Submit: Chapbook "Headway Against Heavy Seas"

Thank you for your interest in submitting to the ZIMETRA International Magazine. You must be ready to send us your work! Please read our General Guidelines are below.

These submissions are only available to poets. You are not eligible to submit, if you represent a library, news outlet, bookstore, vendor, or university.

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Chapbook Call for Submissions: on the Theme of "Headway Against Heavy Seas"

Deadline for submissions: 28 February 2024

General Guidelines

What is the submission based on?

Our very first Chapbook Issue is based on the Theme of "Headway Against Heavy Seas". It is a Breakthrough Chapbook for Poets. Any works that don't fit the theme will not be accepted.

ZIMETRA International Magazine proudly presents its first-ever chapbook, centered around the captivating theme of "Headway Against Heavy Seas." This collection is a celebration of the resilience and creative spirit of poets from around the world, offering a platform for their unique voices to shine.

In this thought-provoking chapbook, poets are invited to explore the metaphorical concept of navigating through life's challenges, symbolized by the relentless and tumultuous nature of heavy seas. It's a profound opportunity for writers to delve into the depths of their emotions, sharing powerful narratives and poignant experiences that resonate with readers on a profound level. "Headway Against Heavy Seas" is a tribute to the strength and courage required to push forward, to forge ahead against the odds, and to find solace and inspiration amidst the storm. Poets are encouraged to paint vivid imagery, evoke powerful emotions, and weave words together in breathtaking harmony, ultimately crafting a collection that captivates and inspires.

Submissions for "Headway Against Heavy Seas" are now open exclusively to poets. We invite you to embark on this poetic journey with us, and together, let's navigate the vast expanse of human emotions and triumph against adversity.

Please read below sections on the process of submission.

Which works are Accepted?

Poetry only.

  • Only original, unpublished works are accepted.
  • All work to be submitted in word format (.doc) or PDF format (.pdf). Other text file formats will not be accepted.
  • You're allowed to submit up to 3 works but only the best will be published based on the decision of the judges.
  • In case of multiple work, each work is expected to be in individual pages in separate files. You can upload each in the same form.
  • Ensure that your work is clean, edited, formatted and proofread before submission. Poor formatting could lead to disqualification.

How to Submit your Work

Your Bio

  • The ideal bio would be a personal biography in a 3rd person perspective with no more than 150 words. This should also be cleaned, formatted and proofread prior to submission. Please ensure you follow a bio similiar to this "[Your Name] is a visionary poet and artist who weaves together the power of words and the beauty of visual expression. With an innate ability to capture the depth of emotions and the nuances of the human experience, [Your Name] creates evocative poetry and mesmerizing artwork that transcends boundaries. Their poetic verses invite readers on a profound journey, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of existence. Through their artwork, [Your Name] paints vibrant narratives that blend imagination and reality, drawing viewers into captivating worlds of color and form. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a passion for self-expression, [Your Name] pushes artistic boundaries, constantly seeking new ways to ignite emotions and provoke thought. Their unique blend of poetry and art invites audiences to delve into the mysteries of life, encouraging introspection and a deeper connection with the shared human experience."

Description of Your Work

  • Please ensure to include a description of your work. The description is expected with no more than 30 words.
  • In case of multiple works that are different to each other, list the title and explain with a description in summary form.

Submission Payments

  • The fee is 8 USD per entry upon submission. Per entry can be upto 3 works. You only get one chance to submit, so ensure it's perfect before entry.
  • Submissions are collected via the form on the website submit page. We do not collect submissions in any other forms. If there are any issues regarding submissions, please contact info@zimetra.com.
  • Once you press submit, you will be re-directed to the payment stage which will open in a separate window.
  • After payment is complete, please wait till the browser re-directs you to the submission completion page where you will also find your 10% discount for orders on the ZIMETRA website catalog store. 
  • Your submissions will not be accepted until the payment has been processed.

What is the Reward after your submission is accepted for publication?

We greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into your submission.

  • If accepted, your work will be included in both our physical and digital publications.
  • As a reward for your outstanding contribution, you will receive 1 Free physical hard copy of our catalogue, delivered straight to your doorstep in your respective country. The digital publication download links will be sent to you via Email.
  • If accepted, we will feature you and your work on our Instagram page as one of the winning contributors/contributions to the catalog.
  • The chapbook will be available in Ebook platforms, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble and will also be available in print form for online purchase via the ZIMETRA website and Amazon.
  • The selected winners will recieve 20% off their purchase from the ZIMETRA website for chapbook purchases only.

Good luck with your submission, and thank you for considering ZIMETRA as a platform to showcase your work. We greatly appreciate your participation, and we look forward to reviewing your submission.

What if my work gets rejected?

  • If your work does not meet our judging criteria, we will inform you.
  • If your work is not selected for inclusion in the chapbook, kindly note that you will not receive a physical publication of the chapook.
  • You will receive a digital copy of the publication free of charge.
  • You will recieve 10% off our website orders.
  • Please note that we do not offer refunds even if you choose not to receive the magazine, as you had the opportunity to review the guidelines prior to submitting your work.

Please understand that our submission guidelines may vary for each competition.

However, there's no need to be disheartened as you can always apply for our next submission!

Is this Magazine a Digital or Physical Publication?

Yes we are operating as both a Physical and Digital publication!

Judging Panel

Sarah Blakely

Sarah Blakely is a talented artist based on the captivating west coast of the USA. A writer, musician, astrologer, and visual artist, she possesses a remarkable range of creative abilities. Sarah discovered her passion for writing at a young age, inspired by a book of poems gifted by her grandmother. Since then, she has excelled in creative writing, winning multiple awards and having her poetry featured in prestigious anthologies. With a focus on trauma, healing, and mental health, Sarah fearlessly explores these themes in her self-published book "Volcano Girl" and upcoming second collection. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she is also studying Journalism at the University of Oregon, further expanding her storytelling abilities. Sarah's exceptional talent and unwavering dedication make her a captivating and influential writer in the industry.

Enakshi Samarawickrama

An academic by profession, Enakshi has always had a deep love of reading. Starting off at a young age with mystery and detective fiction, she devoured everything she could find, from murder mysteries and fantasy fiction all the way to classics and literary fiction. Her love affair with books and reading brought her to her current profession as an assistant professor in literature at University of Nottingham Malaysia, specialising in the study of gender in crime fiction. Despite her special interest in this niche, Enakshi is a lover of poetry, taking great pleasure in reading a variety of poetry. As someone who writes poetry and short stories for herself as a coping mechanism, she is especially interested in encouraging authenticity in artistic expression.