Call for Submissions

J.D. Scrimgeour, the city of Salem’s Poet Laureate, invites you to submit a piece (or pieces) of poetry or prose about your experiences living in Salem for Pieces of Salem, an anthology to commemorate the city’s quadricentennial. 

The works can be either prose or poetry, but the total number of words for all submissions must be no more than 400 words (so, for example, you could submit two poems of 200 words each). If you would like some ideas for what to write about, please click here.

Those whose work is accepted will receive one complimentary copy of the anthology. Additional copies may be purchased with an author’s discount.

Who is eligible?

Anyone who has lived or worked in Salem for at least one year. Submitters will be asked to briefly describe their connection to the city when they submit.

What is the deadline to submit work?

 The deadline is December 1, 2025

When will I know if my work has been accepted?

All work will get a response no later than December 31, 2025.

Questions can be sent to J.D. Scrimgeour at poet@salem.com