Hello poets. Poetry contests. Exciting. Enticing. So many questions. Which contest should I enter? How do I win one? In this article we’ll run you through all the best advice we’ve ever given to help you place first in a competition, as well as answer all the most frequent questions poets ask us on the topic. We’ll throw in links to as many resources as we can think of too.
1. Why should I enter a poetry contest?
You’re probably already interested in entering one, if you are reading this article. Here are some of the benefits to winning a contest.
- Prize money (of course).
- Publication.
- Readers.
- Advancement of your writing career: The more wins the more likely a publisher is to believe in you, and publish your collection.
- Many poets teach writing, and find writing jobs are easier to obtain after winning contests.
- Blind contests give emerging writers a good chance.
- A boost in confidence.
- Deadlines (good for procrastinators).
Getting a foot in the door can be the hardest part of a writer’s professional career. Many publishers simply publish work they have commissioned or solicited themselves. You can’t be certain that what you have submitted to a publisher via their regular channels is ever read by them, and when it is read it is often read by an intern from an enormous pile called the ‘slush pile’ (yuck). Contests which are read ‘blind’, in which the assessor does not know who has written the poem, give fledgling writers a good chance to win.
Remember, if you have submitted to a poetry contest, you have already won. You have utilized the event as a chance to bring your work to its highest shine, and at the very least you now have a poem written to the best of your current abilities, and that’s a wonderful thing. If you don’t win this one, you can submit it elsewhere, or perhaps revisit it and make it even better.
2. How do I find poetry contests to enter?
First of all, our own prize:
The Letter Review Prize is open for submissions. Our writing contest is awarded every three months, with a total Prize pool of $4000 USD and publication for our winners. Up to 20 writers are Shortlisted in each category, and the winners are considered for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other prestigious anthologies. All entries are considered for publication. The categories are Short Fiction (up to 5000 words), Poetry (up to 70 lines), Nonfiction (up to 5000 words), & Unpublished Books (Novels, Story Collections, Poetry Collections, and Nonfiction).
There are thousands of writing contests out there. The trick is finding reputable ones that you actually value yourself. There are many wonderful places to start looking for other contests. Here’s a post that offers the best possible sites to begin that search: The Complete List of Reputable Writing Contests: Short Story, Poetry, Nonfiction, Manuscript etc.
3. How do I know if a poetry contest is legitimate?
Here are some indicators it is not a scam:
- Reputable journals are often members of the CLMP and adhere to the CLMP Contest Code of Ethics.
- It has been running successfully a long time.
- You can see a list of previous winners.
- The judges are reputable people.
- Google and Reddit searches return positive results.
- Fees to enter seem reasonable (if it’s not free), and the Prize money is at least 10 times the fee to enter.
- They offer transparency re the judging process.
- The T&C of the contest are prominently displayed, and appear fair and reasonable.
Signs a contest may be a scam:
- Dodgy website: Spelling errors etc.
- Things don’t make sense.
- Unclear or hidden or nonexistent T&C.
- Too expensive.
- Looks new, or does not have previous winners.
4. Fees. Should I Pay to Enter?
Entry fees shouldn’t deter you. They often support the administrative costs of the contest or fund the prize. Anything up to $15 USD is normal, beyond that you are getting into the premium end.
Also, there are free contests that are reputable and fantastic. It’s all about researching and weighing the potential benefits. If the contest is legit and the fee is reasonable, go for it!
5. How do I write a poem that stands out in a contest?
The secret sauce.
- Avoid Cliche: Sounds easy. But how? Go for freshness. Here are some exercises. A) Write down the ten top locations you think poets set poems, and the ten most frequently addressed topics, the ten top themes, the ten top situations, the ten top images etc. Now don’t use any of those. B) Go for your second choice. Revisit a poem and change everything in it to a second choice. Want to write about your dying cat? How about changing it to your dying cockroach. Choose something off the beaten track. The first things we think of are often the first things everyone else thinks of too.
