Submission Guidelines

Poetry submissions are currently open.

Chapbook submissions are open in December.

Issue 2: Ayò (Joy)

When we speak of joy, we do not just speak of a fleeting smile or a momentous, we speak of force that defies all other laws. How can the wonder of joy be explained? How do you say “I am happy” in Yoruba?

For our second issue, we invite you to explore how does joy inhabits your body? Sculpt the sound of laughter into your verses. Trace the lineage of joy and uncover its mysticism.

Àwon ewì tó ní ohùn àti ìtumo tó dájú, pèlú ewì tó fúnni ní ìmólè àti òrò ìjìnlẹ̀ òrò ni a ń wá. Jé kí ewì re korin, àwa yóò jó fún o.

Submission Window: May 1st - June 1st

Decisions & Publication: July / August

Categories

Original Poems

Each submission may contain up to three poems written in Yoruba only.

Translated Poems (Yoruba)

Each submission may contain English translations of up to three poems originally written in Yoruba. Poems can either be self-written or previously published in public domain.

Translated Poems (English)

Each submission may contain Yoruba translations of up to three poems originally written in English. Poems can either be self-written or previously published in public domain.

See samples

1. Anvil
2. Too Much Wahala in This Country
3. Why Do You Answer in Yoruba

Guidelines

1. We accept only unpublished works.
2. Any writer of African descent anywhere in the world is welcome to submit.
3. Send your work to batamagazine@gmail.com
4. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but contributors must notify us if their work is accepted elsewhere.
5. Submit your work as a single .doc or .docx file (12-point font, single-spaced) with the subject: Name_Category (Example: AdesiyanOluwapelumi_Translated Poems(English))
6. Your document should include the original poem, the translation (where applicable), the name of the original author and the translator’s name (where applicable).
7. Title your document as follows: Name_Category (Example: AdesiyanOluwapelumi_Translated Poems(English))
8. Multiple submissions will not be considered—please send all your poems in ONE document.
9. Include a brief cover letter with any relevant publication history, if applicable.

Permission

For translations, you must have permission from the original author if the poem is not in the public domain (unless you are the original author).

Compensation and Rights

Unfortunately, we are unable to compensate translators, authors or artists at the moment. But we hope to change that in the near future. We ask for first serial rights, after which the rights for all work revert to the author and translator.