MASTHEAD | Dark Poets Club

MASTHEAD

At Dark Poets Club, poetry is more than words—it is confession, catharsis, and creation in its rawest form. Many of the works submitted to us explore deeply personal themes of loss, trauma, and the shadows we carry. Some are shared with the world, others remain unread, and many are carefully reviewed but ultimately left unpublished.

To ensure that every submission is considered with complete impartiality, we have chosen to omit surnames from our editorial team. This allows us to engage with each piece solely on its artistic and emotional merit, without influence from the weight of its subject matter. It also serves to protect our team from negativity that can sometimes follow decisions on unselected work.

Each member of our team approaches poetry not just as a craft, but as a responsibility—to honour every voice that reaches us, whether or not it finds its way to publication. We do not simply publish poetry; we hold space for it.

Lucien G EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: A poet and storyteller with a love for the macabre, Lucien oversees all editorial content for Dark Poets Club. He ensures that every piece published captures the raw, haunting beauty of dark literature. With years of experience in publishing and a background in Gothic literature, Lucien is the guiding hand behind the club’s poetic vision. Favourite Dark Poets: Edgar Allan Poe, Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton.	Marianne H SENIOR EDITOR: Marianne brings a sharp editorial eye and a passion for the eerie and surreal. She curates submissions, mentors emerging poets, and polishes pieces for publication. Her background in independent press editing and poetry criticism makes her an invaluable asset to the team. Favourite Dark Poets: Charlotte Mew, T.S. Eliot, Philip Larkin.	Ezra V DIGITAL EDITOR: Ezra manages the online presence of Dark Poets Club, from the website’s blog to exclusive online poetry features. With a background in digital publishing and a love for experimental poetry, he ensures that the website remains an immersive, engaging space for dark literature enthusiasts. Favourite Dark Poets: Rainer Maria Rilke, Elizabeth Siddal, John Berryman
Christopher S GUEST JUDGE: Chris brings a discerning eye and a deep appreciation for the unfiltered, therapeutic power of dark poetry. As a Guest Judge & Creative Curate, he lends his expertise to special submission calls, competitions, and themed collections, ensuring that each selected piece resonates with the club’s ethos. His background in creative and poetic experimentation makes him a vital voice in shaping the creative direction of DPC. Favourite Dark Poets: John Keats, Alejandra Pizarnik, Mark Strand.	Romy B SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR: Romy is the voice behind Dark Poets Club across social platforms. Whether it’s sharing haunting verses, engaging with the community, or promoting upcoming events, Romy keeps the digital world immersed in the club’s dark aesthetic. With a background in creative marketing, she knows how to turn poetry into an experience. Favourite Dark Poets: Oscar Wilde, Anne Carson, Ted Hughes.	Suzannah V SUBMISSIONS MANAGER: Suzannah is the gatekeeper of Dark Poets Club, handling all incoming poetry submissions with care, efficiency, and discretion. As Submissions Manager, she oversees the entire submission process, ensuring that each piece is logged, reviewed and given the attention it deserves. She liaises with editors, coordinates and manages the administrative side of the club’s literary operations. Favourite Dark Poets: Dante Alighieri, Sylvia Plath, Seamus Heaney.
Gideon C WEB DEVELOPER: Gideon is the architect of Dark Poets Club’s digital world. He designs and maintains the website, ensuring it’s both visually striking and seamlessly functional. With a background in web development and a passion for aesthetics inspired by Gothic and surrealist art, he keeps the club’s online presence as immersive as its poetry. Favourite Dark Poets: William Blake, Arthur Rimbaud, E.A. Robinson.	Elara S COMMUNITY & SUBMISSIONS ASSISTANT: Elara is the bridge between Dark Poets Club and its growing community of writers and readers. As Community & Submissions Assistant, she not only nurtures engagement but also plays a key role in assisting with submissions and communications. Elara believes in fostering a space where dark poetry is both celebrated and supported, making her a fiery force behind the club’s inclusive and creative atmosphere. Favourite Dark Poets: H.D., Paul Celan, Georg Trakl.	Vivienne D DIGITAL DESIGNER: Vivienne D. is the visual architect behind Dark Poets Club, crafting an aesthetic that mirrors the haunting beauty of the written word. As Digital Designer, she shapes the club’s online presence through striking imagery, immersive layouts, and evocative visuals that enhance the experience of dark poetry. Favourite Dark Poets: Emily Dickinson, Federico García Lorca, Baudelaire.