- Completeness: Beginning, middle, end. This effect will often arise from a strong sense of theme. What are you saying? What is the thematic argument of the poem? Is it, for example, that social media has in fact left us feeling more disconnected than ever? Find a way to explore this topic that fits the beginning, middle, and end structure.
- Comedy and Tragedy: Life is full of ups and downs. Everyday we probably laugh at least a little, and probably feel sad too. Strive for this balance in your poetry. If it’s a tragic moment, find the comedy, even if only via the darkest of satires. If you are writing a comedic poem, can you ground the work and make it emotionally satisfying by finding some earthier emotional tones?
7. Can I submit a poem that’s been published elsewhere?
Some contests allow previously published work, while others require exclusive, unpublished material. Make sure to read the fine print. If it’s unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to the organizers. Better safe than sorry.
8. How do I handle rejection from a poetry contest?
Rejection stings. Every poet has experienced it: Every writer.
Seek feedback from the organizer where possible.
Wear rejections as badges of honor. You were brave. You got in the fight. You practiced your art.
Remember Churchill said that success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
Hot Tip: Duotrope allows you to search poetry contests, and filter according to their acceptance rate. Next time, maybe submit to a publisher with a higher acceptance rate?
9. What rights do I retain when I submit to a poetry contest?
Rights can be complex. Read the T&C of the contest carefully. Usually, you retain the rights to your work, but some contests may require exclusive rights for a certain period if you win.
Ask people you know and trust: Teachers, friends, lawyer friends, elders of some kind. You could consider asking people on Reddit for their opinion, or join a writing society and perhaps get some more trustworthy advice from professionals in the field. There are legal organizations which specialize in the arts. Sometimes they offer discounted rates for people with lower incomes.
Remember that we are not lawyers at The Letter Review and you should always seek advice from your lawyer before acting on any information at The Letter Review (we have to say this but it’s also just true).
10. Can I submit the same poem to multiple contests simultaneously?
Simultaneous submissions can be a time-saver, but they can also be risky. Some contests allow it, while others don’t. Always check the rules, and if in doubt, stick to one contest at a time.
11. What should I focus on while editing my poem for a contest?
Here are some ideas.
- Cut out anything that be inferred.
- Cut out repititions unless they are deliberate and absolutely necessary.
- Revisit and interrogate each word. Is it the best possible word?
- Can the shape / form of the poem serve the theme / intention of the writer better?
- Write a list of all the emotions you are aware of that are evoked by your work. Can you bring out those emotions even more strongly? Can you find a way to make your reader feel even more?
- Get a few more funny bits in there?
- Symbols / Images: Get some truly memorable images in. Something that we can’t get out of our heads as judges once we have finished reading.
- Thematic argument: Make sure the poem is saying exactly what you want it to. Is it saying something original? Something interesting? Something profound?
12. How do I deal with nerves before submitting to a poetry contest?
Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Commit yourself, then see what happens.
Be the storm.
13. How can I leverage a win or honorable mention in a poetry contest?
Share the news on your social media channels.
Make sure to include the information in the bio that you submit to future contests, and for regular publication opportunities such as anthologies.
When you have written enough poems to make a chapbook or collection, make sure to submit the work to publishers, along with news of your contest win. Seeing that others have validated your work in this way may give the publisher confidence.
You can use wins to help to build a social media following. Many poets make a living from their social media platforms.
Wins can help poets to get teaching positions, or editorial work.
14. What’s the importance of following submission guidelines in poetry contests?
Stick to the guidelines closely.
Breaking the guidelines can lead to instant disqualification (although hopefully not – we try not to).
However, if an entrant is not disqualified for breaking the guidelines (such as exceeding the word or line count), then it can be unfair to the other contestants not to disqualify.
Sticking to the guidelines gives the judges confidence in the professionalism of the entrant.
15. Is it okay to write in a non-traditional form for a poetry contest?
Yes.
All forms welcome.
Innovate.
Send in your purple cow.
Try to make sure the form is serving the function: Can the form serve the reader, or the intent of the writer, in a way that is satisfying?
16. How can I make my poem resonate with the judges of a contest?
Read previous winners. Search for commonalities.
