Submissions

Basic Rules and How-To’s

Make it clear and easy to read

Use Shunn Modern Manuscript Format. If that’s a problem, just make it neat and readable. A basic serif or sans-serif 12 point font will do. Submit work in .doc, .docx, or .rtf only. No .pdf or Pages. Attach your work as a document in an email to the requested address in the submission request.

We will not accept any document that uses AI.

Statement of inclusion

Our approach to diversity and inclusion is simple. Cultivate an environment where everyone puts their best self forward without fear of reprisal based on race, gender, age, religion, identity, or experience.

No Nazis. No bots.

Helping words take flight

If possible, our editors will work with you to improve your piece. It’s possible you will send us a piece we feel we cannot help you improve on. But we feel the writer/editor relationship exists to bring out the very best a poem or prose piece can be.

Projects Open for Submissions

Poetry - Reality Detonates - Submissions Open October 1

Reality doesn’t bend—it blows apart!

Cicada Song Press invites you to join the blast. Our upcoming poetry anthology, Reality Detonates, will gather voices that ask, what happens when the ordinary combusts?

 

Each entry must include the exact phrase, “reality detonates,” within the body of the poem. Make it sing. Make it roar. Make it linger like smoke.

 

Submissions are open from October 1st to October 31st.

 

Launch date is January 30, 2026. Blow our minds.

 

  • Read ALL requirements on this entire page CAREFULLY.

  • Poems must be titled unless in a form traditionally not titled, such as haiku, tanka, rictameter, etc. Such poems will use the first line as the title. “Untitled” is an UNacceptable title.

  • No form of the words “reality” or “detonates” can be in the title.

  • Do not format titles in all caps, italics, bold, or underlined.

  • If you use a specific poetry form, center the name of the form in lower case italics under the title.

  • Poems must be original and unpublished. Appearance on personal website or blog is okay; appearance on social media is not okay.

  • Length 2-50 lines; spaces between stanzas do not count.

  • Submit 1-2 poems in a single document in one submission. Do not include your name in the body of the document. Name document as follows (use legal name): RD LASTNAME FIRSTNAME Titles of Poems NUMBEROFPOEMS1or2

  • Attach document to an email. Send email with attachment to Faith Canright, Editor, at (stay tuned for email address!). Subject line should be (use legal name): Reality Detonates LASTNAME FIRSTNAME Titles of Poems NUMBEROFPOEMS1or2

  • You may not submit another set of poems in the same submission period. It will be deleted unread.

  • In body of email, include your legal name, pen name (if applicable), the statement that your poems are original and unpublished, and the titles of your poems with number of lines each.

  • Simultaneous submissions are okay as long as you email us immediately to withdraw any poems accepted elsewhere. Subject line of email: Reality Detonates WITHDRAWAL LASTNAME FIRSTNAME Title of Poem

 

Compensation: Writers whose poems are accepted will receive a .pdf copy of the book electronically and will also be given the opportunity to buy physical copies at cost.