shot glass
title
"... brevity is the soul of wit ..."
- William Shakespeare

Editor's Note


Shot Glass Journal #16 offers the reader a variety of new and well established poets with a range of emotional, humorous and contemplative poetry. This issue was extremely difficult to select a limited number of poets to publish. I became acutely aware of a recent statement I made on what I look for in a poem as I choose poems for Shot Glass Journal and The Fib Review.

Recently, Adele Kenny, a prominent poet, who has a blog called "The Music In it", asked a number of editors and publishers of local, national and international journals to reflect on what they look for in a poetry manuscript or submission. As editor of both of the Muse-Pie journals, I was asked to be a part of the discussion. Although I know what I look for in a poetry submission, this question made me focus on what exactly attracts me to certain poets and poems. This was my reply:

"What I look for in a poetry submission is first how well the poet has acknowledged the submission policy and is respectful in their submission. I can't tell you how many poets have replied sarcastically when I've asked them to resubmit their poems according to our policy. That tells me that the poet is only out to get "published." I look for poets who instead feel their work is their best work and they want to share that with the world. I look for submissions that speak from the heart; where the poets express themselves in an experience that the reader can relate to, rather than the poet's own singular, personal experience. In other words, I look for the "universal" experience. I prefer a poem that has a sharp ending or turn that makes the reader go "Ah" or "OOh" at the end. I don't particularly like sentimental love poetry that can't translate to the universal experience. I look for wit, humor and a focus on the poet's knowledge of the mechanics of poetry. I find too many poets don't know how to use metaphor or enjambment, etc. to benefit the poem or make it better."

You may read the other responses at http://adelekenny.blogspot.co.nz/2015/05/what-editors-look-for.html

Issue #16 includes free verse and formal verse poems from international poets from Australia, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe, and US poets.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Feel free to share your comments by clicking on "Leave Comment" in the upper right corner.

– Mary-Jane Grandinetti

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