Submit work for the next issue between today and Tuesday 31 August. Details of the theme and guidelines are below. Illustration by Martha White.

The next issue of Popshot will be on the theme of…“Uncensored.”

We have just finished putting together the Family issue (thank you to all who submitted, the magazine will thump through letterboxes and appear on newsstands soon), allowing us to open the doors for new submissions.

Our next theme is ‘Uncensored’ and we are interested in writing that looks broadly at all types of censorship, whether personal, political, familial or social.

Writers might want to consider why words or actions are prohibited or suppressed by censors, and what happens when those “rules” or “norms” are ignored or deliberately flouted. This issue is an opportunity to name hidden or difficult truths, to come out and admit, through fiction or poetry, things which you might not dare to name in life. We’re not after memoir, but if you’ve managed to uncensor yourself through your writing, all the better.

Successful submissions must display excellent writing, creative flair and originality. We are looking for a mixture of humour, social commentary, honesty and thrilling storytelling. We welcome all genres and writing styles so long as they follow our guidelines for submission (for more on which, click here).

Submissions for the Winter issue are open until 9am (UK time) on Tuesday, 31 August 2021.

The Uncensored Issue will be published in November 2021.

Guidelines for submission:

• Poems: 12 to 40 lines
• Short stories: 1,000 to 3,000 words
• Flash fiction: 100 to 1,000 words

Three entries maximum. Entries over the word count will not be considered.

To discover more about Popshot, pick up a copy from WHSmiths or another reputable newsagent (here are a few other ways you can safely find it). You can subscribe to either hard copy or digital editions. Four issues are published per year showcasing the best emerging fiction writers.

To see your writing published and illustrated, head to our submit page for the full guidelines. Include the issue and form of your work in the subject line (i.e. Uncensored – Poetry). We are open to original contributions from anyone, anywhere in the world.

At Popshot towers we have just wrapped up the Family issue, which will be on sale from 5th August.

Drop us a line at hello@popshotpopshot.com

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