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Writer’s Guidelines/Submission Process

You may print these guidelines, or request a copy by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above. Also, see our listings in current editions of: Directory of Poetry Publishers, Directory of Little Magazines and Small Presses, or Poet’s Market.

WHO WE ARE: The Aurorean is a poetry journal published continuously since December 1995 by Encircle Publications LLC, Publisher/Editor Cynthia Brackett-Vincent. Spring/Summer issue (late April) and Fall/Winter issue (late October) each year. Professionally printed and perfect-bound; design varies season to season; 70 pages total. Each issue, 1-2 Featured Poets receive publication of 2-4 poems, an extended bio, ten contributor’s copies and a one-year subscription. An insert contains order forms, current Encircle Publications information, and often, an editor-recommended other-markets section.

PRICES: $11 per issue; $21 for one-year subscription (two issues), U. S., postpaid. International: $12 single copy; $23 subscription. See “Announcements” on website for special offers. See back issue pricing and quantity discounts below. See “Storefront” to order.

CONTRIBUTORS COPIES AND RIGHTS: Contributors receive two copies (per poem published; maximum five contributor’s copies/issue) and may list in our “Who’s Who” section of that issue using a bio of up to 50 words. (Contributors receive instructions on how to submit a bio for each appearance in the Aurorean.) The Aurorean obtains only one-time rights; all rights revert back to the author upon publication. We appreciate you giving us credit, however, if the work is published elsewhere, after appearing in the Aurorean. The Aurorean retains rights to "Best Poems" to appear on our website for up to one year.

WHAT WE SEEK: We seek your original poetry that is inspirational, meditational and regional (pertaining to the Northeast). Although these are our focus, we are open to subject matter as well as varied forms and style. We evaluate poetry on several levels including its skillful use of poetic craft; its ability to hold interest; its layers of meaning. We do not publish anything hateful, overly religious or vulgar. We use very few rhyming or love poems. We are especially interested in positiveness, recovery and nature, as well as haiku. We often need short poems (up to six lines). We prefer that you do not submit previously published poems or simultaneous submissions (manuscripts that are out to other publishers as well); let us know if either is the case. Regarding simultaneous submissions, please be aware that no submissions can be withdrawn once we have sent out an acceptance notice/proof.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Please send one to five poems with a cover letter. To give all submitters a fair read, if we receive more than five poems--or five pages of haiku--we will review only the first five pages we come to.Type (if possible), one poem per page; 40 lines maximum. Typographical oddities are o.k. as long as we can reproduce them on our page. Include your name, address and phone number on the upper right of every page. Include a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with sufficient postage for return/reply. We cannot return or reply to manuscripts without a SASE, nor do we review or reply to submissions by e-mail. We cannot review multiple poems folded individually.  ANY correspondence sent “postage due” is returned unopened. All submissions {meeting these guidelines} are acknowledged upon receipt with a postcard or by e-mail. Your e-mail address is appreciated as it eliminates the costs of postcards and postage. If you do not receive a postcard or e-mail shortly after submitting, we have not received your submission or you did not include a SASE.

DEADLINES & WHEN TO EXPECT A REPLY: Deadline for Spring/Summer issue: must be received by February 15th; deadline for Fall/Winter issue: must be received by August 15th. Keep deadlines in mind when submitting seasonal poems (for example, a poem mentioning Valentine’s Day would need to be submitted by the previous August 15th; a poem mentioning July 4th would need to be received here by February 15th and so on). All work will be replied to within three months of receipt, maximum. Please do not query until 100 days have passed to allow for mailing time. Query by e-mail, please.

HELPFUL TIPS: Although you never have to purchase or subscribe to submit, it is always helpful to see a copy of any journal you plan to submit to; poets should be absolutely sure they want their work to appear in a particular market before submitting. Blind submissions are the number one factor in rejection.


SEE OUR CONTEST GUIDELINES FOR OUR FOUR ONGOING CONTESTS.

PLEASE NOTE: All poems submitted to the Aurorean will also be considered for our broadsheet, the Unrorean, which contains poems that are too dark, long, experimental or otherwise generally outside of the Aurorean’s aesthetics. If you do NOT want to be considered for the Unrorean, note that in your cover letter.

BACK ISSUES: previous quarterly format (chosen at random from our available stock): $3 each. Biannuals over 1 year old: $7 each; (you may specify date of issue desired).
**Quantity discounts on current copies (only available in U.S.): 2-4 copies = $10.50 ea.; 5-9 copies = $10 ea.; 10+ copies = $9.50 ea.