The editors of Hawk & Whippoorwill seek thoughtful and well-crafted poetry which takes up the topic of "nature and humankind". (Our tagline was formerly "man and nature", but we're committed to being more inclusive.)

This journal is a resurrection of August Derleth's much-admired magazine of the 60s. In keeping with his original mission, we publish only poetry in print. However, we're glad to consider essays or interviews for our website. 

English translations of foreign-language poetry are welcome provided that the translator has obtained publication rights from the copyright holder.

With any submission of poetry for possible publication, please indicate whether you wish to receive editorial feedback with any decision. 

And please let us know what your favorite species is. 

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Submit to 2027 North Atlantic Right Whale Anthology

We invite submissions of poetry and visual artwork engaging with the North Atlantic Right Whale — Eubalaena glacialis — or closely related aspects of its ecology, history, and environment (e.g. copepod prey, ghost fishing gear, whaling technology, amphipods who inhabit the whales’ callosities).

Selected texts or artwork will be considered for inclusion in a chapbook published by the Hawk & Whippoorwill imprint in Spring 2027. Selected works may also be considered for associated letterpress broadsides and project publicity. Publication arrangements and permissions will be discussed with accepted contributors.

We welcome contributions from established and emerging poets and artists, including those working in science, conservation, education, and related fields. Our editorial interest is in work that brings attention, imagination, and care to the life and circumstances of this remarkable animal.

When submitting, please observe the following guidelines:

  1. Deadline: 11:59 PM (EST) on February 1, 2027. 
  2. If submitting Poetry: Submit up to three poems in a single document, preferably in PDF or Word format. There are no restrictions on poetic form, style, or length, though we encourage contributors to consider the dimensions and character of a printed chapbook.
  3. If submitting Visual Art: Submit up to three works of original visual art, including illustration, photography, drawing, or printmaking. Please upload JPG, PNG, or PDF files suitable for editorial review. High-resolution production files may be requested from selected contributors.
  4. Regarding Subject Matter: Submissions must engage directly with the North Atlantic Right Whale or a closely related aspect of its world, such as its prey, habitat, migration, conservation, or encounters with human beings. We welcome imaginative, documentary, scientific, historical, and experimental approaches.
  5. Regarding Originality and Rights: Contributors must hold the rights necessary to submit their work for publication. Please identify any previously published material, substantial quotations, or content which might require permissions.
  6. Simultaneous Submissions... are welcome. Please notify us promptly if your work is accepted elsewhere.
  7. Include a brief biographical note (50–100 words) with your submission. We also welcome a short statement about your interest in the subject or any scientific, historical, or other sources informing your work. This statement is optional.
  8. We do not accept poetry or artwork generated, in whole or in part, using generative AI tools.

Questions about eligibility, format, or the suitability of your work are welcome. When in doubt, ask! Contact the project editors via whales@penandanvil.com. For additional information about the project, visit www.penandanvil.com/rightwhales.

Thanks to funding support from the Schmidt Sciences/UC Santa Cruz Science Communication Program, there is no submission fee for potential contributors.