The Poetry Society (National Poetry Competition rules and how to enter)

National Poetry Competition

We recommend all potential entrants read the Rules and How to enter before entering. There is a link to the entry page at the bottom of this page.

Rules:

The competition is open to anyone aged 17 or over. Poems must not exceed 40 lines (not including title). Entries must be in English. Poems must not have been previously published, self-published or published on a website or broadcast before 30 March 2009. The closing date of the competition is 31 October 2008. The competition is open to non-UK applicants. Each poem must be given a title. All poems are judged anonymously and the name of the poet must not appear on the manuscript. Poems must be the original work of the author. There is no restriction on the number of poems submitted by each applicant. Each poem will be judged separately. Entries will only be accepted when accompanied by an entry form (forms may be photocopied). One entry form covers multiple entries. Competition entries cannot be returned under any circumstances. Poems for the National Poetry Competition may be on any subject. Alterations cannot be made to poems after they have been submitted. Confirmation of entries via the website will be emailed at the time of submission. Receipt of postal entries will only be confirmed if an SAE/postcard is enclosed. The competition organisers are NOT able to confirm receipt of entries via telephone.
Poems must be typed on one side only of A4 paper (i.e. not double-sided). Poems may be typed in single or double spacing. Do not use staples on your manuscripts.

Fees

The first poem submitted costs £5.00. Subsequent entries in the same submission cost £3.00 per poem. If you join the Poetry Society (or if you are already a member) you get a free second entry, with subsequent poems at £3.00. Only sterling (cheques, postal orders, money orders or credit cards) will be accepted. All other payments will be returned. Cheques must be drawn from UK banks. Please make cheques payable to the Poetry Society.

Results

All winners and commended poets will be personally notified on or by 28 February 2009. The winners will be published in Aesthetica Magazine, Poetry Review and on the Poetry Society website in Spring 2009. All winners will be requested to provide a biography and photograph. All winners will receive a year's free membership of the Poetry Society. There will be a reception for all prize-winners to receive their awards in Spring 2009.

Copyright

The copyright of each poem remains with the author. Authors of the winning poems will grant the Poetry Society the right to publish or broadcast the poems for one year from March 2009. Other uses of the poem during this time are subject to permission by the Poetry Society.

Please note
No employee or member of the General Council of the Poetry Society is eligible to enter. The organisers reserve the right to change the panel of judges without notice and not to award prizes if, in the opinion of the judges, such action is justified. Submission of entry will be deemed to imply unqualified acceptance of the competition's rules and conditions. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

How to enter:

All entries must be accompanied by an entry form,which you can download on here. Alternatively, you can request an entry form to be posted to you, by sending a SAE to: Competition Organiser (Web), The Poetry Society, 22 Betterton Street, London WC2H 9BX.

If you would like to enter online (Visa, Mastercard or Switch only). Enter Here

Good Luck!