We're Open For Submissions! 🎉
Get those Trapper Keepers ready, hot poets...
Get those Trapper Keepers ready, hot poets, because PTK is ⭐officially⭐ open for submissions!!
⭐ Submissions Are OPEN ⭐
Poetry Trapper Keeper now open for poetry and squatter submissions through March 31st, 2024 (or, until we hit our reading cap). Submissions will be taken on a first-come, first-serve basis so read all of the submission guidelines and then…
✅ How Can I Submit?
We are open for FREE submissions via Submittable this year
✅ What Can I Submit?
One poem
In English
That is less than 3 pages long
Aside from that, there is no specific formatting criteria
Collaborative work is cool, just let us know if it's from more than one person
Submissions can be simultaneous or previously published (just let us know if we need to credit the original publisher)
✅ What Else Do I Need to Know?
If you get selected for publication on PTK, we won't "own" the first rights to your work (like most publications do). We don't believe in owning anyone's creative work for any amount of time. This means if your same piece gets republished elsewhere in the future, we don’t require you to credit us as the original publisher. You can if you want to, but you do you
Either way, all copy and publication rights of the work will remain yours
Submissions that don't follow these guidelines won't be read or responded to (sorry not sorry).
Apply to Be our Next PTK Squatter! 🏡
As part of this open call, there’s also an option in Submittable for you to apply to be our next PTK online resident (aka our “squatter”).
How does it work? At least twice a year, we invite one of our besties to take over PTK for a month. PTK squatting is an opportunity for more experienced writers (who may feel constrained by the parameters of the traditional publishing world) to flex their creative freedom with a broad audience of hot people who read poetry.
Typically, the squatter sends out 2-4 pieces over the duration of their month-long residency (including an interview) that Kelly and Larissa also respond to. You also have the option to run workshops or events via the PTK platform. But don’t forget - we’re cool poets, not regular poets - so there are no rules here. Tell us how YOU envision your ultimate PTK takeover.
We’re looking for squatters who can take over for a month sometime in the Fall of 2024, and also in 2025 (dates flexible).
✅ How Can I Apply?
Same deal here, squatter applications are open for FREE via Submittable
Submit 10 pieces of your best work
And an elevator pitch telling us why you want to be a PTK squatter and how you envision your residency with us
In English
In any format/length
Optionally, you can also share any relevant links or files to your work, website, socials, or resume that would help us get a feel for your work!
Okay, may the poetry odds ever be in your favor!!! We can’t wait to read your incredible work. You can scroll below to get a feel for the work previously published on PTK for our Zines and Squatter program. ⭐⭐