• Rachel Mennies refuses “to make a capitalist argument for poetry on behalf of poet, press, or journal.” Although acknowledging the reasons behind poetry submission fees, she’s not a fan of pay-to-play markets.

• Tucker Cummings acknowledges drawbacks of fees, but insists that “many pay-to-play markets are absolutely worth considering.”

What’s your take on submission fees? Do you keep track of what you spend on submissions? Are you planning to pay-to-play in 2018? Share in the comments.

In case you’re leaning toward fee-free options, Erica Verrillo regularly posts lists of free contests, as well as lists of paying markets, for all genres.

Image credit: Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Child Reading (Enfant lisant), early 1890s. Oil on canvas, Overall: 12 13/16 x 16 1/4 in. (32.6 x 41.3 cm). BF51. Public Domain.