How do editors feel about shape poems or poems that have very long lines?
A. The problem with some shape poems is the difficulty of fitting them on a standard page (8.5″ h x 5.5 w”), especially if they have lines longer than 4.5″. The layout editor can only reduce the size of the print making the poem fit the page; now, the poem does not conform to the visual standards of the magazine. The editor has more leeway with poems with very long lines. The long lines can be broken, carried to the next line, and indented. The difficulty here is that the editor makes the decision where the line will be broken unless the editor has time to consult with the poet.
