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 We do not publish any work with hate speech or that glorifies violence.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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