Please note that The Stray Branch is currently working on a heavy backlog. Issue #5 will be released this March and issues #6 Fall/Winter 2010, #7 Spring/Summer 2011 and #8 Fall/Winter 2011 are now full so any submissions of poetry or fiction sent now, if accepted will not appear in publication until 2012. I do not want to hold up anyone’s work for that long of a period of time but if this is not a problem for you feel free to submit just keep in mind the length of time between acceptance and publication. Artwork and photography submissions are still needed for #8. All artwork and photography also considered for the cover. Reading times for The Stray Branch are from October thru April.

Thank you,
Debbie Berk
Founder/Editor

Poetry can be sent within the body of the email, all story, artwork and photography submissions please send as attachments   No simultaneous submissions please!  Previously published poems okay.

Poetry

The Stray Branch is open to form and style, however it is not looking for crazy, complicated, messy looking forms. Free verse is preferred.  Shorter poems have a better chance of being published.

Open to subject matter but prefers edgy, raw material written from the gut that reflects the heart and the human condition....These include, depression, loss, sorrow, addiction, recovery, abuse, survival,  daily exitence, self struggles and discovery through words, Art as healing, as coping.  Wants poetry by real people that can be understood by all readers. Prefers works of a darker nature.  Rhyming poetry is okay.

Does not want!! over-schooled, arrogant, self righteous, religious, political, sentimental, or happy and light, pretty poetry.  No erotic poetry!! Looking for well crafted, honest, mature work.  Nothing sloppy.  Not interested in poetry written by children or teenagers or work written for children or teenagers.  No workshop pieces or collaborations. 

Submit up to 6 poems.

Short Stories

Looking for artwork and photography that is dark, edgy, gothic, unique, abstract, powerful and interesting.  Nothing boring.  Artwork can be computer generated graphics (will appear on-line only) drawings, sketches, etc;. The only requirement is that it be your own original work.  Drawings, sketches and black and white photography will appear in print.  Submit up to 4 pieces via e-mail (sent as attachment) with Artwork/Photography submission in the subject line. Response time 2-3 weeks depending on submissions. 

Cover letter not required but brief bios, contributors notes are preferred and will be published along with your work.  Also, feel free to send a small photo to go along with bio but please  only send a serious, tactful black and white photo of yourself.  

Deadline for submissions

The Stray Branch reads submissions from October through April.

Response Time

Up to three weeks.

Payment

The Stray Branch currently does not offer payment for accepted works and after the production of issue #4 will no longer offer free print copies to its contributors due to cost.  However, they will still receive a pdf file version of the issue they appear in and will be able to purchase copies at a discounted rate. 

Rights

The Stray Branch requires one time rights, this includes publication on the website.  All rights revert back to author upon publication.

Send all submissions to thestraybranchlitmag@yahoo.com with name, email, brief bio/photo(optional, must be a small black and white photo) at the top left hand side of the page before your work.  Poetry can be sent within the body of the email, all story, artwork and photography submissions please send as attachments.  Thank you.