Birmingham’s poetry scene has been growing steadily over the past decade. Between vibrant local communities, independent presses, literary journals and themed anthology projects, poets based in the West Midlands , as well as those interested in reaching a UK audience , have more opportunities than ever to get their work into print. Whether you are an emerging voice or an established poet seeking a new platform, Birmingham and its surrounding cultural networks offer multiple submission paths.
In this guide, we explore the top poetry anthologies and poetry-centred publication outlets that are currently accepting submissions with a special emphasis on publishers, journals, and projects associated with Birmingham. We break down each opportunity, what editors are looking for, practical submission tips, and how to boost your chances of being chosen.
1. Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal
📌 Overview
At the heart of Birmingham’s poetry ecosystem is the Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal , a print and online publication that champions high-quality poetry and creative prose. While it functions as a twice-yearly literary journal, the work it accepts is often collected into what effectively becomes an annual anthology of contemporary poets.
Poetry Birmingham is driven by a passionate editorial team and is one of the most visible publication platforms for local and international writers connected to the Midlands. Though the submission window can change from year to year, the journal regularly opens to submissions from poets worldwide and welcomes works that push boundaries and take innovative approaches to language and form
📌 What They Publish
- Previously unpublished poetry , lyric, narrative, experimental, hybrid forms
- Visual or experimental pieces integrating text with other art forms
- Essays, reviews, and prose about poetry (in addition to verse)
- Sequences and individual poems up to a page-limit per issue
- Work in English, including international voices and translations (with permissions)
📌 Submission Tips
- Prepare up to five strong poems in a single document
- Include a brief bio and a cover letter addressed to the editor
- Follow formatting guidelines (serif fonts and clear titling)
- Check for open windows via newsletters or announcements , submissions are not always open year-round but reopen periodically
📌 Why It’s Valuable
Publishing with Poetry Birmingham places your work alongside both established and emerging poets in a curated anthology format. Contributors often find that the journal functions as a bridge between local recognition and wider UK poetic communities.
2. The Emma Press Anthologies (Birmingham-Based Publisher)
📌 Overview
The Emma Press, headquartered in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has become one of the UK’s most respected independent poetry and creative writing publishers. Though not exclusively an anthology in the traditional multi-voice sense, The Emma Press frequently issues themed poetry collections, chapbooks, and collaborative projects that function as anthologies of contemporary poets.
This press places a strong emphasis on accessibility, creative exploration, and artistic diversity. It actively engages with new voices through editorial programs and open submission calls that occur at specific times during the year.
📌 What They Publish
- Themed poetry collections (often bringing multiple poets together)
- Illustrated chapbooks and poetry-centric projects
- Collaborative works and special editions that highlight emerging voices
- Projects that intersect poetry with art, narrative or cultural themes
📌 Submission Windows
The Emma Press does not have a constant open submissions policy , instead, it offers submission periods throughout the year, which are often announced publicly. These calls can range from open themed anthologies to special collaborative volumes. Aspiring contributors should monitor announcements and follow the press’s submission guidelines when calls are active.
📌 What Editors Look For
- Original poetry that resonates with the anthology theme
- A distinctive voice and craft in language
- Poems that engage readers emotionally or intellectually
- Diversity in perspective and form
📌 Why It’s Worth Submitting
Being published by The Emma Press gives your poetry visibility within the UK’s larger poetry community. Their anthologies and collections often reach readers well beyond Birmingham, and being accepted by an independent press with a strong editorial reputation can be a springboard to further publishing opportunities.
3. Nine Series Anthologies by Nine Pens
📌 Overview
While not exclusively Birmingham-based, the Nine Series Anthologies curated by Nine Pens operate across the UK and regularly open calls for submissions that are accessible to poets in Birmingham and beyond. These themed anthologies each feature a select group of poets, uniting different voices under a central theme.
The unique format , where poets submit exactly nine poems , encourages cohesion and scholarship, inviting both individuals and small collaborative groups to participate.
📌 What They Publish
- Small-press anthologies curated around specific themes
- Contributions of nine poems from each participant
- Mix of emerging and established voices in UK poetry
- Some anthologies allow previously published poems that haven’t been collected together before
📌 Submission Requirements
- Submit exactly nine poems (no more, no less)
- Include biographical details and a brief introduction
- You may submit individually or as a trio of poets
- Works should not be previously published as a standalone collection
📌 Publication Experience
Selected poets receive author copies of the anthology, and the community-centric nature of these series means contributors often network and collaborate after publication.
📌 Why Poets Like This Format
The Nine Series model encourages both discipline and creativity. By working within a defined poetry count and themed approach, you’ll refine your body of work and place it in conversation with other contemporary voices.
4. Other Birmingham-Linked Anthology Opportunities
📌 Local and Emerging Projects
While the major named publishers and journals above represent the most established pathways, Birmingham’s literary landscape also includes emerging anthology-friendly projects and community-initiated publications:
✏ Ad Alta: The Birmingham Literary Journal
Some editions of Ad Alta , an interdisciplinary journal connected to the University of Birmingham , have featured creative work including poetry alongside academic and cultural writing. While primarily academic, Ad Alta occasionally accepts creative submissions from postgraduate and early-career writers, which can include poetry that later gains anthology-level exposure within its issues.
✏ Friends, Local Workshops & Festival Anthologies
Various community poetry groups and literary festivals in Birmingham often collect work into festival anthologies or commemorative publications. While not always publicly advertised, attending readings, workshops, or Birmingham Literature Festival events can connect you to editors and projects seeking fresh voices.
5. How to Prepare Your Submission Like a Pro
It’s one thing to find anthologies accepting submissions; it’s another to stand out once your work is in front of an editor. Here are practical tips that help you maximize your chances of being selected:
🌟 Choose Your Best Work
Editors read intensively curated submissions. Aim to submit your strongest poems, not simply the ones you wrote most recently. Quality over quantity is key in anthology curation.
📘 Follow Submission Guidelines Closely
Each anthology or journal will have very specific rules , from formatting to the number of poems you can send. Adhering to these guidelines shows respect for the editorial process and increases the likelihood your work will be read.
✉ Craft a Thoughtful Cover Letter
Your cover letter should be brief and professional. Introduce yourself, mention why your work fits this anthology, and thank the editor for their consideration.
📜 Include a Clean Biography
Most anthologies require a short bio. Keep it crisp, relevant, and focused on your poetry credentials. If you’ve been published elsewhere, mention it here.
🌱 Be Open to Feedback
If your work isn’t accepted on the first try, don’t be discouraged. Editors may offer notes, and you can use rejection as a way to refine your work for the next submission cycle.
6. Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Birmingham’s Poetry Scene
Birmingham has a thriving literary community that goes beyond its role as a physical city , it’s a hub for poets across the UK and internationally. Whether through Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal, The Emma Press, Nine Series Anthologies, or local creative initiatives, there are multiple pathways to see your poetry in print.
Success in these anthologies doesn’t just confer a publication credit; it helps you build a writing profile, connect with other poets, and enter ongoing dialogues about craft and community. Stay informed about deadlines, continually polish your work, and participate in the rich, supportive networks that make Birmingham a standout poetry home.
Disclaimer: The information regarding these anthologies is a general resource. Readers must independently verify all current submission requirements, including genres and deadlines, on the official press websites. We do not guarantee the accuracy of all details or the successful outcome of any submission.
