The Blue Skunk Poetry Series is named for the literal translation of Mankato, the home base of RockSaw Press. When naming the town, the intention was to name it Mahkato, which in Dakota meant Blue Earth. However, thanks to a typographical error, it was named Mankato. Or, Blue Skunk. No one’s capitalized on the error in the literary world, so we thought we would.
In Spring of 2012, RockSaw Press will print the winning chapbook in a run of 200.
This year’s contest will be judged by Jude Nutter, author of I Wish I Had a Heart Like Yours, Walt Whitman; The Curator of Silence; and Pictures of the Afterlife .
The winner of the 2010 inaugural Blue Skunk Poetry Series was E.R. Carlin with his manuscript, Union Down.
Guidelines:
Reading Period: April 2nd through July 15th. There is no specific theme to the contest. We want to see the best work you’ve got.
Include two cover page--the first with Title, Name, Address, E-mail, and Phone; the second with Title only. Name and title should not appear anywhere else in the manuscript itself.
Poetry manuscript must be 24 pages or under of text (excluding front matter). We do not accept translations, however, if you’re work involves a little foreign language, that’s fine so long as understanding does not depend on knowing that language.
Start each new poem on its own page.
Previously published individual poems are ok, so long as they’ve not appeared in a book length format.
A non-refundable reading fee of $10.00 should be made payable to RockSaw Press, or paid with well-concealed cash. (If submitting online, pay by card or paypal through the submission manager). Reading fee goes to help cover cost of the book and press costs. Any extra will add to the prize money.All submissions must be typed. Do not send your only copy as we cannot return manuscripts.Simultaneous submissions ok--notify us immediately if manuscript is accepted elsewhere.Multiple submissions ok if accompanied by a reading fee for each manuscript submitted.Include a S.A.S.E. for response. If you want receipt confirmation, also include an addressed and stamped postcard.Mark on envelope “Contest.”Winner will receive 20 copies of the chapbook and a $100 prize (prize amount may go up depending on amount of submissions).Finalists will receive a copy of the winning chapbook.
Submissions not selected for the Blue Skunk Poetry Series will be considered for general publication.
Submissions may be electronically submitted via Submishmash or mailed to:
RockSaw Press-Attn: BSPS
317 ½ E. Main St.
Mankato, MN 56001
via rocksawpress.com