how do I submit to the cracked bell?

we are looking for poetry, short form writing and artwork that explores mental health issues, rupture and survival

what work do you like?

we are interested in work on the edge, whether that's on the margins or creativity as a means to heal wounds; we want to see things from a fresh perspective, experimental work that takes risks, work that is raw, angry, emotional

how do I submit writing?

please save 1-3 poems as a single pdf or word document, in a legible font (size 12), and a page division between each poem 

please save your short story or short form work (max 2,000 words) as a word document, in a legible font (size 12), and double-spaced 

how do I submit artwork?

we welcome submissions of artwork for each issue, please send up to 3 images as jpegs with a resolution of at least 300dpi

note that apart from the cover pages the rest of the publication will be black and white 

what are the word limits?

2,000 words max for prose and 40 lines max for each poem submitted, this is to ensure variety and avoid one voice dominating others

what are the formatting restrictions for artwork?

we publish in A5 format 148 x 210 mm with a 5mm bleed, this shape works best for full page images but we will consider different/rectangular formats 

are there any content restrictions?

we are avid supporters of the LGBTQ+ and POC communities, submissions attacking any community or glorifying in isms (ableism, ageism, sexism, racism) will be rejected

what are the deadlines?

deadline for submissions 1st September 2025

what about AI?

we will consider AI only when it strengthens your creative ideas, we want to prioritise lived experience over augmented material because we aren't robots, yet

what about rights?

all submitted work must be the original work of the person submitting, if your submission involves collaboration with another poet or artist, please include their name

what formats don't you accept?

we cannot consider works in fonts or formats that require us to download additional software and links with an expiration date

do you consider previously published work?

previously published work is acceptable only if permission to reprint has been granted and where the previous publication isn't demanding credit for first publishing the work - we want living breathing entities not commodities

do you pay contributors?

no we are unfunded and cannot pay contributors, however authors will receive an equal share of the profit from each issue in which their works are included following a six-month sales window

do you charge a submission fee?

no we don't believe in charging a fee to submit work, this is why we won't post our open calls on platforms that charge small non-profit organisations to do this

when do I hear back?

this is a labour of love, we work on this in the spare time between scratching together a living, we aim to respond 4-6 weeks after the deadline for each issue 

ready?

in your covering email please include a brief 3rd person bio (up to 50 words) and a line introducing your work or how it relates to the issue themes

email linesofsanctuary@gmail.com attaching your submission as a word or pdf document

thank you for considering us a home for your work