If you’re a poet based in Dundee, Scotland, or nearby in Tayside, you’re part of a vibrant literary scene with deep roots in Scottish poetic tradition , from Edwin Morgan’s legacy to contemporary voices shaping today’s poetic landscape. But finding the right anthology to submit to , one that actually accepts poetry submissions , can still feel like searching for a rare book in a stack of manuscripts.
This guide highlights top anthologies, competitions, and literary magazines that accept poetry submissions, with a focus on opportunities that are accessible to poets in Dundee or the wider Scottish and UK literary ecosystem. Whether you’re just starting or have been writing for years, these venues are worth submitting to , and reading.
1. Poetry Scotland (Broadsheet Anthology)
Why It Matters:
Poetry Scotland is one of the most respected poetry broadsheets in Scotland, published twice yearly and known for its wide range of voices , from new poets to established names in English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic. It functions like an anthology in broadsheet form, collecting multiple poets’ work in each issue.
What They Publish
- New poetry in English, Scots, or Gaelic
- Work from both Scottish and international poets
- A mix of traditional and contemporary styles
Submission Window & Guidelines
- Submission windows typically run 1st–31st January & 1st–31st July each year.
- Submit up to three shorter poems (up to 50 lines each) or a single longer piece, with a total limit of about 150 lines.
- Guidelines strongly recommend not submitting outside the official window.
Why Dundee Poets Should Submit
Being published in Poetry Scotland is a meaningful milestone: it places your work alongside a community of writers shaping Scottish poetry today. Its readership includes poets, educators, and critics who attend festivals and readings across Scotland , including at events in Dundee and Glasgow.
👉 Best For: Emerging poets, bilingual voices (English & Scots/Gaelic), regional writers.
2. The Dark Horse (Literary Magazine With Anthology Qualities)
Why It Matters:
Based in Scotland , though not exclusively Dundee , The Dark Horse is a semiannual literary magazine with a strong reputation for poetry, essays, and criticism. This publication has featured major poets and offers a prestigious platform for serious poets.
What They Publish
- Original poetry
- Literary essays and interviews
- Submissions from writers anywhere in the world
Submission Details
- The Dark Horse accepts unsolicited poetry submissions by post (no open calls for specific anthologies at all times, but submissions are regularly considered).
- No entry fee.
Why Dundee Poets Should Submit
Publishing here places your work in a respected Scottish context, and because submissions are welcome without prior invitation, this is a great long-term submission target even if it isn’t strictly an “anthology.” Many poets use such placements to build credibility when applying to Scottish festivals or readings.
👉 Best For: Poets with strong, polished work; those wanting literary recognition.
3. Speculative Books (Poetry Submission Opportunity)
Why It Matters:
Speculative Books is listed on the Scottish Book Trust Opportunities for Writers page as currently accepting unsolicited poetry submissions. While not strictly an anthology publisher, Speculative Books often collects poetry in chapbooks or collections , a format similar to anthologies.
What They Publish
- Unsolicited poetry
- Typically short or themed collections
Submission Details
- No entry fee
- Submit poetry that reflects your voice and style
- Specific guidelines vary, so check Speculative Books’ own page for up-to-date instructions.
Why Dundee Poets Should Submit
This is a low-barrier route for poets to get published in Scotland , ideal for anyone without previous credits or with work that doesn’t fit a contest format.
👉 Best For: Poets seeking publication without contest constraints.
4. Southbank Centre’s Anthology Poetry Competition
Why It Matters:
Although not Scotland-based, this UK competition is a major poetry contest that ends in anthology publication: winning poems are published in future issues of the Anthology magazine. It’s open to poets worldwide and has cash prizes, which makes it attractive for Scottish writers.
What They Publish
- Original, previously unpublished poems in English
- No theme restriction
- Poems up to 40 lines
Submission Details
- Multiple prizes including €1,000 for the first place
- Entry fees apply (varies by date)
- Submission typically through the Southbank Centre portal
Why Dundee Poets Should Submit
This is one of the few UK contests that leads directly to anthology publication in a periodical. For poets aiming for national recognition, it’s worth the (modest) entry fee.
👉 Best For: Competitive poets and those seeking anthology placement + prize.
5. Anthology Magazine’s Poetry Awards & Competitions
Why It Matters:
Anthology magazine runs annual poetry competitions that result in publication in their anthology magazine. These contests are well established and open globally.
