1. What We Are Looking For:
American Tanka seeks
concise, well-crafted tanka that evoke a specific moment in time. We tend
to publish unique tanka with clear, concrete images; we avoid
abstractions, cliches, and overcrowded poems. We publish both tanka that
adhere to a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable count and tanka that do not
(if you are interested in why we accept both, consult our
policy
on this subject). No matter the syllable count, we
look for poems that echo the spirit and rhythm of the original Japanese form
while exhibiting contemporary relevance. We are NOT looking for imitations
of Japanese poetry or aesthetics; we are looking for vibrant contemporary
poetry that uses the aesthetic of the tanka form to express a real or
imagined moment in the author's time and culture. We will consider all kinds
of approaches toward this achievement.
2. What to Send and When:
Send up to 5 original, unpublished poems that are
not under consideration elsewhere.
3. Methods of Submission:
(Just the poems, please; no cover letters or biographies are necessary, and long biographies are generally not read at all.)
By e-mail
By regular mail
Editor, American Tanka
Submissions are ongoing, but please submit only once until you receive a response.
Use "americantanka" [at] gmail.com
Submit your tanka in the text of the e-mail.
Send your tanka typed or printed all on one page with your name and address, and
SASE, to:
P.O. Box 120-024
Staten Island, N.Y.
10312
U.S.A.
