Claw & Blossom is an online literary journal of poetry and prose that explores the human experience in relation to the natural world. They’re looking for deep, thoughtful writing on life’s challenges and complexities. They prefer carefully crafted language and profound, resonant imagery.
Since 2019, Claw & Blossom has published four seasonal issues each year. Each issue is themed, and right now through February 21st, they’re looking for submissions on the theme “Water.” Authors may send one submission per issue.
“Water” will be their eighth edition, and its publication will correspond with this year’s March equinox. Submitting authors can expect a response within three months.
Poets may submit one poem. Claw & Blossom prefers free verse poetry. They don’t often publish traditional forms. Authors of prose may submit up to 1,000 words, as a single piece or as a series of linked flashes. Claw & Blossom doesn’t publish genre fiction like horror or erotica. Also, they prefer writing with narrative movement. They don’t usually publish odes or portraits.
Claw & Blossom reads submissions blind, so they’re a good venue for unpublished authors. They pay authors $25 per accepted piece.
Claw & Blossom accepts submissions online, through Submittable, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors immediately withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work, and do not accept work that doesn’t adhere to these guidelines. Please read their guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Claw & Blossom, please visit their website here.
Bio: Ella Peary is the pen name for an author, editor, creative writing mentor, and submission consultant. Over the past five years, she’s written hundreds of articles for Authors Publish, and she’s also served as a copywriter and copy editor for a wide range of organizations and individuals. She is the author of The Quick Start Guide to Flash Fiction. She occasionally teaches a course on flash fiction. You can contact her at ellapeary@gmail.com.