The Jawbone Journal
Calling on all Southwest Poets and Writers
Submit your Poetry, Flash Fiction and Short Stories by midnight 30th April
"In the beginning, the word was...?"
The theme for the first edition relates to words
Issue One - Free Submissions
Journal Submissions Are Now Open
Share your words with us in any form: poetry, prose, flash fiction, or short story. Surprise us, we like a twist.
Submissions for issue 1 are free and eligible for selection for the inaugural print edition of The Jawbone Journal.
Get your submission in on time
Midnight 30th April 2025
Jawbone Journal
The Jawbone Journal is being published twice each year in June/July and November/December commencing in Summer 2025. For our first issue, all submissions for publication are free during our submission window.
The first print edition of Jawbone Journal is being printed in the South West of England during June/July, 2025. In order to be considered for publication you need to live, work or have a major connection to the Wessex region. You probably live or work in the postcode areas including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol and Avon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and The Isle of Wight.
The second edition of The Jawbone Journal will be printed in November/December, 2025 and will be open for submissions from anyone, anywhere in the world.
The Producers are Peter Roe and Isobel Robertson, Co-Editors are Clare Morris and Daphne Milne, with features from Caroline Burrows and other invited writers for and on behalf of The Jawbone Collective CIC.
Format: A5 - 64 Pages Perfect Bound
The Jawbone Collective Supporting Publication of Diverse Voices
Why Jawbone Journal?
We know that getting published is one of the hardest things for writers to be able to do and to this end we want to provide a platform that nurtures new and emerging writers to engage with a wider audience. Our own experiences with acceptance into publications or competitions provided us with an impetus to move our craft forward and helped us gain the confidence to share with a wider public.
Where did Jawbone come from?
Jawbone was originally the creative idea of two writers from the South West of England. Peter Roe and Tom Rogers of West Dorset. Both were experienced writers with experience of managing live spoken word events and workshops. They published a pamphlet each to be sold alongside their fringe show Jawbone. They had such a good reception to their publications they thought it would be a great idea to help other poets towards publication.
Editors Clare Morris and Peter Roe are both practising poets with previous experience in editing literary magazines.
More From The Jawbone Collective
Jawbone Poetry Collections
Your purchase of a Jawbone poetry collection or workshop place supports the funding necessary to bring to publication the poetry and story collections of talented writers from across the South West of England.
Breaking Down Barriers to Publishing
The Jawbone Approach
12 Published Collections to date
As a micro publisher, our Poet Centred approach is unque, reshaping the diffucult journey to publication and crafting a profession in the literary world.
We have made it our mission to make the publication of a poetry collection accessible to under represent communites. The proces is acknowledging enriching and supportive.
We are a diverse Poet led CIC which publishes, promotes and supports the professional development of the voices of the Disabled, Neurodivergent, Working Class, LGBTQ+, Female and older communities.
How our unique approach has impacted our Poets
Charlotte Falconbridge
"The Warring Twenties"
I loved everything about the pre-publication journey. I felt in total control in the creative meetings when discussing my book’s ideas which I was not expecting due to working with so many other people on the project. I understood what was expected of me before the process began which made me feel at ease going into it.
Before my book was published I had little experience and confidence with performing at in-person events, but being able to stride onto a stage and proudly announce I’m published brings such a sense of confidence before delivering a set when headlining. I now feel established in what I love doing!
Laurie Page
"The Colour of Thunder"
Before being published by The Jawbone Collective, I would attend open mics and sheepishly read my latest poem, having little sense of my ability as a writer. Since publishing my collection, however, I have benefitted from being published not only in becoming more confident when setting myself next to established writers, but finding opportunities to participate in showcases and high-profile poetry events. I now regularly participate in these, and even host some myself.
Without the wider circulation of my work and the increased confidence that publishing my collection gave me, I would not be where I am today.
Mimi Jones
"Sitting on the Sea Watching You Fight Off the Seagulls to Save Our Chips"
Mimi still to write something...
only in becoming more confident when setting myself next to established writers, but finding opportunities to participate in showcases and high-profile poetry events. I now regularly participate in these, and even host some myself.
Without the wider circulation of my work and the increased confidence that publishing my collection gave me, I would not be where I am today.
Caroline Burrows
"Verse Cycles"
When Peter Roe, the mastermind behind The Jawbone Collective first approached me about publishing my first full poetry collection, I didn’t’ realise he meant that he wanted to publish me. Jawbone's editorial team's attention to detail and care given through every stage:from manuscript to finished publication ensured that I would and am exceedingly happy and proud of Verse Cycles.
Clare Morris
"Devon maid Walking"
The publication of my first collection had a profound impact on my confidence: it was, in many ways, a seismic shift. I was seen and heard. I felt more able to offer support to other writers and performers too as a result.
I felt part of an exciting global community of readers and writers who not only connected with my work but shared those connections with me.
Let's get in touch
1 Manor Farm Court
Walditch, Bridport
Dorset UK
DT6 4LQ
thejawbonecollective@gmail.com
+44 7876596184
We would love to hear from you!
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The Jawbone Collective CIC2024, Inc. All rights reserved.
