How to Win Poetry Contests
Learn how to win poetry contests with these tips. If you enjoy writing poetry, it's time to enter a poetry competition!
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How to Win Poetry Contests
Have you ever won a poetry contest? There are many poetry competitions that offer exciting prizes like an all expenses paid trip or cash prize.
Check out the Poetry Society for a list of publications that offer competitions for poets.
Where to find the best poetry contests
The New American Press Poetry contest is a yearly contest with cash prizes. Plus, winners' poems will be published in their publication.
Many publishing houses offer poetry competitions. You can try places like Pittsburgh University Press or Autumn House Press.
Subscribe to a writers magazine for the best chance of finding less well known contests. There will be fewer entries and a better chance of winning a cash prize.
Sometimes the winning work is published in a national poetry series. Or, your poem may win awards or accolades.
What types of prizes can you win?
Every contest has a different poetry prize. Large contests may include things like an all-expenses paid trip.
A smaller contest may offer cash prizes. Or, if there are two prizes, one may be having your poetry collection published in their book.
Do I Need a Cover Letter to Enter a Poetry Contest?
Not every poetry contest requires a cover letter. Before submitting your poem, check the official entry guidelines to see whether you need a cover letter, short author biography, or separate entry form.
Some poetry competitions use blind judging, which means judges evaluate poems without knowing who wrote them. In these contests, including your name or other identifying information on the poem may result in disqualification.
If a cover letter is requested, keep it brief and professional. Include only the information the organizers ask for, such as your name, contact information, a short biography, or previous publication credits.
Before submitting, check these three things:
Does the contest require a cover letter or biography?
Should your name appear on the poem, or must the entry remain anonymous?
Are there specific formatting or file-naming instructions?
Following these requirements is more important than trying to impress judges with a lengthy introduction.
How to prepare for a poetry competition?
Before submitting your work, be sure to proofread and revise your poem until it is perfect. Have other people you trust read your work, take their feedback, and make changes if needed.
You should also research the contest you are entering. Find out past winners, read the official guidelines so you know what they are looking for in a winning entry.
Is There an Entry Fee to Enter a Poetry Contest?
Some poetry contests charge entry fees, while others are completely free. Fees vary depending on the competition and may help cover administrative costs, judging, and prizes.
Before paying an entry fee, check who organizes the contest, whether previous winners are listed, and whether the judging process is explained.
Also read the rules carefully to understand what rights you may be granting to the organizer if your poem is selected.
An entry fee does not guarantee that a contest is legitimate or that its judging is fair. If you're just starting out, free poetry competitions can be a good way to gain experience without spending money.
Tips for entering poetry competitions
If you want to win a poetry contest, here are a few tips to keep in mind when preparing your poetry manuscript.
1. Read the rules and regulations of the competition carefully. Follow all instructions when submitting your entry to ensure that it is accepted by the judges.
2. Select a poem that best fits the theme or topic of the poetry contest. Spend time perfecting and polishing your poem before entering it in the competition.
3. Proofread your poem for grammar and spelling mistakes. Remember, the poem should be free of any typographical errors in order to make a good impression on the judges.
4. Submit your entry early. Don't leave it until the last minute as this increases your chances of making mistakes or missing key details that could cost you a win.
5. Keep track of your submission. Save a copy of your poem, the contest rules, your submission confirmation, and the expected winner announcement date. Check whether the organizers send confirmation emails or provide an online submission status. Avoid contacting judges or organizers for updates unless the contest instructions allow it.
6. Participate in as many contests as you can, this will help you gain experience and increase your chances of winning a prize.
Published or unpublished work?
Carefully read the rules of the competition. Some publications only want new poetry. If you have had work published in the past, this may disqualify you from some competitions.
Some competitions are specifically for poets who have not yet been published. Others are for young poets or are focused on a specific theme.
How many poems should I submit?
Again, each poetry contest has its own rules. Some allow you to enter up to three poems. Others only allow one poem.
If you are only allowed to enter a single poem, make sure that it is your very best.
Here are a few sites to check out right now.
Lastly, make sure to follow all contest rules and deadlines for the best chance of success.
Now that you have the tips and know what to do, it's time to enter a poetry competition! Good luck!
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