Writer's Digest Poetry Contest

The Dec. 20th deadline is fast approaching for the Writer's Digest Poetry Awards. Any poetry style will be accepted - rhyming, free verse, haiku, etc. - but all entries must be 32 lines or fewer.

Prizes
First Place: $500
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Fourth Through Tenth Place: $25
Eleventh Through Twenty-Fifth Place: $50 gift certificate for Writer's Digest Books.

Competition Rules

1. The competition is open to poems 32 lines or fewer. Entries longer than 32 lines will be automatically disqualified. Long poems may not be broken into segments and entered as separate entries. Each poem must be self-contained and must be titled. Style and subject matter are open. Judging is blind. Type the line count on a separate cover sheet along with your name, address, phone number and email address.

2. Entry fee: $10 for first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may enter as many poems as you wish, but all poems must be entered at the same time. If you enter one poem or batch of poems and then submit another entry later, you must again pay the full entry fee of $10 for the first poem, $5 for each additional poem. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for a single entry or batch of entries. Entries received without an entry fee will be disqualified. Entry fees may not be sent after poems have been received. There will be a $10 fee for declined credit cards or returned checks.

3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished, and not submitted elsewhere at the time of submission. "Unpublished" means poems may not have appeared in print or on the Internet for public consumption (i.e., poems posted on a public forum or on your Web site may not be entered).

4. If you are submitting your entry via regular mail, all entries must be on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper. Unusual typefaces, colors, and graphics should not be used. Poems will not be returned so keep a copy for your records.

5. Entries must be postmarked by Thursday, December 20, 2007. Online entries will close after midnight EST on December 20.

6. Winners will be notified by March 3, 2008. If you have not been contacted by this date, you may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere.

7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your poem's status before the winners are announced.

8. Winners' names will appear in the August 2008 issue of Writer's Digest magazine. Their names and poem titles will be posted at www.writersdigest.com.

Entry Form

To submit your entry online, visit our secure online entry form.

To enter via regular mail, use the printable form, and send it with your entries and entry fee to:

Writer's Digest Poetry Awards
4700 E. Galbraith Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236