All poetry and short stories must be sent within the body of the email and not as attachments!

Poetry

The Stray Branch is open to form and style, however Free verse is preferred.  Shorter poems have a better chance of being published.

Open to subject matter but prefers edgy, raw material written from the gut that reflects the heart and the human condition....These include, depression, loss, sorrow, addiction, recovery, abuse, survival,  daily exitence, self struggles and discovery through words, Art as healing, as coping.  Wants poetry by real people that can be understood by all readers. Prefers works of a darker nature.  Rhyming poetry is okay.

Does not want!! over-schooled, arrogant, self righteous, religious, political, sentimental, or happy and light, pretty poetry.  No erotic poetry!! Looking for well crafted, honest, mature work.  Nothing sloppy or anything sounding like it was written by an angst ridden juivenile.  Not interested in poetry written by children or teenagers or work written for children or teenagers.  No workshop pieces or collaborations. 

Short Stories

Looking for artwork and photography that is dark, edgy, gothic, unique, abstract, powerful and interesting.  Nothing boring.  Artwork can be computer generated graphics (will appear on-line only) drawings, sketches, etc;. The only requirement is that it be your own original work.  Drawings, sketches and black and white photography will appear in print.  Submit up to 4 pieces via e-mail (sent as attachment) with Artwork/Photography submission in the subject line. Response time 2-3 weeks depending on submissions. 

Cover letter not required but brief bios, contributors notes are preferred and will be published along with your work.  Also, feel free to send a small photo to go along with bio but please  only send a serious, tactful black and white photo of yourself.  

Deadline for submissions

The Stray Branch reads submissions from October through July.

Response Time

Up to three weeks.

Payment

The Stray Branch currently does not offer payment for accepted works and after the production of issue #4 will no longer offer free print copies to its contributors due to cost.  However, they will still receive a pdf file version of the issue they appear in and will be able to purchase copies at a discounted rate. 

Rights

The Stray Branch requires one time rights, this includes publication on the website.  All rights revert back to author upon publication.

Send all submissions to thestraybranchlitmag@yahoo.com with name, email, brief bio/photo(optional, must be a small black and white photo) at the top left hand side of the page before your work.  All poetry and short stories must be sent within the body of the email and not as attachments please !!  However, all photos, images, artwork/photography must be sent as attachments.  Thank you.