Magazine Submission

 My Submission Journey to The Quill

Submitting a creative work to a literary journal was a challenge. For this assignment, I chose The Quill, Butler Community College’s literary magazine, which showcases poetry and short fiction from the Butler. Its focus on local voices and creativity made it the perfect choice for my poem, “Sound Riot.”

The Submission Process

Submitting to The Quill involved:

  1. Researching Guidelines: Submissions are sent via email as a Word document. While a cover letter wasn’t required, I included one to practice professionalism.
  2. Formatting the Poem: I carefully edited my poem for clarity and flow.
  3. Writing a Cover Letter: I introduced my work, explained its themes, and expressed enthusiasm for The Quill.
  4. Final Submission: I emailed the poem and cover letter to the faculty advisor, ensuring every detail met the guidelines given. 

My Poem: “The World is Straight Hell”

This poem heavily critiques systemic injustice, societal apathy, and superficial activism. Its bold tone and contemporary themes and language align with The Quill’s mission for creativity. 

Sound Riot 

The world is straight hell,
The press turns a blind eye, their cameras long gone,
We’re digits in columns, boxed tight like excel.

Commit crimes? Pigs gotta eat, collect rent and draw blood.
Prosecutors fatten the accused like lambs for slaughter.
But who’s worse? Which admin can we compel?

How much drugs “we” gotta sell?
Sheeple shuffle, people suffer - same damn creed.
Politicians lie, slick-tongued vultures in borrowed feathers.

And activists will linger - some just posing, hashtags their only trigger.
Burned by laws in fire like a holy matrimony,
The facts are buried but who the hell will ring the bell?

Reflections

This process taught me the importance of following submission guidelines and presenting work professionally. Submitting to The Quill was an experience that I hope to build on in the future.

Cover Letter included

Utilizing what I learned in Technical English this semester, I drafted this cover letter for my submission. for privacy I did not include my name, address, or phone number in this blog post. 

Mikaela S
********************,
********************,
********************,
********************,
12 December 2024

Amanda Hash
Faculty Advisor
The Quill
Butler Community College

Dear Ms. Hash,

I am pleased to submit my poem, “Sound Riot” for consideration in The Quill. The piece explores themes of systemic injustice, societal disillusionment, and activism through bold and evocative language. I believe it aligns with the journal’s commitment to showcasing creative and thought-provoking works.

I am currently a part time, non-traditional student and have a passion for exploring societal issues through poetry. This submission represents my voice and reflections on contemporary challenges within my community, and I hope it resonates with the readers of The Quill.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my work with your editorial team. I have attached the poem in Word format per the submission guidelines. I look forward to hearing from you regarding its consideration.

Sincerely,
Mikaela Scott

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