Call for Submissions: Reels – A Cinematic Poetry Collection

I’m seeking a surge of poetry for Reels, a collection driven by the raw, unrelenting energy of film. These poems must move quickly—12 lines or fewer, sharp and precise, leaving no space for hesitation. Picture lines that hit like a rapid-fire montage, echoing the intensity of Andy Dufresne’s escape in The Shawshank Redemption; the training montage in Rocky; or the baptism montage in The Godfather. I want poems that are constantly in motion, bursting with visceral energy.

What I’m Looking For:

• Maximum 12 lines—your poem must be tight and quick, racing through imagery and emotion with precision.
• Frenetic, grounded imagery—intense, vivid, and rooted in everyday life. No fantasy, sci-fi, or nature themes.
• Raw but controlled—your poem should feel spontaneous, yet honed and deliberate.
• Fragmented yet cohesive—each line should act as a snapshot, part of a larger whole, propelling the poem forward.

What Will Be Rejected:

• Previously published poems—I’m only seeking new, unpublished work. This does not include work published on social media.
• End rhyme or structured meter—this collection is not for traditional forms.
• Abstract or safe poetry—I want grit and bite, but with nuance and craft.
• Offensive or reductive work—poems that objectify or display bigotry will be rejected. Repeat offenders may be blacklisted.
• Ignoring the brief—poems that don’t meet the guidelines won’t be considered.

Submission Guidelines:

• One poem per poet.
• Maximum 12 lines, single-spaced, A5 page size, Times New Roman, 10pt font.
• Submit in .doc, or .docx—PDFs will not be accepted.
• No previously published work.
• Accepted poems will be published in a print anthology via Amazon, with author-rate copies for contributors.

Deadline:

The submission window will close once I’ve collected enough work, so submit promptly.

Support the Project: Donations to help bring Reels to life are welcome via Ko-fi.

This collection is all about speed, precision, and momentum. No lingering—every word must matter. Take me on a journey in 12 lines or less.

Responses will be sent out ASAP.