Many readers are aware of only one or two of the larger poetry publishers in the UK, but there are actually a great many excellent small presses that produce books which range from full collections down to small hand-made chapbooks. You can find a wide selection of them listed below. It’s worth looking around to find a publisher who will produce the kind of book you’re looking to create. Unlike with fiction, it is very rarely necessary to have an agent in order to approach a poetry publisher. Some of the below have limited reading periods, or ask for payment of a reading fee along with each submission, but you will be dealing directly with the publisher.
Anvil PressA poetry publisher based in London. Specialises in English, American and Irish poetry, as well as some poetry in translation. Founded in 1968.
Arc PublicationsPublishes contemporary poetry from the UK and abroad, including translations. This publisher also has a music imprint. Based in Lancashire.
Bloodaxe BooksFounded by Neil Astley in 1978, this is one of the UK’s most well-known poetry publishers. They have an extensive list of British and American poets.
Egg Box PublishingA small poetry publisher based in Norfolk, run by the poet Nathan Hamilton. Produces a number of “Egg Box Books” each year.
Enitharmon PressAn independent literary press that specialises in publishing poetry from both emerging and established writers. They also publish literary criticism, memoir and translations.
Eyewear PublishingA small independent press based in London. Publishes poetry collections by new poets from the UK and abroad.
Flambard PressAn independent press that publishes mostly poetry with some fiction as well. Particularly supportive of writers from northern England.
Flarestack PoetsA well-established publisher of chapbooks and pamphlets. Their tastes are diverse but discerning, and they offer subscriptions.
Happenstance PressThis publishes specialises in poetry pamphlets. Also provides helpful general resources on chabook publishing.
Lapwing PoetryA small poetry press based in Belfast. Has been publishing both local and international poets for twenty years.
Pighog PressAn award-winning publisher of poetry pamphlets based in Brighton. Also produces occasional short story collections.
Platypus PressA boutique publisher based in England, which seeks to unearth innovative contemporary poetry and prose, as well as other – more elaborate – literary works.
Red Squirrel PressAn independent publisher based in Northumberland. Aims to publish poetry, novellas and novels.
SaltThis well-established publisher produces over 80 books each year, with a focus on poetry and criticism. Publishes both international and English authors.
SerenAlthough mainly a fiction / non-fiction publisher, this press produces several poetry books each year. Its focus is on English writing from or about Wales.
ShearsmanAn active published or English and American poets. Originally founded as a magazine, Shearsman developed into a poetry press, and now produce around 50 books each year.
Smith / DoorstopThis imprint is owned by The Poetry Business. It publishes books, pamphlets, audio and ebooks. The Poetry Business also runs a number of workshops and edits the literary magazine The North.
Templar PoetryProduce a number of pamphlets every year, as well as being responsible for the publication of Iota poetry magazine.
The Tall-LighthouseAn independent poetry business publishing full collections, pamphlets, chapbooks and anthologies of poetry.