2019 Contest Open March 18 - May 17
No submission fee, $300 prize/Honorable Mention:
- Haiku (1-3 poems)
- Fiction (250-5,000 words)
- Creative Nonfiction (2500 word limit)
- Prose Poetry (250 word limit)
- Poetry (1-3 poems)
Note: Past prize winners are eligible for prizes in genres different from the one in which they've won a prize. If submitting to the same genre as their prizes, and accepted, they'll be considered honorary contributors.
General Guidelines (click "More" in submission links below for genre-specific guidelines)
- Submissions here only; no email submissions.
- Previously unpublished work only.
- Submit only once to one genre (in Poetry and Haiku your submission file can include up to 3 poems); if declined you may submit again to any genre.
- Your name in the cover letter only, not in the file name or uploaded document (we read blind, to focus on the work without the distraction of knowing the author).
- Submit in Arial 12-point font only.
- Submit as .doc .docx, or .rtf only.
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Click Editors' Blog, Facebook, Twitter for examples of writing we publish.
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To join Writers Alliance of Gainesville (WAG), click here for WAG membership page ($36 membership includes a copy of the most recent Bacopa Literary Review).
In just a few lines, haiku embodies the essence, the holiness of being alive—a juxtaposition, a flash of surprise, an interesting perspective on life. Such brevity demands skill and focus. Offer us your experience of the world on a pinhead.
Submit your interpretation of haiku expressing a truth or viewpoint in layers of concrete detail and visual imagery (two images that connect or juxtapose). Rhythm is important in haiku. The original syllabic requirements of Japanese haiku were tied into the rhythm of the Japanese language. We ask that your haiku has no title and rings with a rhythm of its own specific to the English language (not necessary to have 5/7/5 syllable lines) As with most writing, show don’t tell.
Example:
summer grasses
all that remains
of warriors’ dreams
(Basho)
You can submit up to 3 haiku in one file. Please do not submit to another genre unless this submission has been declined.
The file of the piece you submit for consideration in Bacopa Literary Review must contain only the title and work itself, not your name:
- Maximum of three individual haiku
- No titles
- Three lines only for each poem
- Keep to theme of nature or human experience
- Two images that connect or juxtapose
- Single poem submission is welcome
- Linked haiku of three poems are welcome
- 12-point type; Arial font only
- Submit the file in .doc, .docx or .rtf only
The submission process includes a text entry box titled "COVER LETTER," the only place where you provide the following information:
- Name, address, email, phone, poem title, line count and a brief bio (50 words or fewer).
- Where did you hear about Bacopa Literary Review?
Kaye Linden
Haiku Editor
Bacopa Literary Review
We're interested in a wide range of fiction, from 250 words up to 5,000 words. Whatever the length, we publish fiction with beautiful writing that offers a deeper look at the human experience, with a distinctive voice that does more than tell a simple story--uniquely individual phrasing that's fresh and authentic. Even if you submit very brief work, it must demonstrate all the components of good fiction--cut to the bone, with a purpose for every single word.
Only one submission to fiction, and do not submit to another genre unless this submission has been declined.
The file of the piece you upload for consideration in Bacopa Literary Review must contain only the title and work itself, not the author's name.
- One piece
- Limit 250 - 5,000 words
- Double spaced
- One-inch margins all sides; 0.5-inch paragraph indent; left justified
- 12-point type in Arial font only
- Submit the file in .doc .docx or .rtf only
The submission process includes a text entry box titled "COVER LETTER," the only place where you provide the following information:
- Name, address, email, phone, title, word count and a brief bio (50 words or fewer).
- Where did you hear about Bacopa Literary Review?
Mary Bast
Editor in Chief & Fiction Editor
Bacopa Literary Review
The creative nonfiction we publish has a moving inner voice. It holds to the same standards as other literary forms while remaining grounded in fact. As author John McPhee says, "Creative nonfiction is not making something up but making the most of what you have."
Only one creative nonfiction submission, and do not submit to another genre unless this submission has been declined.
The file of the piece you upload for consideration in Bacopa Literary Review must contain only the title and work itself, not the author's name.
- One piece
- Limit 2,500 words
- Double-spaced
- One-inch margins, all sides; 0.5-inch paragraph indent; left justified
- 12-point type in Arial font only
- Submit the file in .doc .docx or .rtf only
The submission process includes a text entry box titled "COVER LETTER," the only place where you provide the following information:
- Name, address, email, phone, title, word count, and a brief bio (50 words or less).
- Where did you hear about Bacopa Literary Review?
Susie H. Baxter
Creative Nonfiction Editor
Bacopa Literary Review
www.susiehbaxter.com
Prose poems are pure creation, the playful and daring edge of poetry. The writer must provide powerful lyrical language and, above all, a truthful, commanding voice.
Only one submission to prose poetry, and do not submit to another genre unless this submission is declined.
Please note that acceptance would not mean the shape or font size of the prose poem would stay the same. All content will be configured to fit within a 6" x 9" printed page.
The submission process includes a text entry box titled "COVER LETTER," the only place where you provide the following information:
- Name, address, email, phone, poem title, line count and a brief bio (50 words or less).
- Where did you hear about Bacopa Literary Review?
The file you upload must contain only the title and work itself, no identifying information.
- One prose poem
- Limit 250 words
- DO NOT DOUBLE SPACE (show the shape of your prose poem as it will appear in print)
- 12-point type; Arial font
- Submit the file in .doc, .docx or .rtf only
Kaye Linden
Prose Poetry Editor
Bacopa Literary Review
We are looking for well-wrought poems that intrigue us, move us, surprise us with stunning imagery, lyricism, soundplay, structure. Disturb our well-trod patterns of thought.
You can submit up to 3 poems in one file; please do not submit to another genre unless this submission has been declined.
Please note that acceptance would not mean the shape or font size of the poem wouldl stay the same. All content will be configured to fit within a 6" x 9" printed page
The file of the work you upload for consideration in Bacopa Literary Review must contain only the title and work itself, not the author's name.
- 1-3 poems per submission
- Limit 88 lines including spaces each poem
- DO NOT DOUBLE SPACE (show the shape of your poem as it will appear in print)
- 12-point type; Arial font only
- Submit the file in .doc, .docx or .rtf only
The submission process includes a text entry box titled "COVER LETTER," the only place where you provide the following information:
- Name, address, email, phone, poem title, line count and a brief bio (50 words or less).
- Where did you hear about Bacopa Literary Review?
J.N. Fishhawk
Poetry Editor
Bacopa Literary Review
