
Running a press is an adaptable experience. I might have to rethink our model as we grow, and that’s OK. In another thread, another smart editor pointed out how when people who have to relinquish a certain amount of money, it brings them closer to making absolutely certain they are sending out the tightest manuscript they can. MOLLY SUTTON KIEFER: It was definitely the moment when, I think it was Margaret Bashaar of Hyacinth Girl Press, reminded us that the fee is prohibitive for some writers, and she mentioned that the poetry world can be classist in this way. WOMEN WHO SUBMIT: In Tinderbox’s most recent submission call, it stated, “Due to an enlightening conversation in a private Facebook group, I’ve decided to open up submissions to my press, Tinderbox Editions, with a donation or fee-free option.” What point or comment from this private conversation inspired you to take action? As a poet who struggles with innumerable pay-to-play contests and open readings, I was excited to learn about reading fees from the publisher’s perspective and to hear more on running a journal and press. In a submission call I picked up through the yahoo! listserv CRWROPPS (Creative Writing Opportunities List), Kiefer announced Tinderbox Editions’ latest open reading period will have a fee-free option until August 31st. She is now happily tackling the role of publisher for her newest project, Tinderbox Editions. She edited for dislocate and Midway Journal before co-founding Tinderbox Poetry Journal with her friend, Brett Elizabeth Jenkins. Molly Sutton Kiefer, is an essayist and poet with numerous publications including the lyric essay, Nestuary (Ricochet Editions 2014) and two chapbooks. If you would like to learn more or submit to Tinderbox, please visit their website at. They do not accept previously published work, and they do not accept multiple submissions. They accept simultaneous submissions, but ask that authors immediately withdraw work published elsewhere. Tinderbox accepts submissions online, not via post or email. They view the cover letter not as a formality, but an important introduction to the poet, a context within which to read the work. The editors at Tinderbox encourage poets to include a cover letter with their submission. Submissions should be six pages or fewer. Poets may submit three to four pieces of any kind of poetry. Submitting poets can expect a response within about three months. They accept a wide range of submissions-free verse and formal poetry, lyric essays, flash forms, sequences of fragments, lyric dramas, and more.


While they only publish poetry, Tinderbox seeks to expand our idea of what a poem can be. Tinderbox is published monthly, and each issue features work by around fifteen poets. To get a sense of their style, you can read past issues online. They prefer profundity that arises out of nitty-gritty life itself, poetry that is lived and living. Tinderbox publishes poetry in all forms and styles, and they showcase a broad range of voices and experiences. To promote the writers they publish, they nominate poets for the Pushcart Prize, Best New Poets, and Best of the Net Anthology. Tinderbox Poetry Journal, an online journal that’s fee-free in the months the seasons change-March, June, September, and December-is seeking poetry from both emerging and established writers.
