Folio: Poetry Submissions
Overview
Folio is a student-run literary and arts magazine affiliated with the University of Washington. Its poetry folio is an annual gathering of new work, selected by an editorial board composed of undergraduate and graduate students. The magazine has a long history of publishing both emerging and established voices, but this particular call is explicitly oriented toward emerging poets—those who are currently enrolled in undergraduate programs or who have recently graduated. The submission process is designed to be accessible: there is no fee, and the guidelines are straightforward, requiring only a brief cover letter, a biographical note, and 3–5 poems in a single document. The curatorial vision for this folio is shaped by the magazine's commitment to showcasing a diversity of poetic styles and perspectives. The editors are interested in work that demonstrates formal control, emotional resonance, and a distinctive voice. While there is no stated thematic constraint, the folio tends to favor poems that engage with contemporary concerns, whether personal, political, or aesthetic. The blind-review process—ensuring that no identifying information appears in the poem document—reflects a dedication to evaluating work on its own merits, free from the influence of name recognition or institutional affiliation. For the selected poets, publication in Folio offers a meaningful early credit in a respected campus magazine with a national readership. Contributors receive two copies of the issue and a modest honorarium, though the primary reward is the validation of their work by a discerning editorial board. The magazine's affiliation with the University of Washington also provides access to a broader literary community, including readings and events that connect contributors to other writers and editors.