Free Lunch seeks to give all serious poets in the U.S. a free subscription. Free Lunch subscriptions are given on the basis of poetry submitted to the magazine, whether or not the submissions are accepted for publication.
Please limit submissions to three previously unpublished poems. If you submit more than three poems, the entire submission will be returned unread. Do not send an additional submission until the previous one has been acted on by the editor. Multiple submissions are acceptable. Every manuscript page should have the poet's name and address on it.
We do not consider work which has been previously copyrighted. We also do not consider manuscripts indicating some restriction on copyright ownership, such as "First North American Serial Rights." Manuscripts containing such restrictions are returned without being read. Free Lunch copyrights all the work it publishes in the name of Free Lunch Arts Alliance. The copyright is held by Free Lunch Arts Alliance but reverts to the poet with certain restrictions at no charge to the poet upon written request of the poet.
Due to the ever-increasing number of submissions we receive, we can read manuscripts only between September 1 and May 31. Submissions received between June 1 and August 31 will be returned unread.
All submissions, requests, and inquiries from the U.S. must be accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Even if you don't want your manuscripts returned, we want a SASE. Please use No. 10 business envelopes (4 1/8" x 9 1/2") for both the one sent to us and the SASE. Postcards are not acceptable. This is because we comment on almost all the work we consider. Submissions, inquiries, and requests from outside the U. S. may be sent by email to [email protected] and must enclose the submitter’s regular mail address. Foreign submissions are limited to three poems and should be sent as Word attachments if possible.
As for how we define a "serious" poet, perhaps the following list of some of the best-known contributors might serve as a guide: Sherman Alexie, Neal Bower, Thomas Carper, Jared Carter, Billy Collins, Philip Dacey, Stephen Dunn, Dave Etter, Donald Hall, Lola Haskins, Lyn Lifshin, Eve Merriam, Lisel Mueller, Mark Perlberg, David Ray, F.D. Reeve, James Reiss, Jack Ridi, Vern Rutsala, and David Waggoner.
Regarding the kind of poetry we prefer, we like metaphors, similes, arresting images, and a sensitive and original use of language. We are interested in all genres--experimental poetry, protest poetry, formal poetry, etc. (but no haiku)--and the work of new, unpublished poets. We also enjoy working with poets to realize the potential of a poem and frequently ask for revisions. We look forward to seeing your work!