Perhaps the publication focusses on working-class, or pastoral themes.
Read the published work of the judges, if relevant.
Make sure your cover letter and bio inspire confidence in the reader (even if the contest is judged blind).
Honestly, it impossible to predict what a judge will react positively to. The best bet is to send in your best work (which is broadly in alignment with the type of poem that usually wins the contest in question).
17. Can I enter a contest if I’m outside the contest’s country?
Depends. Check the guidelines closely.
Sometimes payment of the prize money can be an issue due to international embargoes.
If in doubt, reach out.
18. How can I increase my chances of winning a poetry contest?
OK. Deep breath in. Some ideas.
- Images: When the images are startlingly original, or vivid, or beautiful, it’s such a treat for the reader. Revisit your images, refine, refine, refine, until they sparkle. Good writing is like a clear window we see through (Orwell).
- Specificity: In the specific lies the universal. Don’t try to make your poem more universal by stripping it of its regional details. We want to read about your little village: It’s interesting. If your poetry tends towards the vague, try writing one that is hyper-specific.
- Sometimes a poem makes the reader feel very deeply. This is good. List the emotions that currently arise in your work, and spend some time trying to make them come across even more powerfully.
- Sometimes poems are exceptionally funny: We rarely see poets attempt a funny poem. Please do send in funny poems. Strangely, poems that strive for funny usually are. Don’t be afraid to try. Hyperbole. Unexpected rhythms. Bathos.
- Confessional tone: This element seems to be ever-present. A poet who is telling you something deep, sacred, profound, secret: something personal, private, revelatory. Something you want to lean in to hear. Something non-quotidian. Something unique.
- Bring two unrelated things in to relation to explore the frisson between them. This one is hard to explain. Do two non-related things seem to generate the same feeling in you? Why might that be? See recent winner The Fabric as an example.
- Don’t overexplain.
- Require the reader to lean in a little. Don’t go all the way to them.
- Danger. Good art is often a little bit dangerous. Subversive.
19. Should I enter contests that only offer publication as a prize?
Probably. Depends on the prize money though, right? The Letter Review Prize publishes the winners.
Think about what you are personally trying to get out of winning: If the prize in question offers you that, go for it.
20. Can beginners enter poetry contests? How can they start?
Yep. Lots of the winners published by The Letter Review are stone-cold beginners. The greats all started their poetic journeys with a single step.
Actually, some publications pride themselves on publishing the best work that is submitted to them, and delight in publishing previously unpublished writers.
Whereas some publications prefer to publish established writers. Mid and later stage career writers need support too.
If none of the previous winners of a particular contest are previously unpublished, then it might be better for beginners to start elsewhere.
23. How long does it usually take to hear back from a poetry contest?
Being a publisher is like living in the Tardis.
Publishers have their own experience of time.
Two years is a short time in publishing. And a long time for civilians.
Entrants are excited, and want the results to the contests they have submitted to immediately. Contest organizers often have hundreds or thousands of entries to read. This can take months. I’ve waited over a year to hear back from certain publications.
Check the guidelines.
Try not to pester the organizers. Have mercy on the person who has to answer 5-10 of these emails a day.
Submit widely. Do not put all the eggs in one basket. Breath deeply.
24. How important is it to understand the judging process in a poetry contest?
Whether a contest is judged blind or not can make a big difference. Blind means the judges don’t know who has written the poem.
Big names can go ignored, and little fish can score the big prize.
The Letter Review Prize is read blind. It leads to very suprising results: Which is the point. You can never predict who might have written a certain poem.
Beyond that, stick to the guidelines, know what the judges typically publish themselves.
25. Can I enter a poetry contest with a collaborative poem written with a friend?
Some contests allow it, while others don’t. The Letter Review Prize doesn’t accept co-writers.
Check the rules, and if in doubt, contact the organizers.
And make sure both you and your co-writer are on the same page (pun intended) about entering the contest.
28. Can I enter a poetry contest if I’m under 18?
Young poets, time to shine! Rimbaud was all done by twenty.
Many contests are open to younger poets, and some are specifically designed for you.
