Phantom Kangaroo is a print and online journal of otherworldly poetry. The journal was launched in 2010 after the editor read about an odd occurrence: ghost-like kangaroos appearing in strange places. The phantom kangaroos were reported to do bizarre things: they disappeared; they hopped through walls. The editor saw them as an omen, “A cryptic warning that you will soon be falling into the unknown.” Similarly, the poems in Phantom Kangaroo speak of, “the otherworldly, mystical, bizarre.”
Phantom Kangaroo is published three times a year. Each edition includes 13 poems by 13 poets. You can read the journal online to get a sense of their aesthetic. Each edition is also published in print.
Phantom Kangaroo is open to submissions periodically. Right now through April 13th they’re seeking submissions for their 27th issue, scheduled to be published in June 2022.
Phantom Kangaroo accepts all forms and styles of poetry, but the subject matter should be, “esoteric, paranormal, surreal, mystical, or supernatural.” Poets may submit up to three poems. Submitting poets can expect a response within one month.
Poets published in Phantom Kangaroo receive two contributor copies of the print journal.
Phantom Kangaroo accepts submissions online using Submittable. They do not accept submissions via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw work published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published work.
Phantom Kangaroo only accepts submissions that adhere to the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting.
If you would like to learn more or submit to Phantom Kangaroo, 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.
