We recommend you read these helpful hints before submitting.
Blind Judging
KAKALAK uses a “blind” judging process, which means the judges do not receive contestants’ names until
after their choices of inclusion are made. To maintain the integrity of this process, we stress that you send all your personal information within the body of your email and make sure your files (attachments) contain no
personal identifiers. And please direct your questions to the publisher only.
Your Name, Pen Name,
& PayPal Name
We need to know the name you go by—and, if different, your name as you want it published. We also require you provide your name AS IT APPEARS in PayPal so we can match your payment to your submission. When the PayPal account you use lists a business name or spouse’s/partner’s name (or has different email addresses or other contact information), we can’t know which submission goes with which payment—unless you tell us.
Definition of “Unpublished”
We define “unpublished” as not appearing in a printed or online publication. We have come to the realization, however, that not every form of sharing your creative endeavors should be considered “published.” With that in mind, here’s a list (not all inclusive) of what we DO ACCEPT:
- Artwork appearing in personal electronic galleries
- Artwork shared on social media
- Poetry posted on personal blogs or social media
- Poetry performed on social media, i.e., YouTube
Please note any poem or art that appears in a printed or online book/journal is considered “published.” That includes a collection by different poets/artists and a collection by one poet/artist. The publisher’s identity does not matter—we put equal weight to the worth of a book published by a publishing company vs. a self-published book.
Simultaneous Submissions
Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please notify us immediately at Kakalak@carolina.rr.com if your poem or artwork is accepted for an award or publication from another publication.
Notification of Contest Results
We plan to notify contestants of the judges’ decisions in July. Please set yourself a reminder and add Kakalak@carolina.rr.com to your list of accepted emails, so our notification doesn’t end up in your SPAM or blocked completely.
What We Do NOT Accept
We do not accept pornography or poems promoting ethnic or religious hatred.
Please send all questions directly to the publisher at Kakalak@carolina.rr.com.