The main California-based quarterly poetry magazine is Poetry California, though it is no longer publishing new issues. For a currently active California poetry quarterly, the most prominent is ZYZZYVA, a San Francisco journal that publishes poetry, fiction, and art three times a year (not strictly quarterly). This article clarifies the landscape of California poetry quarterlies, their history, and how to find the right one for your work.
What Is Poetry California?
Poetry California was a quarterly magazine founded in 1981 in Long Beach, California, by poet and editor Bill Mohr. It published poetry, reviews, and essays, with a focus on West Coast writers. The magazine ran for several years and became known for showcasing both established and emerging poets from California and beyond. It ceased publication in the mid-1980s, but its back issues are still referenced in literary archives and library collections. If you are looking for a current California quarterly, Poetry California is not an option for submissions, but it remains a historical touchstone.
Active California Poetry Journals
While no major magazine is both California-based and strictly quarterly in poetry alone, several journals publish poetry on a regular schedule and are strongly associated with the state. Here are the most notable:
- ZYZZYVA – Published three times a year (spring, summer, fall) in San Francisco. It is a general literary magazine that includes poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. It has a reputation for publishing well-known and new writers, and it accepts submissions from anywhere, though it has a West Coast sensibility.
- The Georgia Review – Not California, but often confused because of its name. It is a quarterly literary journal from the University of Georgia, and it publishes poetry. If you are specifically seeking a quarterly, this is an option, but it is not California-based.
- Rattle – A poetry magazine based in Los Angeles, but it publishes twice a year, not quarterly. It is open to submissions and is known for its print issues and online content.
- Nimrod International Journal – Published at the University of Tulsa, not California, but it is a quarterly that publishes poetry and fiction. It is not California-specific.
If you are strictly looking for a California quarterly that publishes poetry, the closest active option is ZYZZYVA, even though it is triannual rather than quarterly.
How to Find a California Poetry Quarterly
If you are searching for a magazine that publishes poetry and is based in California, you have several strategies:
- Use the Poets & Writers Literary Magazines database – It allows you to filter by genre, frequency, and state. Search for “poetry” and “California” to see current listings.
- Check the Dewey Decimal number 811 in your local library – This is where poetry collections are shelved, and many literary magazines are cataloged nearby. You can browse to discover journals you might not find online.
- Look at the acknowledgments pages of recent poetry collections by California poets – They often thank the magazines where their poems first appeared, which can lead you to active publications.
- Visit the Small Press Distribution (SPD) website – Though it closed in 2023, its archives still list many California literary magazines. You can also check the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP) directory.
How to Choose the Right Magazine for Your Poetry
When you are deciding where to submit your poetry, consider these factors:
- Frequency – Do you want a quarterly, or are you open to triannual or biannual? Quarterly magazines often have faster response times but may have higher submission volumes.
- Editorial taste – Read a few issues before submitting. If the poems are experimental and you write formal verse, it may not be a good fit.
- Submission fees – Many magazines charge a small fee (usually $3–$5) for online submissions. Some offer free submissions during certain windows or for low-income poets.
- Response time – Check the magazine’s website or Duotrope (a paid database) for average response times. Quarterly magazines often respond within 3–6 months.
- Reputation – Some poets care about the prestige of the magazine for their CV. ZYZZYVA and Rattle are well-regarded, but smaller quarterlies may offer a more intimate community.
Common Misconceptions About Poetry Quarterlies
One common misconception is that all literary magazines are the same. In reality, each has a distinct aesthetic and editorial process. Another misconception is that you must be a California resident to submit to a California magazine. Most journals accept submissions from anywhere, though some may prioritize local writers. Also, many people think that quarterly magazines are more prestigious than online-only journals, but that is not necessarily true. Some online journals have higher readership and more rigorous selection than print quarterlies.
Another misconception is that you need an agent to publish poetry. That is false – poetry is almost always submitted directly by the poet. Finally, some writers believe that paying a submission fee guarantees publication. It does not; fees cover the cost of running the submission system, not acceptance.
Costs and Submission Tips
Most literary magazines, including California quarterlies, charge a submission fee if you submit online. Fees typically range from $2 to $5 per submission. Some magazines offer free submissions during specific reading periods or for members. For example, ZYZZYVA charges a $3 fee for online submissions, but it also offers free submissions for subscribers. Rattle has a $5 fee for online submissions, but it also accepts free submissions by mail.
To increase your chances of acceptance, follow these tips:
- Read the magazine’s submission guidelines carefully – they often specify how many poems to send (usually 3–5) and what formats are accepted.
- Send your best work, not your newest work. Let poems sit for a few weeks before submitting.
- Include a brief cover letter with your name, the titles of the poems, and a short bio. Do not over-explain your poems.
- If you are rejected, do not take it personally. Many magazines receive thousands of submissions per issue and accept less than 1%.
Alternatives to California Quarterlies
If you are open to other options, consider these alternatives:
- National quarterlies – The Kenyon Review, The Sewanee Review, and The Hudson Review are all quarterlies that publish poetry and are not tied to California.
- State-specific journals – Many states have their own literary magazines, such as the New England Review or the Southern Review. You can find a list on CLMP’s website.
- Online journals – Many online poetry journals update more frequently than print quarterlies, such as Verse Daily or Poetry Daily, which are not magazines but feature poems from various journals.
- Self-publishing – If you want to share your poetry without the submission process, you can self-publish a chapbook or post your poems on a personal blog. This is not a substitute for magazine publication, but it is a way to get your work out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a California poetry magazine that publishes quarterly?
As of now, there is no major California-based magazine that publishes poetry strictly on a quarterly basis. The historical Poetry California was quarterly, but it is defunct. ZYZZYVA is the closest active option, publishing three times a year.
Can I submit to a California magazine if I live outside the state?
Yes, most California literary magazines accept submissions from anywhere. They do not restrict submissions to California residents, though some may have a preference for West Coast voices. Always check the magazine’s guidelines.
How much does it cost to submit poetry to a magazine?
Submission fees typically range from $2 to $5 per submission. Some magazines offer free submissions by mail or during specific periods. For example, ZYZZYVA charges $3 for online submissions, but you can mail a submission for free.
What is the difference between a quarterly and a biannual magazine?
A quarterly publishes four times a year, while a biannual publishes twice a year. Quarterly magazines may have faster response times and more frequent publication opportunities, but they also receive more submissions. Biannual magazines often have longer reading periods and may be more selective per issue.
Are online poetry journals less prestigious than print quarterlies?
Not necessarily. Prestige depends on the journal’s readership, editorial standards, and history. Some online journals, like Rattle, are highly respected. Many print quarterlies also have an online presence. What matters most is finding a journal that fits your work and has a good reputation in the poetry community.
Related
- Spotted Crayon Wands? What the Phrase Could Mean
- Milwaukee M12 1/4-Inch Ratchet: Models and Uses
- Hitachi SV13YA Sanding Ease: What to Expect
How pages are sourced and corrected: Sources and editorial policy.