Plain Folk Anthology: Notes on American Folk Music A project of Madville Publishing (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (April 2025). We provide the following information as an archive. About Madville Publishing is looking for personal essays that touch upon the richness of the American folk music experience, from the perspective of those who, in some way, have helped to create it, perform it, and live it. Although American folk music is difficult to define, we embrace the largeness of this tradition, knowing that it might span any number of categories from traditional Appalachian to contemporary Taylor Swiftian. It may also include elements of jazz, gospel, rock, bluegrass, Indigenous drum circle, blues, reggae and beyond. Whatever instrument you play and whatever genre you’ve traveled through to get there, we are interested in stories that capture a poignant element of what American folk music contributes to our lives. You need not be a full-time folkie, road warrior, or even a well-established performer to submit.We call for essays that engage with the richness of the American folk music experience—how it has shaped us as individuals, as Americans, and how it continues to give expression and meaning to our lives. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. (Note: About 10% of anthologies always charge fees.) The fee is USD $8 (average for anthologies that charge). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2025 Publication Media & Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationOne-time publicationPrint Publication Print PublicationOne-time publication Nonfiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Essay: Up to 4,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Music: See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Payment:Professional payment (5 or more US cents per word) Professional payment. Details: USD $200 first prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to project webpage Report: Correction/Update Plain Folk Anthology: Notes on American Folk Music Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsArthur Smith Poetry Prize Charges fees for all submissionsBeing Home Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsDancehall Poetry Anthology CLOSEDFantastic Imaginary Creatures Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsMadville Publishing Blue Moon Novel Competition DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsMother Mary Anthology CLOSEDRunaway Stories Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSigned, Sealed, Delivered: The Motown Poetry Revue Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSticks & Bricks: Stories from the Wrong Side of Town CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsTaboos & Transgressions Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsWhite Winged Doves: A Stevie Nicks Poetry Anthology CLOSED Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 22 May 2026 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only