What They Publish
- Original poems (≤40 lines)
- Winners and shortlisted poets are published in Anthology
Submission Details
- Cash prizes for winners and runners-up
- Can be entered multiple times (each poem is its own entry)
- Entry requires a fee, and there are deadlines for each cycle
Why Dundee Poets Should Submit
Anthology magazine reaches international readers, putting Dundee poets into a global context. Even if the anthology isn’t Scottish, publication carries prestige.
👉 Best For: More confident poets with polished pieces.
6. Hidden/Local Poetry Anthologies (Digital & Community Projects)
Not all anthologies are published by major presses. Some community-driven collections also accept submissions , especially seasonal digital anthologies with themes.
Example: Togetherness Poetry Challenge Anthology
A Scotland & England digital anthology focusing on togetherness, collected from a wide pool of contributors. (This specific project is an example of thematic anthologies that show up periodically , check local literary calendars or organisations like Hidden Literature for future calls.)
Why Dundee Poets Should Keep an Eye Out
- These projects often have open submission calls, low or no fees, and reach audiences interested in local voices.
- They help poets build portfolios and community recognition.
👉 Best For: Emerging poets and those exploring themed writing.
7. Local Dundee University & Community Poetry Events
While the University of Dundee Poetry Contest on its own isn’t an anthology, many university-run contests culminate in printed or digital anthologies of student and community work. For instance, earlier University of Dundee contests invited poets to respond to specific prompts , and while this particular one may have age/eligibility requirements, other cycles often result in collections of winners’ work.
Tips for Dundee Poets
- Watch the University of Dundee’s arts and literature channels for open calls.
- Some community organisations collate submissions into event brochures or festival booklets that function like anthologies.
👉 Best For: Students and community creatives looking to publish locally.
Tips for Submitting Your Poetry Successfully
Whether you’re submitting to a formal anthology or a magazine that publishes collective issues, your approach matters. Here are practical submission tips that will increase your chances of being accepted:
✨ 1. Know the Submission Window
Most anthologies only accept poetry during specific windows (e.g., Poetry Scotland’s January/July windows). Sending work outside the window usually means it won’t be read.
✔ Keep a calendar of submission windows
✔ Set reminders at least one month in advance
✍️ 2. Follow Guidelines to the Letter
Every anthology or magazine has rules about:
- Lines or word limits
- File format (PDF, DOCX)
- How to format your name (often editors want no identifying info on the poems themselves)
- Whether simultaneous submissions are allowed
Not following guidelines can lead to automatic rejection.
📖 3. Read Back Issues Before Submitting
If possible, read earlier issues of the anthology or magazine. This helps you tailor your submission to their style and aesthetic.
🧠 4. Consider Themes or Specific Calls
Some anthologies have themes , like togetherness or social justice , and matching your poems to the theme can make them more competitive.
📬 5. Use Submittable and Mailing Lists
Many anthologies and magazines use platforms like:
- Submittable (for submissions)
- Mailing lists (announcing open calls)
- Social media for announcements
Following these makes sure you never miss a submission period.
Conclusion: A Rich Landscape for Dundee Poets
Even though there aren’t many anthologies published directly out of Dundee with open submission pages, the Scottish and UK poetry ecosystem offers plenty of opportunities for poets in Dundee to get published:
🌟 Poetry Scotland , Scotland’s broadsheet anthology with regular submission windows.
🌟 The Dark Horse , respected Scottish literary magazine with open poetry submissions.
🌟 Speculative Books , unsolicited poetry submissions accepted.
🌟 Southbank Centre Poetry Competition , UK anthology publication opportunity.
🌟 Anthology Magazine Awards , international contest and anthology publication.
🌟 Community/Local Projects , digital or themed anthologies with open calls.
No matter your experience level, there’s a pathway to being published , and being published alongside other voices in anthologies can propel your poetry career forward. Keep an eye on submission windows, follow guidelines carefully, and treat each anthology as a chance to share your voice with readers locally and beyond.
Disclaimer: The Legacy Ghostwriters shares publisher information for educational purposes only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the publishers listed, and we do not guarantee anything related to submissions, acceptance, or publication. Our team provides professional writing, editing, and marketing support to help authors prepare and present their work effectively.