Always check the age requirements, and don’t be shy to show the world your talent.
The Letter Review’s poetry contest is open to writers of all ages.
29. How do I stay motivated to keep entering poetry contests?
- Motivation can wane. Just stop for a while, until you want to enter another. Don’t burn out. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- Or set a regular time to submit: Perhaps put aside an hour once a week to get your work out there.
- Celebrate every entry. Learn from every experience.
- Connect with fellow poets. Cheer each other on.
- Join a writers group. Friends.
30. How can I keep track of all my poetry contest submissions?
Do keep track so that you can withdraw work from contests once it is accepted elsewhere. It’s very important to do this. If you win a contest, but the work is no longer available or eligible, the literary Gods shudder.
Spreadsheets: Include the contest name, submission date, response date, and any other essential details. Stay on top of it, and it’ll save you headaches down the road.
Duotrope and Chillsubs are two excellent submission managers to consider. They list prizes and opportunities and help you keep track!
32. How can I write a winning cover letter / bio for a poetry contest?
Keep it professional, above all.
Try to sound friendly, and easy to work with.
Include your publication history.
Mention the contest name, the poems you’re submitting, any relevant bio information, and a thank you.
List writing courses you have completed (although this may be less important than those with big student debts hope).
33. Should I take a poetry writing class before entering contests?
Can’t hurt.
But don’t let lack of formal education hold you back.
Your unique voice and passions are what make your poetry great.
If you can’t afford it, skip it (or maybe seek a scholarship).
35. How can I create a unique voice in my poetry for contests?
Great question.
Specificity. Of place. Of person. Of detail. The more generic, the less concrete the voice. Probably.
Region specific language.
Your own natural speech patterns and rhythms.
Poets who have strong voices would probably agree that the voice can be changed.
Many elements make up voice, such as who your imagined reader is, the purpose of addressing the reader (i.e. to cheer or strike with wonder), even energy level (and many other things).
Experiment with many types of voice. Experiment with every element of your writing. If a poem seems to resonate with a competition, or with your readers, ask people why that is.
Expand and delve into the parts that appear to be well received. Experiment, and refine.
Voice will emerge.
36. Should I hire an editor before submitting to a poetry contest?
An editor can be a valuable ally.
However, it’s not a must.
Consider your budget.
Peer feedback and self-editing can also go a long way.
AI can help with proofreading.
Join a writers group.
38. What’s the importance of understanding a contest’s audience?
Tricky.
Don’t assume a magazine with predominantly older readers is looking for a specific type of poem.
Or that young readers can’t handle certain types of writing.
Political leanings are relevant: if a magazine identifies as being left wing, then socially progressive themes are likely to be received well there.
If a magazine is conservative then themes more relevant to the right wing of politics are bound to be popular.
But there is no hard and fast rule: art eludes neat compartmentalization, and writing to your perception of an audience’s desires jeopardizes the creation of art you truly believe in.
42. Can I write in a language other than English for a poetry contest?
Some contests welcome poems in different languages, especially if they reflect cultural diversity or a specific theme.
Always check the guidelines to ensure your language choice fits.
43. Should I consider self-publishing if I don’t win a poetry contest?
Yep. Do it. Get your work out there.
Lots of the great writers self published their early works.
Remember there are poem contests that accept self published work.
Concluding Wisdom
Enjoy the process.
Submit widely.
Perhaps submit to places with higher acceptance rates in the early stages of your career.
Don’t bug the organizers.
Submit your best work.
Every submission is a victory.
Follow the guidelines.
Believe.
Don’t burn out.
Be professional.
The Letter Review Prize is open for submissions. Our writing contest is awarded every three months, with a total Prize pool of $4000 USD and publication for our winners. Up to 20 writers are Shortlisted in each category, and the winners are considered for submission to the Pushcart Prize and other prestigious anthologies. All entries are considered for publication. The categories are Short Fiction (up to 5000 words), Poetry (up to 70 lines), Nonfiction (up to 5000 words), & Unpublished Books (Novels, Story Collections, Poetry Collections, and Nonfiction).