What we're looking for:

Honest and non-performative poetry. The poems that you almost didn't show anyone, the poems that you can't wait for people to read. Any and all formats, styles, or topics. 

We are not looking for poetry that is trying to be impressive or 'deep',  trying to fit into a specific style to please a magazine(even this one). No performed profundity, fake accents, or word salads that seriously lack dressing.

What you can submit:

• Original poetry only

• Any style, form, or length(do keep it reasonable, please)

• Previously unpublished work is preferred, but if it's been shared on social media or personal blogs, that's okay

• You may submit up to 3 poems per submission

What is not allowed:

• Graphic depictions of violence, self harm, or anything sexually explicit 

• Work generated by AI(We want your voice)

• Profanity

How to submit:

• Submissions are free and individuals will not be paid for submitting poetry

• Include: 

  • Your poem(s)

  • The name you would like to be published under

  • A short bio (1-3 sentences, optional but encouraged)

  • Your email for contact purposes only

Ownership & Rights

By submitting a poem to I'm A Mess Magazine, you affirm that you are the original author and copyright holder of the submitted work.

You retain full ownership and copyright of your poem.

By submitting, you grant I'm A Mess Magazine a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to publish, display, and share the poem, in whole or in part, on: 

• the I'm A Mess Magazine website, and

•  I'm A Mess Magazine social media accounts, including Instagram.

All published poems will be credited to the author as provided at submission.