Editor Interview: Thomas Merton Prize in Poetry of the Sacred Go to the listing List all editor interviews Edit answers (editors only) Describe what you publish in 25 characters or less.Contemplative poetryWill Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022What other current publications (or publishers) do you admire most?Fons VitaeAve Maria PressMilkweed SarabandeParabolaBuddhaDharmaSojournersWill Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022If you publish writing, who are your favorite writers? If you publish art, who are your favorite artists?Thomas Merton, Mary Oliver, Thich Nhat Hanh, Hildegard von Bingen, Wendell Berry, Howard Thurman, James BaldwinWill Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022What sets your publication apart from others that publish similar material?The?Poetry of the Sacred?contest has received thousands of submissions touching every aspect of spiritual life. Poetry has been called ‘the language of the soul’ and this annual contest encourages poets to awaken the reader to the deep meaning and beauty of a contemplative life. Poems are evaluated based on literary excellence, authenticity and spiritual tenor.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022What is the best advice you can give people who are considering submitting work to your publication?Meditate, pray, take a long walk in nature, serve others selflessly, seek quietness. Read ancient texts to pull out meaning for today.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022Describe the ideal submission.A poem that causes us to pause, to reflect on a moment or a memory. Poems that turn inward on themselves and become a mirror for the reader. Poems there refer to ancient t wisdom, sacred texts, the mystic knowledge that has come before us.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022What do submitters most often get wrong about your submissions process?We prefer poems that are personal, that speak to an individual's lived experience.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022How much do you want to know about the person submitting to you?We only want the information requested on the submission form, we do not require a cover page.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022If you publish writing, how much of a piece do you read before making the decision to reject it?We read all submissions through to end before making accept/decline decisions.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022How much do you edit an accepted piece prior to publication?We only edit for spelling, leaving grammatical decisions to the author to review before final publication.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022Do you nominate work you've published for any national or international awards?Winning poems may be submitted for a Pushcart Prize.Will Hollis, Editor on 23 February 2022 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