The Aftershock Review is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. We believe that poetry and publishing are enriched by a wide range of voices, experiences, and perspectives, and we actively work to remove barriers to participation.

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Our Commitment

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We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all contributors, collaborators, staff, freelancers, volunteers, audiences, and participants, regardless of:

• Age

• Disability (including physical, sensory, neurodivergent, mental health, and long-term conditions)

• Gender identity or gender expression

• Sex

• Sexual orientation

• Race, ethnicity, colour, or nationality

• Religion or belief (or lack of belief)

• Socio-economic background or class

• Caring responsibilities

• Marital or civil partnership status

• We recognise that some individuals experience multiple and overlapping forms of disadvantage, and we seek to take this into account in our policies and practices.

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Editorial Practice

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The Aftershock Review operates an inclusive, trauma-informed editorial model. We aim to ensure that:

• Submissions are assessed fairly and on the basis of artistic quality, integrity, and relevance to the magazine’s themes

• No contributor is discriminated against in commissioning, selection, editing, or publication

• We actively seek to platform voices that have been historically underrepresented or marginalised within literary publishing

• Editorial processes are transparent, respectful, and accessible

• We reserve the right to withdraw poems after acceptance

• Our editorial team reserves final say

• What matters most is the quality of the writing

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Where possible, we offer alternative submission routes and reasonable adjustments for disabled and neurodivergent writers.

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Employment and Freelance Work

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All employment, freelance, and paid opportunities are offered based on skills, experience, and suitability for the role. We are committed to:

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• Fair pay for work undertaken

• Clear communication of expectations and responsibilities

• Flexible and accessible working practices where possible

• Providing reasonable adjustments for disabled staff and freelancers

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We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form.

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Access and Participation

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We aim to make our publications, events, workshops, and online spaces as accessible as possible. This includes:

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• Considering access needs in advance of events and projects

• Providing access support where resources allow

• Using clear, respectful language

• Continually reviewing and improving accessibility based on feedback

 

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Review of Policy

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This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, relevant, and aligned with best practice. We are committed to learning, listening, and evolving as an organisation.

 

Copyright & Rights

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• Contributors retain full copyright in their work at all times.

• By accepting publication, contributors grant The Aftershock Review non-exclusive rights to publish their work in print, digital, audio, and promotional formats connected to the magazine and its platforms (including Substack).

• Where audio is used (including podcasts or readings), contributors may be invited to provide a recording or grant permission for Aftershock to read the work on their behalf.

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