Submissions are open until May 14th!

At Lemon Jelly Press, we are passionate about amplifying unheard voices and bringing humanity to the page. We seek work that is bold, strange, deeply human, and revelatory—writing that challenges perspectives, sparks connection, and lingers in the mind long after reading.

We are particularly drawn to stories and poetry that offer new ways of seeing the world, whether through an unconventional lens, an untold experience, or a fresh exploration of what it means to be human. We want to hear from writers whose work illuminates the overlooked, the in-between spaces, and the complexities of existence.

We are especially interested in hearing from writers who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and those whose voices have been historically underrepresented in publishing. If your work carries truth, depth, and emotional resonance, we want to read it.

We know that getting your work ready for submission can be daunting, so we offer a manuscript feedback service to provide professional, constructive critiques to help you refine your writing. Prices start at £15, but we are committed to supporting all writers. If cost is a barrier, please get in touch—we may be able to offer support to ensure your voice is heard.

We welcome submissions of picture books, poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction. Please read the guidelines below carefully before sending us your work.

What We Accept

Picture Books
We accept picture book manuscripts with or without illustrations, and for any age group. Please submit the full text in a Word or PDF document. If illustrated, include a few sample spreads or a portfolio link.

Short Fiction / Non-Fiction
We accept short stories and creative non-fiction of up to 30,000 words. Please send us the first 3,000 words initially, along with a brief synopsis. If we’re interested, we’ll be in touch to request the full manuscript.

Poetry Collections
You may submit a collection of up to 45 poems. These can be sent as one complete document.

Format

  • All submissions should be sent as a Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF.

  • You may also send a Dropbox, Google Drive, or similar link—please ensure access permissions are correct.

Please Include

  • A brief cover letter

  • A synopsis of your work

  • A short author bio (up to 200 words)

How to Submit

Email your submission to submissions@lemonjellypress.com.

Subject line: Your Name / Submission Type
(e.g. Jamie Taylor / Poetry Submission)