Poetry
The Stray Branch is open to form and style but prefers free verse. Ryhme is okay, got no problem with ryhme unless it seems forced. Open to subject matter but prefers edgy, raw material written from the gut that reflects the heart and the human condition. Wants poetry by real people that can be understood by all readers. Prefers works of a darker nature. Does not want over-schooled, arrogant, self righteous, religious, political, overyl sentimental, overly erotic (infact if you write on this subject keep it clean and tastefull, I'm not into smut!) or happy and light, pretty poetry. Not interest in the use of the f*** word or other useless profainities. The occassional curse word is okay. Not interested in work or words written simply for shock value. Be respectful of the language. 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.
Short Stories
Open to subject matter though the same as with poetry, does not want political pieces, overly erotic pieces, pieces on religion or stories written by children. Would like to see humor, anything dark and edgy. personal pieces, horror, vampires, thrillers, mysteries, suspense, goth and science fiction (but please no aliens) . Please limit stories to no more than 2 and ½ pages. Submit 1- 3 stories via e-mail with Story Submission in the subject line.
Artwork/Photography
Looking for artwork that is edgy, unique. Artwork can be photography (prefer black and white or the aged look) computer generated (graphics), paintings, drawings, sketches, etc;. The only requirement is that it be your own original work or work that you have permission to use . Prefers black and white art but will accept any artwork that is exceptional and that fits the needs of The Stray Branch. Submit up to 4 pieces via e-mail with Artwork submission in the subject line. Response time 2-3 weeks depending on submissions. Dimensions for vertical images H 400 x W 534 and for horizontal images H 600 x W 435 or somewhere close to that. Please, nothing too large or it will not fit correctly into the frame of the page.
Cover letter not required ( I myself hate writing them and frankly find them useless) but brief bio is 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 photo of yourself. Black and white photos are preferred, they fit in better with the layout of the zine, plus I just think they look better.
Deadline for submissions
The Stray Branch reads submissions from October through July.
Response Time
Up to three weeks.
Payment
The Stray Branch does not offer payment at this time. Contributors do recieve a downloadable version of the issue they appear in, put together in a pdf file form.
Rights
The Stray Branch requires one time rights. All rights revert back to author upon publication.
Send all submissions to thestraybranchlitmag@yahoo.com with name, email, brief bio/photo(optional) at the top left hand side of the page before your work. Send all photos, images, artwork/photography as attachments please.