In order to serve everyone better, we have a few guidelines and suggestions for our poets to follow. Please read before submitting your work. Please read this periodically, as the information here may change.
Do not submit work that has been published elsewhere - The reason for this rule has to do with copyright laws. Some publishers retain the rights to what they publish.
Keep your submission short - Please do not submit more than 3 poems per month. Right now, we have very few volunteers so our resources are low. As we get larger, we may change this rule.
If you feel as though you could not handle criticism or possible rejection on a given poem, then please do not submit it. Our goal is to encourage, not crush. Perhaps you could write an experimental poem if you wish for input.
Do not write "Psalms" or songs - David and the other psalmists were great writers in their time and culture, however, in post modern English, Psalms can become boring and clichéd. As far as songs go, they follow different rhythms and often times do not convert to "text only" very well.
Keep it clean - Please refrain from any crude and course language as well as any sexually explicit language. We fully realize that "being real" in poetry sometimes conflicts with clean language and subject matter, but the people who read the poetry posted on this site may find this offended. Ultimately, a person who talks "dirty" does not have anything better to say.
Do not be to positive or negative - Just be real!!!
Keep it creative - The whole purpose of this website is to bring Christian poetry to a new level. We hope that some of the poetry on this website can stand against secular literature. On the other side, do not be such an iconoclast that only a few people in the world can understand what you mean.
Language - A few suggestions and requests about the mechanics and structure of your poetry. For further reference, please read "A Retrospect" by Ezra Pound.
Grammar - Poetry does not necessarily have to have "good grammar," however please try to keep your grammar "pretty." Use of proper grammar always gives the author credibility. Poetry that depends on the intentional breakage of grammatical rules is perfectly acceptable, however, do not break a rule just for the sake of breaking rules.
Rhyme - POETRY DOES NOT HAVE TO RHYME!!! In fact, rhyme schemes often limits your words and makes you as an author sound un-genuine. If you chose to rhyme, then try to keep your rhyme-scheme natural. Do not put a word into a poem just because it rhymes.
Use imagery - Most people in the "Western World" think visually. Usage of imagery not only communicates your point better, but also makes your poem more interesting. The trick to imagery is to use as few adjectives as possible.
Use metaphors - Metaphors really make poetry interesting (it also forces your readers to think).
Use Verbs - The English language is ugly, but verbs are one of it's few strengths. Do not be afraid to experiment with new verbs.
Avoid Clichés - Clichés are overused and have lost their meaning. They also chink down the author's credibility.
One thing to consider, "Christian Poetry" does not mean poetry with Christian words, but rather poetry written by Christians who wish to glorify God with the gifts God has given.
Having endured all that reading, you may now go to our submissions page.
Prepared by Aaron J
Edwards
Last updated June, 17, 2001
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