I’m excited to share this interview with Theresa Senato Edwards, Editor in Chief of American Poetry Journal, a long-running online journal publishing thoughtful, boundary-pushing work since 2004. APJ is currently open for submissions June 1-30, 2026 for their upcoming October issue, and they’re looking for submissions of poetry, artwork, and music.
One important date to note: June 22, 2026 is a no-fee submission day in celebration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Otherwise, the standard submission fee is just $2.50. Submissions are handled via Duosuma, and the journal pays a $25 honorarium to contributing poets and artists.
If you’re not already familiar with APJ, or if you’ve been looking for a welcoming place to send your work, this is a great opportunity—especially if you’ve been waiting for a fee-free window. Theresa also shares more about what they’re hoping to see (including collaborative work that blends poetry with art and music), so read on for all the details.
HOPKINSON: Tell me a little bit about American Poetry Journal.
ANSWER: American Poetry Journal (APJ) has been around since 2004. I took it over in 2017, then again in 2025. It began as a print journal. When I took it over, J.P. Dancing Bear, the founder, had just published APJ’s first online issue, number 13. From then on, it has remained an online-only publication except for a couple of years when a different owner published the journal online and a few print chapbooks.
HOPKINSON: Who is your target reader audience?
ANSWER: I believe APJ’s target reader audience are literary citizens from around the world who appreciate exceptional poetry and cover art. Hoping to bring some exceptional music to APJ too.
HOPKINSON: What type of work are you looking for in submissions?
ANSWER: Firstly, APJ is looking for poems that are unique and honest, that progress and leave us deep rooted and committed. We look for distinctiveness, want bold metaphors, sonics like we’ve never heard before, a shared purpose in the unfolding of the poem. We want poems that question humanity and engage us in contemporary as well as age-old concepts, but we’d love a dreamscape with imagery that leaves us questioning ourselves. Challenge us without pretentiousness and show us a mastery of craft. Secondly, APJ asks that poets/artists please read our previous issues to see what we’re looking for and follow the submission guidelines carefully before submitting.
HOPKINSON: What do you wish you’d see submitted, but rarely comes in?
ANSWER: During APJ’s micro e-chapbook open reading period, I’d love to see collaborations using poetry, art, and music.
HOPKINSON: What are some of your favorite lit mags/journals?
ANSWER: Some faves are diode poetry journal, Adroit Journal, wildness, Missouri Review, Rhino, Waxwing, Rust & Moth, Rogue Agent, dialogist, A-minor, and About Place Journal.
HOPKINSON: What is your favorite part of being on staff with the American Poetry Journal?
ANSWER: I love every part of being a part of APJ and its wonderful team of poetry editors. Shout out to Kyla Sterling, Xavier Searle, and Matthew Henry. And APJ welcomes Star Zahra to the team beginning with its June open reading period.
HOPKINSON: Where can we send submissions?
ANSWER: www.apjpoetry.org/submit
HOPKINSON: If someone has a question, how can they contact you?
ANSWER: apjpoetry@gmail.com
HOPKINSON: Is there anything exciting coming up you’d like to mention?
ANSWER: On June 22, 2026, submissions will be FREE to celebrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). APJ always celebrates DEI. The FREE sub day is an added tribute to submitters and to help us see more diversity in our queue.
Click here to read submission guidelines
- SUBMISSION DEADLINE: June 30, 2026
- FORMAT: online with poems, audios of poems, and cover art.
- SUBMISSION FEE: $2.50; On June 22: FREE
- PAYMENT: Poets and artists will each get paid a $25 honorarium for publication.
- ISSUE FREQUENCY: APJ publishes two online issues and one micro e-chapbook per year.
- AVERAGE RESPONSE TIME: 1-2 months
- SUBMISSION METHOD: Duosuma
- SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Yes
- FORMS: Poetry, Artwork, Music
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram, Facebook
- LISTINGS: Duotrope
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