Booth: Poetry

Overview
Booth, a literary magazine rooted in the creative writing program at Butler University, has long been a venue for poetry that values craft, voice, and intellectual rigor. The journal publishes work that is attentive to language and form, and its editorial vision reflects a commitment to contemporary poetry that is both artful and accessible. A submission to Booth places your work within a tradition of independent literary publishing that prioritizes the poem itself over biographical or promotional concerns. The submission process is straightforward: send up to three poems in a single document, with a $3 fee, by November 30, 2026. The journal accepts one submission at a time, and poets are expected to notify the editors promptly if a poem is accepted elsewhere. This policy ensures that each submission receives careful consideration and that the journal's publication schedule remains accurate. Booth does not accept work created with the aid of generative AI, and the submission form requires a confirmation of this. The fee, while modest, supports the journal's operations and is a common practice among literary magazines. What Booth offers is a platform for poems that engage with the complexities of human experience, whether through narrative, lyric, or experimental modes. The editors are attentive to the music of language and the integrity of the line. While there is no monetary prize, publication in Booth connects your work to a readership that values literary excellence and to a community of writers associated with Butler University's creative writing program. The journal's aesthetic is inclusive of diverse voices and styles, but it consistently seeks poems that are crafted with intention and that reward rereading.