Whether you are a published or emerging poet, you are no doubt familiar with the contest circuit. If you are not, it is time to get acquainted. Entering poetry contests, could be the catalyst to a poet getting published, and being discovered. This article reviews some of the top poetry contests in the United States. Please understand there are many. Some are independent, some are associated with Literary magazines, and some through universities. This article will review only a few.
The first poetry contest is the Alice James Books “Beatrice Hawley Award” for poetry. Sponsored by Alice James Books, this poetry contest is open to emerging, and established poets residing in the United States. The requirements for entrants are that the submitted work for the contest be an unpublished, book length work of poetry. To participate in this contests all entries must be postmarked by December 1st, 2006.
Though the first place winner for the “Beatrice Hawley Award” will receive $2,000 and book publication, Alice James Books will in addition, select other manuscripts which may be chosen for publication.
For more information on the Alice James Books “Beatrice Hawley Award” poetry contest, visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines and previous winners.
The Sarabande Books annual poetry contest is The Kathryn A. Morton Prize in Poetry. Sponsored by Sarabande Books, a small nonprofit literary press located in Louisville, Kentucky, this poetry contest is looking for originality, and uniqueness in its submissions. It would be wise to read their publication prior to submission (this applies to all journals). If you have found your unique voice, and style in poetry, then Sarabande Books poetry contest is where you want to submit your work.
The winner of “The Kathryn A. Morton Prize in Poetry” poetry contest will receive $2,000 and publication of a full-length book of poetry. In addition all winners will receive a standard royalty contract. All finalists will be considered for publication by Sarabande Books.
To participate in this poetry contest all submissions must be postmarked between January 1st and February 15, 2007. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.
The word “Iowa” rings bells in the land of writers. Iowa is the location of one of the top MFA programs. This particular contest is affiliated with Iowa University, and Iowa University Press. The Iowa Review is currently accepting submissions for the Iowa Review Awards for Poetry. Research some of the poets that have been published by the Iowa Review, as well as those that have attended Iowa University to determine the writing style they are looking for. It would be advisable to read Iowa Press’ previous publications for insight.
The winner of the poetry contest will receive $1,000 and publication in The Iowa Review. This is the opportunity of a life time for poets, as the work is read by some of the best in the field.
Submitted manuscripts are to include a single cover page with the author’s name, address, as well as e-mail address, contact telephone numbers, and the title of each work. Please do not put names anywhere on the manuscripts. Authors names on manuscripts could cause disqualification, as is standard in most contests. Most contests prefer identity remain anonymous for judging. Read the guidelines completely prior to submission. The submission envelope should be labeled as a contest entry. There is a $15 entry fee payable to The Iowa Review, however if you add an additional $10 you can receive a yearlong subscription to the Iowa Review Magazine. This is a phenomenal offer, and certainly a quality journal. Should you enter this contest, consider taking advantage of the offer. All submissions should be postmarked between the dates of January 1st, and January 31st of 2007. As always, include a self addressed stamped envelope, and a self addressed stamped postcard for confirmation of receipt. Visit the Web site for complete submission guidelines.
