Shō Poetry Journal is an Arizona-based journal coming out of a 20-year hibernation. We publish an eclectic array of poetry twice a year and release online audio features on a rolling basis. We strive to expand on the small-press tradition of championing voices that have been historically underrepresented or overlooked. We offer at least one free pop-up for BIPOC poets during every reading period.
Each issue of Shō features 40 to 50 poets, many of whom are emerging or early-career poets.
Our tastes are eclectic. We welcome poetry that engages us with energy, clarity, and vulnerability, with a focus on voice and image.
Shō No. 7 will be published in Summer 2025.
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Submit up to five previously unpublished poems at a time. Our average response time is 2 weeks. We attempt to respond to all submissions within 30 days. Read our full submission guidelines here.
Shō is a print journal. Payment is one contributor’s copy. Authors also receive a discount on the purchase of extra copies. All work accepted for publication will be considered for the Shō Poetry Prize (best poem in issue) and the Sita Martin Prize (best poem by an emerging poet). Each winner receives $150 and a one-year subscription to Shō.
