Made for messy mediums.
Messy Mediums is a new independent UK publisher dedicated to emerging writers and artists.
We're starting with poetry. Our inaugural anthology, Meanwhile, in the 2020s, will bring together new voices reflecting on the strange, chaotic and unique experience of living through this decade.
This is the beginning of a wider ambition: to create publications, competitions and opportunities that give creative work somewhere to go.
The Messy Mediums Anthology 2026/2027
A poetry competition for work that feels raw, strange, intimate, funny, excessive, tender, uncomfortable or alive.
The 2026/2027 competition will feature the best work submitted. The collection will be max 200 pages, and will be titled 'Meanwhile, in the 2020's'. Poems can be about coming of age, world events, personal struggles and achievements... anything to do with the 2020's.
About
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Chosen work to be showcased in the published anthology
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Shortlist publication (online)
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Maximum length - poems must comfortably fit on 2 pages (40 lines)
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Book sizing will be 5inch x 8 inch, with .5inch margins, 12pt text.
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Successful entrants will be contacted by February 28th 2027.
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To enter: Go the submissions tab on the menu, fill out the form and attach your poetry (word or pdf). Minimum fee for entry is £2.50 which you will find on the form.
Deadline
January 30th 2027 at 11:59pm UK time.
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The MM Mission
We exist to create opportunities. Our competitions are built for emerging voices who want to make art that feels alive before it feels perfect.
In time, we're looking to expand, and further our offering to get more people monetising and believing in their creative pursuits.
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