Welcome to the Barbaraverse

barbara is a Dundee-based broadside, featuring poetry and writing from Scotland and beyond. She is brought to life by two typewriters, a glue stick and some photocopier magic.

Our Mission

We believe poetry should live in the world, not just on the internet, or in intimidating books stashed unread on shelves. barbara brings small, bitesize poems to libraries, coffee shops and community spaces, where they can find new readers and, we hope, spark conversations and ideas. We'd love barbara to introduce poetry to people who might have felt it just wasn't for someone like them. We believe that everyone should have a voice, and be able to recognise themselves in the poetry they read, especially those who might not find it so easy (or appealing) to engage with traditional publishing. For this reason, reading and submitting to barbara will always be free.

The Community

The barbaraverse represents a growing community of poets and poetry enthusiasts. People who enjoy wild, earthy writing that offers a new perspective, or a reflection of themselves, perhaps in a way not experienced before. Writing that makes us stop and think. Every edition of barbara reflects the diverse voices and perspectives that make up the barbaraverse.