Sheffield has one of the richest poetry cultures in the UK, with a deep tradition of verse, spoken word and literary community engagement. From grassroots competitions and youth anthologies to nationally recognised poetry collections published by presses based in the city, Sheffield offers exciting paths for poets to get published.
This guide highlights the most relevant poetry anthology opportunities that welcome submissions from poets in Sheffield and beyond. Whether you’re a first-time submitter or an experienced writer looking to expand your publication record, read on for detailed submission landscapes, examples of past anthologies and how to approach them.
1. The Poetry Business Anthology Opportunities (Sheffield-Based Press)
Why It Matters
One of the UK’s most respected poetry presses, The Poetry Business, is headquartered in Sheffield. Over the years, it has published a range of anthologies, special collections and guest-edited volumes that showcase diverse poetic voices.
Although the press does not accept unsolicited manuscripts for books directly year-round, it regularly advertises open calls for anthology and poetry collection submissions via its website and social media.
What Kinds of Projects Are Published
- Group or themed anthologies, often tied to Sheffield’s literary events (e.g., Off The Shelf Festival).
- Collections arising from guest editor residencies and new poets’ lists.
- Special issue anthologies celebrating local voices and broad themes.
Submission Tips
- Sign up to The Poetry Business mailing list to receive timely alerts about open calls.
- Follow their editorial calendar — anthology calls often align with literary festivals and seasonal programming.
2. Sheffield Young Poets Anthology (Youth-Focused Publication)
About the Opportunity
Every year, the Sheffield Young Poets Award invites submissions from young writers across the city, culminating in an anthology of winning works edited with the city’s Poet Laureate.
This anthology is unique because it:
- Encourages school-age poets to submit original poetry.
- Offers publication in an actual printed anthology.
- Includes workshops and celebration events with other young writers.
Who Should Submit
- Poets aged within participating school categories (usually up to GCSE age groups).
- Emerging teen poets looking for a first credit and community engagement.
3. Off The Shelf Festival & Affiliated Anthologies
Literary Festival With Publication Paths
Sheffield’s Off The Shelf Festival of Words is an annual multi-venue literary event that often features poetry anthology launches, guest readings and open-submission events.
While the festival itself doesn’t directly publish poetry anthologies, it partners with presses like The Poetry Business to showcase anthology collections and sometimes to organise submission-related calls.
Why It’s Relevant
- Anthology launches during the festival can generate new opportunities.
- Sheffield poets are often sought for contributing to themed anthologies tied to festival programming.
4. UK-Wide Anthologies Popular With Sheffield Poets
Many Sheffield writers also target UK-wide poetry anthologies that accept open submissions with no strict geographical limits. These provide broader exposure and help develop a publishing track record.
Note: UK‐wide anthologies typically have competitive selection processes, but Sheffield’s strong literary scene often leads to successful submissions when the work is polished.
5. Emerging / Alternative Anthology Platforms
Other opportunities that are not strictly Sheffield-based but are submission friendly can help poets build experience and credits:
- Selected Poetry anthologies — free submissions with curated collections of contemporary work.
- fourteen poems, which publishes themed anthologies with payment and selections.
- Open digital or hybrid anthology calls that run throughout the year across platforms like Submittable and Duotrope (these often list anthologies accepting submissions, including poetry).
6. How to Submit Successfully (Best Practices)
Submissions are competitive, so the way you prepare your work matters. Here’s a checklist that can increase your chances of getting published:
✍️ Before You Submit
- Read the submission guidelines carefully — each anthology/editorial team has different rules about formatting, themes and previous publication status.
- Polish your poems — workshopping with peers or a local group (e.g., Sheaf Poetry Festival sessions) can sharpen your work.
- Target appropriate themes — many anthologies seek poetry that aligns with specific topics or emotional registers.
- Format properly — clean fonts, titles, line numbering if requested, and adherence to line limits all make your submission easier to read.
7. Calendar & Deadlines (Typical Windows)
Submission windows vary year to year but here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
| Anthology / Platform | Usual Submission Window | Notes |
| The Poetry Business anthology calls | Seasonal / announced online | Often tied to festival seasons |
| Forward Book of Poetry | Annual (check Poetry Society) | Highly competitive UK anthology |
| Bloodaxe Poetry series | Varies by book project | Identified through publisher calls |
| Selected Poetry | Quarterly or seasonal | Typically free digital anthology |
| fourteen poems | Year-round for next issue | Quarterly publication cycle |
| Sheffield Young Poets | Local yearly schedule | Specific ages and deadlines |
(Exact dates change — always confirm with the latest call details.)
8. Sheffield’s Literary Community & Submission Support
Local Events & Workshops
Being active in Sheffield’s poetry scene increases your visibility and chances of publication:
- Sheaf Poetry Festival — community events, readings and networking opportunities.
- Open mic nights and poetry meetings — local cafés and venues often host poetry nights, which can be sources of collaboration or anthology themed events.
University & Creative Writing Scene
The Centre for Poetry and Poetics and Creative Writing at the University of Sheffield fosters connections between poets, editors and publishers — a valuable resource for understanding anthology trends and finding collaborators or publication opportunities.
9. Final Tips for Sheffield Poets
When looking to publish in poetry anthologies:
🎯 Start local, think national
Sheffield anthologies and local opportunities can be a springboard to UK-wide collections.
📅 Track submission dates
Use tools like Submittable, Duotrope or even local literary group mailing lists to stay on top of calls.
📚 Build a strong portfolio
Multiple submissions to different anthologies over time help you identify where your voice fits best.
📝 Seek feedback before submitting
Peer review and workshops improve the quality of your submission and reduce rejection chances.
Conclusion
Sheffield is more than just a city of steel and culture; it’s a vibrant hub for poets seeking publication and recognition. From The Poetry Business’ anthology opportunities to Sheffield Young Poets’ community anthology, and a growing list of UK-wide poetry collections welcoming submissions, there is something for every voice — whether emerging, experimental, or established.
Submit with confidence — but also with care: read the guidelines, polish your work, and engage with the local scene. That’s the surest path to seeing your poems in print and joining the next generation of voices shaping contemporary poetry from Sheffield 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.
