Poetry London accepts submissions through its online submissions manager, and the magazine is currently open to unsolicited poetry from both established and emerging writers. The editors read submissions year-round, but there are specific deadlines for each issue, and you should check the magazine’s website for the current reading window before sending work.
Background of the Magazine
Poetry London is a leading UK poetry magazine, published three times a year (Spring, Summer, and Autumn). It was founded in 1988 and has since become one of the most respected outlets for contemporary poetry in the English-speaking world. The magazine features a mix of well-known poets and new voices, along with reviews, essays, and interviews. It is run by a small editorial team, and the current editor is André Naffis-Sahely (as of the last publicly available information). The magazine is based in London but accepts submissions from poets anywhere in the world, as long as they write in English.
How the Submission Process Works
Submissions are handled through an online system, typically Submittable. You will need to create an account, then upload your poems as a single document (PDF, Word, or similar). The process is straightforward:
- Go to the Poetry London website and find the “Submit” page.
- Click the link to the submissions manager.
- Create an account or log in.
- Fill in your details (name, email, etc.).
- Upload your manuscript (usually 3-6 poems, but check the guidelines).
- Pay the submission fee (if applicable) or confirm your free submission (if you are a subscriber).
- Submit and wait for a response.
You will receive a confirmation email, and you can track the status of your submission online. The editors aim to respond within 3-6 months, but it can take longer depending on the volume of submissions.
Guidelines and What They Look For
Poetry London publishes poems of any style or subject, but they favor work that is original, technically accomplished, and emotionally resonant. They are open to formal and free verse, experimental and traditional. They do not publish translations unless the translator is also the author (i.e., self-translation). They do not accept poems that have been published elsewhere, including on personal blogs or social media. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but you must notify them immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.
Specific guidelines (as per the magazine’s website):
- Submit up to 6 poems, but no more than 200 lines in total.
- Include your name and contact details on the manuscript.
- Do not include a cover letter unless you have specific information to share (e.g., if you are a debut poet or have a connection to the magazine).
- Use a clear font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12pt).
- Put each poem on a new page.
- Do not include your name in the document if you want to submit anonymously (they allow anonymous submissions for poets who prefer that).
Submission Fees and Subscriptions
Poetry London charges a small fee for submissions, which helps cover the cost of reading and managing the magazine. The fee is currently £3 for a batch of up to 6 poems (as of the latest guidelines). However, if you are a subscriber to the magazine, you can submit for free. This is a common model for literary magazines, as it encourages readership and support. If you are on a low income, you can request a fee waiver – the editors have a policy to waive fees for those who cannot afford them. You can email them directly to ask.
How to Choose Which Poems to Submit
Selecting your strongest work is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Choose poems that are cohesive in theme or style, but not too similar – show range.
- Lead with your strongest poem – the first one is read first and sets the tone.
- Edit ruthlessly – cut any weak lines or clichés.
- Read recent issues of Poetry London to understand what they publish – you can buy digital or print copies.
- Get feedback from trusted readers before submitting.
- Make sure your poems are in their final form – don’t submit drafts.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Many submissions are rejected because of avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common:
- Ignoring the guidelines – sending too many poems, or not following formatting.
- Submitting work that is not ready – typos, awkward phrasing, or unfinished ideas.
- Sending poems that are obviously not a fit for the magazine – e.g., very long narrative poems when the magazine favors lyric poetry.
- Not checking for simultaneous submissions – if you submit elsewhere and forget to withdraw, it can cause problems.
- Submitting multiple times in the same reading period – wait for a response before sending more.
To avoid these, read the guidelines carefully, proofread your work, and be patient. Also, don’t take rejection personally – even famous poets get rejected.
Comparison with Other UK Poetry Magazines
Poetry London is often compared to other major UK poetry magazines like The Poetry Review (published by the Poetry Society) and Magma. Here’s a quick comparison:
- The Poetry Review – the oldest and most prestigious, with a similar submission model (fee, online system). It tends to publish more established names.
- Magma – a smaller, more experimental magazine, with a themed issue each time. It is more open to new poets.
- Poetry London – sits in between, with a broad aesthetic and a strong commitment to international poetry.
Each magazine has its own personality, so it’s worth reading a few issues to see which one aligns with your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit poems that have been published on my blog?
No, Poetry London (like most magazines) considers blog posts as prior publication. They want unpublished work, so if you’ve posted a poem online, it is no longer eligible. You can, however, submit poems that have been read at a live event or shared in a workshop, as long as they haven’t been published in print or online.
How long does it take to hear back?
The editors say 3-6 months, but it can be longer. They read all submissions, but they get thousands each cycle. You can check the status online, and they will notify you by email when a decision is made. If you haven’t heard after 6 months, you can email them to ask.
Do they accept translations?
They only accept self-translations, meaning you must be the author of the original poem and the translation. They do not accept translations of other poets’ work, because they prefer to publish poems in their original language (and they do publish poems in languages other than English, but with a translation). However, they do publish translation features occasionally, but those are usually commissioned.
Can I submit if I’m not from the UK?
Yes, absolutely. Poetry London is an international magazine, and they welcome submissions from anywhere. The only requirement is that the poems are written in English (or self-translated). Many international poets have been published in the magazine.
Is there a fee waiver?
Yes, they offer fee waivers for poets who cannot afford the submission fee. You can request a waiver by emailing them before submitting, and they will provide a code. This is a standard practice for many literary magazines to ensure accessibility.
What happens after my poem is accepted?
If your poem is accepted, you will receive an email with details about the issue and the publication date. You will be asked to sign a contract (usually online) that grants the magazine first publication rights. You will also receive a small payment (honorarium) and a copy of the issue. The exact amount varies, but it’s typically around £30-£50 per poem.
Final Tips for a Successful Submission
Before you hit submit, do a final check:
- Read your poems aloud to catch any awkwardness.
- Check that your name is on the manuscript (unless you are submitting anonymously).
- Make sure your contact details are correct.
- Have you followed the formatting guidelines exactly?
- Have you saved your document as a PDF to avoid formatting issues?
- Have you included a brief bio if required? (Usually not needed for poetry submissions, but check.)
Once you submit, don’t obsess – go write more poems. The best way to increase your chances is to keep writing and submitting to multiple magazines. Good luck.
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