EDITORIAL FEEDBACK
ONLY POEMS began as a magazine, but like poetry itself, it’s grown into something unruly and alive — an ecosystem of words and people and wild imagination. We believe that good feedback is an act of love — not the vague, “nice imagery!” kind, but one that meets a poem where it is and helps it become what it’s reaching for.
Our editors have spent years reading thousands of submissions, editing hundreds of published poems, and talking with poets at every stage of their craft. Through our feedback program, we bring that same attention and care to your work — whether you’re revising for publication, wrestling with a sequence, or craving a thoughtful and insightful reader for your work.
Every feedback session is handled by one of our editors. You’ll get close, considered commentary on craft, voice, structure, and emotional resonance, and everything that truly matters in a poem.
As part of our membership program, you can access discounted or complimentary feedback sessions depending on your tier. You can also purchase feedback directly if you’re not a member. Either way, we’re here to help you make your poems as luminous, strange, or devastating as they’re trying to be.
Our editors have spent years reading thousands of submissions, editing hundreds of published poems, and talking with poets at every stage of their craft. Through our feedback program, we bring that same attention and care to your work — whether you’re revising for publication, wrestling with a sequence, or craving a thoughtful and insightful reader for your work.
Every feedback session is handled by one of our editors. You’ll get close, considered commentary on craft, voice, structure, and emotional resonance, and everything that truly matters in a poem.
As part of our membership program, you can access discounted or complimentary feedback sessions depending on your tier. You can also purchase feedback directly if you’re not a member. Either way, we’re here to help you make your poems as luminous, strange, or devastating as they’re trying to be.
Purchase Feedback
Feedback Styles
Read the full submission guidelines below, or if you know what you want to submit and how to do it, then head directly to our submission portal.
MERCILESS
For poets who want the truth, unsoftened. We’ll take your poem apart — line by line, image by image — and tell you exactly where it’s working and where it’s losing the thread. No hand-holding, no false kindness, just clean, incisive critique that’ll make your work stronger.
Best for: seasoned poets, brave hearts, revision junkies.
Best for: seasoned poets, brave hearts, revision junkies.
Purchase Feedback
WORKSHOP
A gentle but thorough editorial read — equal parts critique and encouragement. We’ll offer close notes on what’s shining, what could open further, and how your poem might evolve through structure, voice, or image.
Best for: poets refining drafts or building a portfolio.
Best for: poets refining drafts or building a portfolio.
Purchase Feedback
CUSTOM
Completely tailored feedback for your needs — whether it’s a themed submission packet, a small collection, or a handful of poems in wildly different styles. Tell us what you’re working toward, and we’ll shape our feedback around that goal.
Best for: poets developing a manuscript or seeking focused editorial guidance.
Best for: poets developing a manuscript or seeking focused editorial guidance.
Purchase Feedback