Poem Stellium

SUBMISSIONS

we are closed for submissions.

General Submissions and Competitions are separate. This page is for general open calls only. Competitions are listed on the Competitions page.
At Poem Stellium, submissions open in cycles rather than on a fixed, year-round schedule. When open, we welcome creative work that speaks with honesty, feeling, and intention.
Our submission spaces are designed to feel spacious rather than rushed — allowing contributors to share work when it feels ready, not forced.
When submissions are closed, this page will be updated with information about upcoming calls.

What We Accept

When open, Poem Stellium accepts work across two creative areas:

Poetry & Short Writing

Poetry and short written pieces that explore emotion, experience, memory, identity, or inner life. We are drawn to work that feels sincere, reflective, and thoughtfully crafted.

This category includes poetry and short prose pieces that hold narrative, emotional, or lyrical weight.

Narrative Art

Narrative Art at Poem Stellium is an open and evolving category. It exists to hold creative work that communicates story, feeling, or meaning through visual or mixed forms.

This may include — but is not limited to — illustration, photography, mixed media, or other visual expressions that carry a sense of narrative, symbolism, or emotional intention.

Rather than focusing on a strict definition or medium, we are interested in the story or feeling the work carries. Narrative Art can be personal, abstract, symbolic, experimental, or quietly expressive.

Details and requirements may vary depending on the specific call, and will always be shared when submissions are open.

Submission Cycles

Poem Stellium opens for general submissions in cycles throughout the year rather than on fixed dates.
When a submission window is open, contributors are welcome to submit work on any topic and in any style (poetry, short writing, or Narrative Art within the category guidelines). These calls are not theme-based.
Please check this page during open calls to see what is currently accepting work.

Submission Options

When submissions are open, two options may be available:

1. Standard Submission (Free)

  • One piece per submission window
  • No bio, photo, or media required
  • Work is presented in Poem Stellium’s clean, minimal house style
  • Ideal for contributors who want their work shared simply and respectfully

2. Featured Submission (£5)

A more in-depth presentation of your work.

If accepted, a featured submission may include:

  • A short bio (up to 80 words)
  • A headshot
  • An optional video or visual element related to your work

This option is intended for contributors who would like a fuller, more personalised showcase.

Media Notes (for Featured Submissions)

For contributors based in or near London:

A headshot or short video session may be arranged where possible.

For contributors outside London:

You may submit your own materials, provided they meet the following general standards:

  • Images: high resolution, natural lighting, neutral or simple background
  • Video: minimum 720p, clear audio, quiet environment

Exact requirements may vary depending on the submission call.

About the Submission Fee

The £5 featured submission fee helps support the ongoing running of Poem Stellium, including:

  • website hosting and maintenance
  • equipment and editing tools
  • design updates
  • outreach and platform development

This fee does not guarantee publication.

All funds are reinvested directly into sustaining the platform. Poem Stellium is independently run and does not operate for personal profit.

Standard submissions remain free and accessible.

Important Notes

  • All work must be original and previously unpublished
  • Submissions must be in English
  • Narrative Art should be submitted as a PDF unless stated otherwise
  • Simultaneous submissions are allowed — please notify us if your work is accepted elsewhere
  • Submissions sent outside of open periods will not be reviewed
  • If your work has previously been published through an open call on Poem Stellium, please wait for a competition or special call before submitting again

Rights & Publication

By submitting to Poem Stellium, you confirm that:

  • You retain full copyright of your work
  • You grant Poem Stellium non-exclusive permission to publish the accepted piece on its website and platforms
  • Once published, the work becomes part of the Poem Stellium archive and cannot be removed
  • You are free to republish your work elsewhere at any time, including in personal collections or publications that accept reprints

Editing & Presentation

All published work appears in Poem Stellium’s house style, which may include capitalisation or light formatting adjustments.

Minor edits (such as spelling or punctuation) may be suggested where needed. You will always be contacted and asked to approve any changes before publication.

A final note

Thank you for trusting Poem Stellium with your work.

This space exists to honour creativity as something lived, felt, and shared — not rushed or perfected. We look forward to reading work that carries care, honesty, and intention.