about

SICK is an independent, thoughtful magazine by chronically ill & disabled people, founded & edited by Olivia Spring and designed by Kaiya Waerea.

SICK is committed to elevating the voices of sick & disabled people by publishing essays, features, poetry, visual art, interviews, and more. Our aim is to increase representation of sick & disabled people in publishing and the arts, and to challenge the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding disability.

Issue 2 is now available to order here. PLEASE NOTE we are not accepting submissions at this time, but will open our submission window again for issue 3. Please see below for more information and frequently asked questions.

You can buy SICK online and at 16 shops in five countries:

United Kingdom

  • Tate Modern, Housmans, The Second Shelf (London)
  • Arnolfini, BAM Store + Space (Bristol)
  • Magalleria (Bath)
  • Elm (Norwich)
Germany
  • ROSA WOLF, do you read me?! (Berlin)
Netherlands
  • Athenaeum Nieuwscentrum (Amsterdam)
Portugal
  • Under the cover (Lisbon)
USA
  • Iconic Magazines, McNally Jackson, Artbook @MoMA PS1, Bluestockings (NYC)
  • BYE BYE NEIGHBOR (NYC-based online shop)
  • Skylight Books (Los Angeles, CA)
SICK is also available to read at Wellcome Collection Reading Room in London and Norwich Millennium Zine Library.

FAQ

Do you pay contributors?
Yes, we pay 10p per word and £40 for visual art and poetry as we work to increase rates.

When will you be open for submissions?
We do not work with a set timeline, but aim to publish one issue per year.

Can I submit if I am not based in the UK?
Anyone who is sick or disabled located anywhere in the world can submit. Please note we pay in GBP.

Does mental illness count as chronic illness/disability?
Of course! Under the 2010 Equality Act, you are considered disabled ‘if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substanial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal activities.’

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