FEE: $0-20
PRIZE: $100 / five author copies
SUBMISSIONS WINDOW: Oct 1-Oct 31, 2023 Deadline extended to Nov 20.
CONTENT & COUNT: 10-12 poems or images
Up to 3 manuscripts selected.
DESCRIPTION
Our (micro) micro-series, Netsuke (a tiny sculpture originating from Japan—pronounced net-skay), values the power of smallness. We’re seeking 10-12 page manuscripts of very short poems; five lines or fewer. OR visual art/images that are related and feel like a motion (you can interpret that however you choose). All we ask is that you say a lot with very little.
As an art book series, Netsuke will publish 2-3 manuscripts, either together in one “book” or separately (depending on the synergy of the works and the authors’ consent). The forms these books take are dependent on content—for example, a manuscript on botany may take the form of a seed packet.
In the spirit of smallness, each manuscript will be published in an intimate run of 75; the size of the books themselves will (likely) be below average; and our prize for each author/artist is 10,000 pennies (paid not in copper).
While there is no theme, we generally love work that pushes against notions of “acceptable” poetry or “proper” art.
Keep it small.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
WHAT WE WANT: Micro poetry and/or visual art.
READING PERIOD: Oct 1 – Oct 31, 2023. Submissions close at 11:59 pm CST. Deadline extended to November 20.
Contest will be judged by the Tilted House Editors.
READING FEE: $0–$20, sliding scale. As a small press, this fee helps us IMMENSELY to fund things like printing, studio time, web hosting, and band-aids. The amount will not alter our decision.
WINNERS: 2-3 winners will receive 5 copies of their own manuscript, plus $100.
UPON PUBLICATION: The winning 2-3 manuscripts will each be published in an edition of 75 in an unorthodox format (e.g. a deck of cards).
WHO MAY SUBMIT: We welcome work from everyone, regardless of place, and encourage poets from the regional south, specifically Louisiana, to submit.
CONTEST DETAILS
Poems (excluding titles) should NOT exceed 5 lines.
Visual art/images should be related to each other and feel like a motion. Color or b&w are welcome.
Visual or concrete poems are welcomed; feel free to blend poetry and image.
Manuscripts should be between 10-12 pages (excluding front and back matter) and submitted as .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .jpg files only.
Simultaneous submissions are fine, but please inform us immediately and withdraw your submission if the manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
No collaborative manuscripts this time.
Multiple submissions are fine if submitted separately with a reading fee for each.
Excerpts from the manuscript may have been previously published. The manuscript as a whole, however, should be previously unpublished.
This contest will not be judged anonymously. Include a bio and cover letter if you’d like.