry is a vibrant journal that’s always on the lookout for poems that showcase strong imagery, emotion, and a unique use of language. Their submissions are open to a wide range of styles, but they have a particular fondness for poems that paint vivid pictures and evoke deep emotions. Plus, Thrush is known for its quick turnaround—they aim to respond to submissions within 10 days. Even better, they nominate for major literary prizes, anthologies, and awards, which can be an incredible boost for your writing career. They also offer valuable feedback on submissions whenever possible.

• What they love: Strong imagery and emotional depth.

• Response time: Typically within 10 days.

• Perks: Nominations for major literary prizes, including the Pushcart Prize.

2. Rust+Moth

Rust+Moth is a fantastic journal for poets looking to get their work published quickly. They are open to submissions year-round and have a rapid response time, publishing poems online as they are accepted. Every quarter, they gather the poems published online and curate them into a printed collection. Rust+Moth is also known for nominating works for prestigious awards, such as the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, making it a great place to get your work noticed.

• What they love: Quick submissions with a focus on fresh voices.

• Response time: Super quick, sometimes within a few days.

• Perks: Nominations for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net.

3. Dime Show Review

Dime Show Review is a well-rounded journal that embraces flash fiction, short stories, and poetry. They publish both online and in print, and your poem might even have a chance at an audio publication—an exciting perk for any poet looking to expand their audience. Like other top-tier journals, Dime Show nominates for the Pushcart Prize, so acceptance here can open doors to significant recognition. Their consistent commitment to quality poetry and innovative publication formats makes them one of the best places to submit.

• What they love: Diverse and inventive poetry, with a flair for unique formats.

• Response time: Varies, but typically quick.

• Perks: Possible audio publication, Pushcart Prize nominations.

4. Yes, Poetry

Yes, Poetry is a journal that’s not only about showcasing great poetry but also about celebrating poets and giving them a platform. They publish three poets per issue, along with in-depth interviews to give readers a deeper connection to the poets and their work. Beyond their quarterly issues, they also publish poems between issues, including their #NotTrump series, which is a poignant collection of politically charged poetry. Yes, Poetry is ideal for poets looking for a platform that values their voice in both literary and cultural contexts.

• What they love: Bold, thought-provoking poetry with a social edge.

• Response time: Typically quick, as they also publish poems between issues.

• Perks: Regular online publication and interviews with poets.

5. SOFTBLOW

SOFTBLOW has been a staple in the poetry world since 2004, and it’s exclusively focused on poetry, including prose poetry. They feature a small number of new poets every month on their website, offering a global platform for writers. While they are an international journal, they’re incredibly accessible to poets from all walks of life. SOFTBLOW typically responds within a few weeks, often within days, and their consistent support of emerging voices has made them a favorite in the poetry community.

• What they love: Prose poetry and innovative poetic forms.

• Response time: Typically within a few weeks, often faster.

• Perks: Monthly features of new poets, international exposure.

Conclusion: Submit with Confidence

Submitting your poetry doesn’t have to be a daunting process. With these journals, you have the opportunity to share your work, build your reputation, and even earn nominations for prestigious awards like the Pushcart Prize. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting out, these platforms are ready to welcome your voice into the literary conversation. No fees, no long waits, just great opportunities for growth.