The Literary Nest is a long-standing online journal devoted to sincere, imaginative work from writers everywhere. Published quarterly and always open for submissions, the journal features poetry and visual art with an emphasis on authenticity, craft, and emotional resonance. They accept poetry of all forms as well as artwork, with no fees and a generous openness to all voices.

Read on for Pratibha’s insights into the magazine’s mission, what she hopes to find in the queue, and how The Literary Nest continues to nurture a global community of readers and writers.

HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about The Literary Nest. 

KELAPURE: The Literary Nest is a quarterly online journal of poetry. The issues are published on January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15.

HOPKINSON: How/why was The Literary Nest originally started? 

KELAPURE: I wanted to welcome poetry from all corners of the world and give a platform to distinct voices. 

HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience? 

KELAPURE: The short answer is anyone who loves poetry. But more importantly, I wanted a free online journal with wonderful poetry that reaches a lonely soul somewhere in the world, who finds a mirror for their predicament. 

HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for in submissions? 

KELAPURE: I like poems that are sincere, authentic, and imaginative. Of course, the craft of poetry is important to me, but without authenticity and sincerity, it is not effective. A poem that catches your breath, shows you a different world, and opens a window to a new experience. We want submissions from people of all kinds, not focused on a particular demographic. We do not publish any work with hate speech or that glorifies violence. The poetry of resistance needs to be subtle and should have a long-lasting appeal. Think of the 1984 novel. It should not be a diatribe. The Internet is a dangerous place, and I try to minimize the harm that the words can cause.

HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in? 

KELAPURE:  I would love to feature metrical poetry, but so few poets write in meter these days. A metrical, rhyming, formal poem where the craft elements don’t overpower the meaning is a rare bird. But I am always hunting for it. 

 HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?

KELAPURE: It is hard to pick favorites, but here are a few that come to mind right now. The Lake Poetry is a perennial favorite. I also enjoy the TAB journal. Rogue Agent is another one. Ploughshares, of course. So many more.

HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with The Literary Nest?

KELAPURE: Oh, definitely, getting to read the submitted poems. There’s nothing more joyous than reading these little darlings. It’s really heartbreaking when I have to reject a submission for whatever reason. Unfortunately, one can not publish everything that comes in. 

HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions? 

KELAPURE: email it to theliterarynest@gmail.com

HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you? 

KELAPURE: They can send any questions to theliterarynest@gmail.com, no abusive or accusatory content please. Also, if you want to volunteer as a social media manager, please email this address. 

Click here to read submission guidelines.

• SUBMISSION DEADLINE: always open.
• THEME(S): Occasionally, we have a themed issue. Always check the submissions page. https://theliterarynest.org/submissions/literary-submissions/
• FORMAT: The Literary Nest is an online journal.
• SUBMISSION FEE: None.
• PAYMENT: Since The Literary Nest is independent with no sponsor and no submission fee, we can not afford to pay the poets. 
• ISSUE FREQUENCY: Quarterly.
• AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: 2 weeks to 3 months.
• SUBMISSION METHOD: Email.
• SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes. Please let us know if your work has been accepted elsewhere before you hear from us.
• FORMS: Poetry and artwork.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram

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