The Alchemy Spoon is a journal of poetry published by Clayhanger Press. They have a special interest in showcasing writing by “new phase” poets: “poets who have come late to poetry, often following retirement, or a life-change.” You can get a sense of what they publish by reading early issues of the journal online, or by watching the launch of their most recent issue here.
Since its start in 2020, The Alchemy Spoon has been published three times a year. Earlier issues were published as free digital downloads, which are still available in the journal’s online archive. More recent issues have been sold in print. Each issue features around 40 contributors, both established voices and previously unpublished poets. A significant portion of each issue is dedicated showcasing new phase authors.
Now through June 30, The Alchemy Spoon is open to submissions for issue 16, themed “Food”. Poets may submit up to three poems on this theme, 40 lines or fewer each. New phase poets should identify themselves as such in their cover letter.
The Alchemy Spoon also accepts essays on poetry-related topics, as well as reviews of poetry collections. Authors of such essays and reviews should query the editors before submitting. Authors can also suggest collections of poetry for review. The Alchemy Spoon also accepts artwork to be used on the cover. They aim to respond to submissions quickly.
The Alchemy Spoon accepts submissions online using Duosuma, not via email or by post. They accept simultaneous submissions but ask that authors withdraw writing published elsewhere. They do not accept previously published writing, including writing published in books and magazines, or on webpages, including social media. They also do not accept submissions from authors who are younger than 18.
The Alchemy Spoon only accepts submissions that follow the guidelines they’ve posted online. Please read these guidelines in full before submitting. They do not accept poems assisted or generated by AI.
If you would like to learn more or submit to The Alchemy Spoon, 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.
