We sat down with Underbelly's Senior Editor, Ellen Darbyshire, to find out what inspired her to join Underbelly Press, which types of submissions make her tick, and more!

What inspired you to become an editor for Underbelly Press?

As a writer myself, it’s both altruistic and selfish. I love to work with other writers and elevate their writing through a collaborative process; I also just love to read amazing pieces from emerging, unheard voices! I studied Creative Writing at university, where I also volunteered my editing efforts to several student-run literary magazines, so Underbelly Press felt like the natural next step!

Can you describe the mission or vision of Underbelly Press? What sets it apart from other literary publications?

Underbelly Press champions the voices of the unheard and the unusual. As a team of working class, North Western creatives, we know how hard it is to have our voices heard, and we want to give a platform to the exceptional talent that misses out on those opportunities.

What types of submissions are you most excited to read, and what elements do you look for in a standout piece?

I love all things fiction, especially flash fiction - the limitations of the medium often lend themselves to remarkable, creative stories and characters! I think I’m most excited to read fundamentally human stories - whether they’re quiet moments or bubbling  with tension.

Are there specific genres or themes that you prefer or that the magazine prioritises?

Underbelly favours dirty realism, and I’d say that fits my own personal preferences to a tee. I’m a fan of contemporary fiction, as well as magical realism and absurdism.

Can you share some common mistakes or pitfalls that writers should avoid when submitting their work to your magazine?

I can’t stress enough the importance of following the submission guidelines! It’s so crucial to spend that extra bit of time ensuring your piece is formatted and presented correctly; it saves both you and the editor time, and avoids any unnecessary disappointments.

What advice would you give to emerging writers looking to get published in Underbelly Press or in literary magazines in general?

Submit, submit, submit. The advice I’ve always followed is to aim for a number of rejections per week, rather than acceptances - that’s not to say you should be jeopardising yourself (!), but rather not letting yourself be disheartened and using every rejection and piece of feedback to improve your writing and presentation.

What are some of your favourite books or authors?

Lorrie Moore is one of my favourite short story writers, as well as Lydia Davis, Lucy Caldwell and Adam Marek. Some of my favourite novels include Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, and Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto.