We sat down with Underbelly's Editor-in-Chief, Lucy Huddleston, to find out  what inspired her to start Underbelly Press, which types of submissions make her tick, and more! 

What inspired you to start Underbelly Press?

I was inspired to start Underbelly Press after a talk by Rachael Allen. Rachael was very encouraging and something really resonated with me ‘create your own space’, so I did exactly that. Underbelly Press is now my independent project for my MA Publishing dissertation and I have really enjoyed going out of my comfort zone and creating something which I have become very proud of. I was also inspired by my good friend and senior editor, Ellen, who started Stratum Press during our undergraduate years. While it unfortunately isn’t around today, I was grateful to be part of such a project and that experience helped me to start up my own online lit mag. I am also very grateful to Raine, my good friend and assistant editor, whose support also inspired me to pursue this project knowing I have a fantastic team around me.

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

Underbelly Press is a working class, online lit mag based in the North West of England, where there aren't many publishing opportunities. Therefore, our mission is to champion working class voices as well as voices that don’t have a platform and voices that often go unheard (whether that’s local to us or anywhere in the world).

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

I love reading pieces that make me feel something and make me think. I feel like a piece that is relatable and speaks to the universal human existence also standouts, such as poetry that explores grief or flash fiction that navigates feelings of inadequacy.

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

We really want to see pieces steeped in dirty realism. I especially love it when they convey a gritty and raw feel.

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

Don’t just submit blindly - do your research first. For instance, make sure to find the submission guidelines of a literary magazine and ensure your piece follows its submission guidelines. When people submit and don’t double check the guidelines, it’s likely that piece could just be rejected.

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

Go for it and believe in yourself! If you’re active on social media, it’s a great place to find lots of lit mags looking for submissions. Don’t let rejections dictate how you feel about your work, somewhere out there will be the perfect home for your piece, you just have to find it!