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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 20's'. Poems can be about coming of age, world events, personal struggles and achievements... anything to do with the 2020's.Â
About
- £2.50 entry fee (buy a ticket via the shop page!)
- Shortlist publication (online)
- Chosen work featured in the published anthology
- Maximum length - poems must comfortably fit on 2 pages (40 lines)
- Book sizing will be 5inch x 8 inch, with .5inch margins, 12pt text.
- Successful entrants will be contacted by February 28th 2027.Â
Deadline
January 30th 2027 at 11:59pm UK time.
How to Enter
The 2026/2027 anthology will feature the best emerging writers. The collection will be max 200 pages, and will be titled 'Meanwhile, in the 20's'. Poems can be about coming of age, world events, personal struggles and achievements... anything to do with the 2020's.Â
Eligibility
Submission
Open to writers aged 18 or over. International entries are welcome if the work is primarily in English.
Email your submission to hello@messymediums.co.uk, attach your poem and your entry ticket/receipt of purchase. Title the email as "2026/27 anthology entry". Include in the email body: Poem title, author name, and a short backstory about the poem (optional).Â
The submitted work must not be published elsewhere. Please read the terms & conditions.Â
Entry Fee
Entry fees help cover publishing and administration. Entry is £2.50, and entry tickets are bought via the shop page!