Guide: How to Submit to poetry.onl and Earn as a Poet (Beginner → Paid)

Section 1 · Quick facts

What poetry.onl is, in plain terms

poetry.onl (a.k.a. Poetry Online) is a U.S.-based nonprofit poetry journal and chapbook publisher that emphasizes accessibility — audio, captions, plain text, and inclusive presentation of poems and art. Their stated mission centers on making literature & art more accessible and widely available. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

A few practical points you should know right away:

• They accept poetry and visual/experimental forms — not just traditional lineated poems.
• They run a Submittable submission manager for general and expedited submissions. That manager page also explicitly lists payment for accepted poems (see Section 5 below). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• They operate as a nonprofit with chapbook publishing and nominations for wider anthologies and are listed with CLMP and nonprofit directories. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Section 2 · Submission basics

How poetry.onl reads and receives work (Submittable, windows, and limits)

poetry.onl uses Submittable to manage submissions. On their Submittable listing they describe the kinds of poetry they accept (traditional, experimental, visual, and cine-poetry) and list their contributor pay. Use the Submittable page for the most up-to-date submission calls and to upload your packet. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The editorial team runs both general submissions (no-fee, scheduled quota) and an expedited submission option when editors have staff capacity. Their FAQ explains they accept forty (40) no-fee general submissions per month on a first-come, first-serve basis; expedited submissions return decisions faster when available. Typical general responses aim within about 30 days, and expedited responses can be within 1–3 days. Always check the FAQ and Submittable listing before sending. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Section 3 · Write poems editors want

Practical craft tips (what increases editorial interest)

Editors read quickly. Your poem’s first three lines (or opening image) must do strong work: establish clear voice, sensory detail, or a surprising move. For accessibility-minded journals like poetry.onl, clarity matters even more because poems may be consumed in audio or through assistive tech.

Here are craft actions that reliably improve acceptance chances:

• Sharpen the opening: rework your first three lines until every word earns its place.
• Shorter packets are often better: quality over quantity. If you submit multiple poems, make sure each is polished.
• Use accessible formatting: avoid complex visual layouts unless they are integral and you provide alt-text/transcripts.
• Include a small note if context helps: for experimental poems, a 1–2 sentence curator note can orient the reader.
• Audio & captions: if you want to submit audio, also supply a transcript; poetry.onl highlights accessibility in their mission. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Section 4 · Submission SOP

Exact step-by-step workflow (copy/paste this)

1. Create accounts: set up an account on Submittable (po.submittable.com) and confirm your email. Add a short bio (1–2 lines). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. Select your best packet: choose 1–4 poems that feel the most cohesive. Put them in a single file unless the listing asks otherwise. Name the file like Lastname_Firstname_2025_poems.pdf.
3. Accessibility checks: if any poem uses visual layout, add alt-text or a plaintext version so screenreaders can parse it; add transcripts for audio. This matches poetry.onl’s mission to be accessible. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
4. Fill Submittable form carefully:
   • Attach your poem file.
   • Enter titles and indicate whether the poems are simultaneous submissions (most journals allow simultaneous submissions but require notification upon acceptance — check the poetry.onl listing).
   • Provide your short bio and any necessary contact info.
5. Track your submission: keep a simple spreadsheet with date sent, poems included, response date, and status (accepted/rejected). Use Duotrope or your own tracker if you subscribe to a tracker service. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
6. If accepted: read the acceptance email carefully. poetry.onl lists that they pay per accepted poem (payment details on Submittable / author emails) — confirm the payment amount and rights before returning any signed agreement. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Hello — thanks for reading my work. I’m submitting [#] poems titled “[titles here]” for consideration.
Short bio: [1 line — who you are / one publication or “emerging poet”].
If you need audio/transcript or an alternate layout for accessibility I can provide it.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name] — [your email / website if you want]
      

Section 5 · Money & rights

How poetry.onl pays, what rights they ask for, and how to build earning power

On their Submittable profile and public descriptions, poetry.onl lists a payment of $60 USD per accepted poem (payment on publication). This amount is clearly listed on the Submittable page and repeated in public notices; confirm the exact fee in the acceptance email if selected. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Rights: poetry.onl’s Terms & Conditions indicate that authors retain copyright while granting first North American serial rights (i.e., first publication rights) when accepted. Always read and confirm the exact rights language in the acceptance email or contract before reposting elsewhere. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Section 6 · Build a publishing ladder

From first clip to paying writing life — practical ladder

If you’re just starting, treat the path to paid clips as a ladder:

Useful marketplaces and aggregator tools:

• Duotrope — searchable market database and submission tracker. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Poets.org — craft resources and publication guides. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Community lists and writer-run spreadsheets of paying journals (search Duotrope “Paying Literary Poems” smart lists). :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Section 7 · Final checklist & pitch template

Copy-ready checklist before you hit “Submit”

Hello — I sent a submission titled “[titles]” on [date]. I’m checking in to see if you need any further materials.
Thank you for considering my work.
— [Your Name]
      

Section 8 · FAQs & Resources

Quick answers & long list of links for deep research