Shutterstock / Michaelpuche©Thinking about submitting a poem to us for publication?
Here’s an insight into what goes on behind the scenes, once your work hits the Fiction desk.
I think it’s always helpful and reassuring to know what’s going on behind the scenes . . . especially when your poem is your baby!
Step one
Once your submission has arrived safely with me, I’ll decide whether or not it’s suitable.
Either way, I’ll be in touch to let you know.
If your poem is suitable, I’ll let you know that I’ve saved your poem to my files for stock.
Unlike our other fiction submissions, we do not pay for poetry upon acceptance. This happens once a poem has been scheduled and approved.
Each time a new poem is needed for a weekly, a Special, or even one of our annuals, I search through my stock for one that I think is just right.
Step two
Let’s say your poem is perfect for an upcoming issue.
This is when I would ask if I can reserve your poem.
This means I have an idea of where your poem will go, and I want to make sure it’s still available to use (meaning that you haven’t published it elsewhere).
If you haven’t been published in the “Friend” previously, I would then send our contract to you to read through and sign at this stage.
Next, I upload your poem so that our subs team can pick it up. This is when any necessary changes will be made.
Please be aware that it will be a while until you hear back from me about whether your poem is to be published or not.
For the weekly, it takes around 3-4 weeks, and for the Specials it’s normally around 12 weeks.
Step three
Then, one of our talented designers will be assigned to the page featuring your poem. It’s at this stage that they choose an illustration to go with it.
Once the poem is laid out on the page, we proofread it to make sure there are no mistakes.
Very occasionally, poems have to be dropped or replaced; if that’s the case, I’ll let you know at this point.
Step four
If your poem is approved, I’ll let you know that your poem has been scheduled and send my congratulations!
It’s also at this point that I’d arrange payment for you of £15 per poem.
Hopefully this has shed some light on the process!
For more information on submitting a poem to “The People’s Friend”, please see our guidelines here.
Click here for a wealth of writing advice from the “Friend” team.
Abigail Phillips Abbie is the newest member of the fiction team at the "Friend." She loves how varied the role is - every day is different and there is always a new story to read. She is keen to work closely with established writers and discover new writers, too.
