In late 2019, the Artswords Literature Development Project put out a call for short written works for an anthology titled Swindon Writing.
Writers in Swindon rose to the challenge, and, in 2020, Swindon Writing was published, and in 2022, Swindon Writing II.
Artswords is now seeking submissions for Swindon Writing III from anyone living in or near Swindon or with a significant connection to the town.
This time, Artswords is also looking for artworks relating to Swindon to be published alongside the writing.
Ideally, the artworks should illustrate an aspect of Swindon. They can be in any medium and genre, including landscape, still life, cartoon, pattern, or a photograph of a sculpture or textile.
Artswords is also looking for an artwork or design to be used specifically for the cover of Swindon Writing III.
Artists whose work is used will receive full credit and can submit an artist statement to be published alongside their work.
Note. The book is likely to be A5 size in portrait orientation, so please bear this in mind when planning your work. See
There is no fee for submission or publication.
Profits from the sale of Swindon Writing III will be used to fund the activities of Artswords in Swindon.
Matt Holland, [Artswords Worker], said: “Even though Artswords is primarily dedicated to literature development, we realise that this is also an ideal opportunity to showcase work by artists from Swindon. We are looking for interesting, insightful, and thought-provoking artworks to feature alongside the writing.”
Swindon-based author and illustrator, Zoe Thomas, co-editor of Swindon Writing III said: “I would encourage everyone to submit an image, even if they are nervous about doing so. The editors are kind and, if needed, will be on hand to help with artist statements.”
Guidelines for artwork submissions
Please read the submission guidelines below.
We are looking for a variety of artistic styles and especially encourage themes that convey a strong sense of Swindon.
Entrance is free. There is no submission or publication fee.
Copyright remains with the artist. Artswords reserves the right to use any successful submission in Swindon Writing III and any publicity material relating to it, but the artist may also publish the work themselves or submit it elsewhere.
All work must be original work by the artist, plagiarized or copied content is not acceptable.
Artists may submit one or two pieces
All submissions should be accompanied by an artist statement of no more than 300 words. This should include details about the artist along with an explanation of the artwork and how it might relate to Swindon. It may also include links to websites or methods of contacting the artist.
Submissions must be in the form of a high resolution (300 dpi or higher) image. Do not send original artworks.
The book is likely to be printed as A5 size and portrait format. Landscape orientation images may be accepted but will not be eligible to be used on the front cover.
There is no age limit, however, submissions from under 18s must be accompanied by permission from the parent or guardian for the work and the artist’s name to be published.
The submission deadline is 31 December 2023.
Submit your finished pieces by or before then then to swindonwritingproject@outlook.com
The editors are Katie Sullivan, Zoe Thomas, and Matt Holland. It is they who will choose successful submissions for Swindon Writing III.
If you have any questions, please send them to swindonwritingproject@outlook.com.