eff-able

submissions

We are now closed for submissions. Thank you so much for your interest in the eff-able project! We can’t wait to read your work and will get back to you soon in the new year.

JP & George xx

Celebrating bodies, sex, and freedom of expression, eff-able is an anthology of queer disabled poets that shines a light on a marginalised part of the LGBTQIA+ community. With poetry that is bold, tender, boundary-pushing and eye-opening, eff-able blows stereotypes apart by focusing on all aspects of the sexual, erotic and sensual bodily experience for queer disabled people. 

Please read here about the project for more information about our use and definitions of the words ‘queer’ and ‘disabled’ and other terms. This includes all experiences of physical and mental disability, chronic illness and neurodivergence.

*Note this has been extended from 1st December, and closes at midnight UK time on Tuesday 10th.

guidelines

Submit 1-3 poems on the theme of queer mad crip erotica (we will only choose one per poet). Poems should focus on any aspect of the sexual, erotic and sensual bodily experience for queer disabled people.

  • Previously unpublished work only please (published on a personal social media account or screen-shared in a reading is okay)
  • No more than 50 lines (this doesn’t include title or line breaks)
  • Feel free to play with form!
  • Simultaneous submissions accepted, but please tell us as soon as possible if your work is accepted elsewhere
  • No prejudice of any kind will be permitted
  • This is intended to be a celebratory collection, so please focus on positive experiences only (no mention of abuse, etc) so while we want to encourage freedom of expression, the overarching feel of the poem should be empowering. 

We reserve the right to include a trigger warning if we feel it may be necessary, but will discuss with you in the selection/editing process. 

All selected poets will be paid £40 for their contribution, and have the opportunity to receive a mentoring session in either poetry or performing from professional mentors. The anthology is due to be published in May/June 2025.

Deadline Sunday 1st December – midnight UK time

how to submit

Submissions are accepted ONLY through our Submissions Form, we will not read those sent via email. However, if you are unable to use the form for any reason, please do contact us! We want to ensure that every aspect of this project is as accessible as possible.

You are able to submit a video or audio recording via the Submissions Form if preferred.

Thank you for submitting to eff-able, we can’t wait to read your work!

George & JP xx