Magazine Submissions
Theme: What We Carry.
You are welcome to interpret the theme “What We Carry” however you like:
- Metaphorically
- Emotionally
- Literally
- Or even something unexpected!
Magazine Submissions – Issue #6
Submissions are now open for Issue #6.
Welcome to the official submissions page for Poems, Tales & Other English Words. Here you can find everything you need to submit your writing or artwork for our upcoming editions.
We publish short fiction, flash, poetry, essays and artwork from emerging and established creators. Our submission guidelines are designed to be clear, friendly, and accessible for writers and artists across the UK and beyond.
The theme for Issue #6 is “What We Carry”. You are welcome to interpret the theme however you like: metaphorically, emotionally, literally, or even something unexpected.
Current & Upcoming Issues — Magazine Submissions Overview
Issue #1 (Children’s Edition) is available to order from our store.
Issue #2 (Speculative Fiction Edition) is available to order from our store.
Issue #3 (PRIDE Edition) is available to order from our store.
Issue #4 (Christmas Edition) is now published and available to order from our store.
Issue #5 (Poetry Edition) is now published and available to order from our store. Issue #6 submissions are now OPEN.
You can also browse all previous editions via our Previous Editions collection.
What We Are Looking For – Magazine Submissions
- Poetry (all forms and genres welcome)
- Short fiction, flash, and essays
- Art & illustration for the cover and interior pages
Submissions for Issue #6 are now open. The theme is “What We Carry” and you are welcome to interpret it however you like: metaphorically, emotionally, literally, or even something totally unexpected. Surprise us!
magsubmissions@bigthinkingpublishing.com
About Poems, Tales & Other English Words – Our Literary Magazine
Poems, Tales & Other English Words is our quarterly literary magazine, created to spotlight new voices in poetry, fiction, art and non-fiction. We keep the magazine submissions process free, accessible, and welcoming.
Every edition is available as a free digital download, with paperback versions available at cost from our store. Revenue is used to support the next issue, including professional formatting and design.
Looking for inspiration? Explore all past issues via our Previous Editions page, and visit our main magazine hub here: Quarterly Magazine .
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of magazine is this?
Our magazine is a non-profit, community-focused publication created to give writers the experience of being published and seeing their work in print (and digital form). It is not a literary review or prestige journal. We are proudly focused on encouragement, access, and inclusion rather than gatekeeping.
Is the magazine non-profit?
Yes. This magazine is run on a non-profit basis. Any income generated goes directly back into covering production costs such as design, hosting, and printing — not personal profit.
Why is the magazine free to download?
The magazine is available as a free digital download so it can be shared widely and accessed by as many readers as possible. Contributors are encouraged to share it within their own networks so that everyone included benefits from greater visibility.
Do contributors get paid?
No. As a non-profit publication, we are unfortunately not able to offer payment for submissions. Contributors submit work with the understanding that publication itself is the benefit offered.
Do contributors receive a free printed copy?
We’re not able to provide complimentary printed copies. Printing and postage involve real costs, and keeping the magazine free and accessible means we must be careful with resources. Contributors are very welcome to purchase a copy if they wish.
Do you accept every submission?
We aim to be inclusive and encouraging, particularly for emerging voices. While we cannot guarantee inclusion of every submission, we do our best to feature work from as many contributors as possible, provided it meets a basic standard of care, effort, and suitability for the magazine.
What rights do you take to my work?
We request a non-exclusive licence to publish your work in the magazine and retain it as part of our archive. You remain free to publish the work elsewhere at any time.
How will my work be used?
Your work will appear in the magazine itself. We do not use contributors’ work or names for promotional purposes outside of the publication.
When will the magazine be published?
Publication dates are shared with contributors in advance. We take deadlines seriously and communicate clearly if any changes arise.
Is this the right place for me to submit?
This magazine is best suited to writers who value community, generosity, and creative encouragement, and who understand the realities of non-profit publishing. If you are seeking payment, contributor copies, or a highly selective literary review environment, this may not be the right fit.
Still have questions?
If you’ve read this page and still need clarification, you’re very welcome to get in touch. We’re always happy to help — and we really appreciate contributors taking the time to understand the ethos of what we’re building.