So, you've got a piece of writing that you feel is ready to see the light of day, and you're wondering about Frogpond submissions. It's a common question, and thankfully, the folks managing Frogpond have laid out some pretty clear guidelines. Think of it as a friendly chat about what they're looking for and what they absolutely won't accept.
First off, let's talk about what's a definite no-go. Frogpond has a firm stance against any writing that uses discriminatory language. This covers a broad spectrum – race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or ancestry. They're aiming for a welcoming space, and that means ensuring their pages reflect that. Equally important, and something that's become a big topic lately, is their rejection of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated writing. They want human voices, human creativity, and human experiences.
Now, who can actually send their work in? Good news here: you don't have to be a member of the Haiku Society of America (HSA) to submit. Both members and non-members are welcome. However, by sending your work, you're essentially giving your word that it's entirely your own creation, that it hasn't been published anywhere before (and this includes online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or personal blogs – they consider those published), and that it's not currently being considered by another publication. They're not keen on simultaneous submissions, so it's best to send your work to one place at a time.
What about the cost? The great thing is, submitting to Frogpond is completely free. You won't be charged a fee to send your work their way. However, it's worth noting that they don't make entire issues of Frogpond available online for free. If you're hoping to get a copy of the issue you're featured in, you'll need to be an HSA member to be guaranteed one. For everyone else, you can purchase a copy once it's published. It’s a small detail, but good to keep in mind if you're planning your publication journey.
It's always a good idea to check the latest guidelines directly from the source, of course. Allyson Whipple, the Managing Editor, is the point person, and you can reach out to her at 1100 Lami Street, St. Louis, MO 63104, or via email. They're looking for genuine, original work, and by understanding these straightforward rules, you can make sure your submission is on the right track.