Are you a poet? Can you answer the question “what do you remember about Mexico?” in poetry? Then this opportunity might be for you! Houston-based poet/author Sarah Cortez is looking for poems for a new anthology of original poetry, Goodbye, Mexico: Poems of Remembrance.
The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2014. Details on this anthology, guidelines for submission and more about Sarah Cortez, are included below.
Goodbye, Mexico: Poems of Remembrance will be a poetry anthology of original work composed in response to the following question: what do you remember about Mexico?
That Mexico has been irrevocably altered by the ravages of narco-violence is indisputable. Together with other complex dynamics of the current century, such as globalization, the failing middle class, and the disrupted tourist industry, this beloved country has changed almost beyond recognition. Many people on both sides of the border grieve the loss of the Mexico that was, particularly the Mexico that existed during the last half of the Twentieth century. This volume will give voice to poets on this side of the border.
This anthology will gather the varied voices of accomplished poets reaching into and beyond nostalgia to remember, to honor, or to document (through figurative imagery) their experiences. These recollections may be sharp or sad, hilarious or tragic, celebratory or condemning. Each poet will have his/her own unique reactions to remembering Mexico and its people, and the vibrant border culture.
We are seeking strong poems of human experience and personal reactions. Do not send your polemics; do not send performance poetry. The poems we want to see will be distinguished by a high level of craft in an array of voices and verse forms. The poems may approach the topic directly or obliquely.
Guidelines for Submission
Submit up to five (5) unpublished poems, up to sixty (60) lines each. (“Unpublished” means the work has not appeared in the same or a similar form online or in hard copy.)
Send two (2) copies of each typed poem (12 pt. font, Times New Roman) with the following contact info in the top left corner of both pages: name, address, email address, and two telephone numbers, if possible.
Send an SASE only if you wish your poems returned. Otherwise notification will be made through email and poems will be recycled.
Send on a separate page a professional bio (written in third person) of up to sixty (60) words. Include your prizes, awards, publications. In a separate paragraph on this same page, include 2-3 sentences summarizing your relationship to Mexico. Bios may be edited, if used.
Electronic submissions are not accepted. NO simultaneous submissions.
Mail submissions to: S. Cortez, POB 980579, Houston, TX 77098-0579, ATTN: Mexico Project
Postmarked deadline for submissions is February 28, 2014.
Sarah Cortez
Publisher
Texas Review Press, housed at Sam Houston State University, publishes between twenty and twenty-three titles a year, including the winners of four international competitions and an annual Southern poetry anthology, making it one of the most productive literary presses in the Southwest. TRP is a member of the TAMU Consortium.
Editor
Sarah Cortez is the award-winning editor of six anthologies and the author of three books of poetry and/or memoir. Her work is widely anthologized in the U.S. and Europe. Winner of the PEN Texas Literary Award in poetry, her anthologies and individual works have been short-listed in numerous contests. www.poetacortez.com
In case you didn’t notice it above, the deadline is February 28, 2014.
Sarah Cortez
