When you submit prose poetry do you classify it as short fiction or poetry? I think it has more akin to poetry in function, but I don't know if there's a rule of thumb on this somewhat vague mix of the two forms.
Thanks.
Thanks.
How to submit prose poetry?
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Just my notion, but: Unless there is a ready category for it, I would call it short fiction. Some people don't even believe in fairies prose poetry. 
It's tricky, as there isn't a set agreement on what prose poetry means anyway. I generally try submitting anything in prose as flash fiction first. Then if it gets rejections saying it's poetic but doesn't have enough plot, consider submitting as poetry (though last time it happened, the piece sold as flash fiction in the end).
Thanks, MTM. My worry was that some editor would read this piece and go, "where's the plot? Why is this driven by ambiguities?" etc. But perhaps that's a matter that can be worked out on a cover letter, no?
Thanks, Polenth. You guys seem to be trending towards calling it fiction. But as I said in the above post, is it perhaps okay if in my cover letter I say "please consider my prose poem 'stuff' of X words..." ?
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
I meant what I call it in the cover letter too, not just the department I send it to. I call it flash fiction in the cover letter when I'm submitting it as fiction. I call it prose poetry when I submit it as poetry.
There isn't a right or wrong answer though. I don't think calling it a prose poem and submitting it as fiction is the kiss of death... they'll probably still read it.
If it's actually a poem, then submit it as such regardless of whether it's a limerick, freeform, rhyming or any other sort. If it's not poetry, then you shouldn't be calling it a poem. From what I remember "prose" is a complicated word to describe the written word as used in fiction, essays, etc. You're really saying the same thing twice if you're calling it a prose poem. Don't make things unneccesarily complicated for yourself.
Thanks, Stijn. I mean, while prose poetry is an accepted nomenclature, I see your point about perhaps just calling it one thing or the other. The thing is it tells a story, but the focus is the juxtaposition of persons around an object over time, not an actual "plot". Someone at a mag looking at a "story" might be put off by such a lack of dramatic movement. It's written as if a story but does the work of a poem. I guess it's an issue of what you want people to look for and will they find it, you know?
You guys have all been a lot of help. Thanks.
You guys have all been a lot of help. Thanks.
Isn't prose poetry an oxymoron? I thought prose was defined as writing which is not poetry. I'm probably wrong again.
Heh I see what you mean. I don't know who made up the silly name but it seems to be an accepted term in literature. For instance I have a published anthology called "The American Prose Poem" which contains these bits of writing from various well-known authors and poets that are structured like short or flash fiction, but which do the work of poems. The language is usually a bit more figurative and we often have a movement choronilogically but not through a defined plot. The character is often the writer.
I'm actually taking a college course now called "Flash Fiction and Prose Poetry." It's interesting because sometimes defining these things can be tricky, or pointless.
Wikipedia defines it thusly:
Based on the definition, prose poems clearly have a poetry mindset. I'd just call it a poem (and follow the poetry guidelines of the publication)
Prose poetry is poetry in paragraph form. It differs from typical (and poetic) prose in that it generally does not rely on plot or character, but instead relies on typical poetic device and beauty of language to convey its intentions. Often prose poetry will rely heavily on a central metaphor.
It's an accepted terminology for the form, even if not functionally accurate. Personally, i don't think there's much point quibbling about what it's called, especially because it's so difficult to classify most attempts at it.
As far as the form goes in regards to magazine submissions i personally always make a point of saying 'prose poem' in the cover letter (if i'm submitting it as a poem). That will rule out an editor or slush reader glancing at it and thinking i've sent the wrong thing in. Some magazines and ezines won't accept prose poetry; others will only do so for special issues and still others love it and most are in between. It is definitely one of the harder forms to sell, mainly because people are always willing to argue about its poetic legitimacy and--as alluded to above--classifying an attempted prose poem piece as prose poetry or, conversely, as flash fiction is very subjective.
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... just get your stories out to places that publish poetic stories on occasion and you will not have to be concerned about an editor condemning your stuff because it lacks a definable plot and whatnot. Many literary mags are open to this sort of thing, including some top venues like the New Yorker. So aim for those pubs.
In general I'd say that any pub that publishes both poetry and fiction would be a good bet. But definitely sub to the fiction editor, and let them discover the poetic aspects on their own, which should come as a welcome surprise ;-)
In general I'd say that any pub that publishes both poetry and fiction would be a good bet. But definitely sub to the fiction editor, and let them discover the poetic aspects on their own, which should come as a welcome surprise ;-)
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Interesting thread. A bulk of my work are "prose poetry". I'm also considering submission soon. Despite not falling into the more traditional poetry format still I write poetry. Now I'm more confused.
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