Are you an aspiring poet looking to showcase your talent and potentially win big in 2024? Look no further! In this comprehensive article, we’ll stroll into poetry contests, the top 6 contests to enter this year, and various categories tailored to poets of all ages and backgrounds.
As of November 2024, this article contains the most up-to-date information on poetry contests so you can confidently plan your submissions and take your poetry career to new heights.
Poetry Contests Facts
- The oldest poetry contest dates back to ancient Greece in the 6th century BC.
- The total prize money in all poetry contests worldwide is estimated to exceed $10 million in 2024.
- Poetry contests have endured, from the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, awarded annually since 1922, to the Brunel International African Poetry Prize, established in 2012.
- Shakespeare, Khalil Gibran, and Lao-Tzu are the three best-selling poets of all time.
- March 21 is celebrated as World Poetry Day.
For other creative contests to enter in 2024, check out these top contests to join.
The Top 6 Poetry Contests Lists of 2024
Finding the best poetry contests is pretty straightforward. After a thorough research, we found the best 6 poetry contest lists for you to enter this year. These lists are updated frequently, so you can always find the latest contests.
1. Instagram Poetry Contests
You can find the latest poetry contests to enter and win mega rewards in this Instagram poetry contests list. This is frequently updated to contain the newest contests for all poets.
2. Twitter Poetry Contests
This Twitter poetry contest list contains different contests tailored for different poets’ ages. You will find a contest just for you, from teen poetry to street poetry. The list is also updated frequently, so always come back for more.
3. Poetry Contests on Pinterest
In this Pinterest poetry contests list, you will find the most exclusive poetry contests with mega prizes. This list is frequently updated to provide the most recent poetry contests to enter. Some of these poetry contests are free to enter.
For more contests, you can check out the following:
- The Poetry Society of America’s annual awards.
- The National Poetry Competition
- The Bridport Prize
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What are Some Free Contests for All Poets?
While many poetry contests require an entry fee, plenty of free contests are available for poets looking to submit their work. Some of the most notable free poetry contests include the Rattle Poetry Prize, the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, and the Poetry Society of America’s Student Poetry Award.
These contests offer a range of prizes, including cash awards, publication opportunities, and mentorship from established poets.
The contests frequently receive more submissions, making the competition more fierce. Nonetheless, submitting to free contests can be an excellent way for poets to gain exposure and recognition for their work.
Finding Contests Tailored Specifically for Teens
One of the most prestigious teen contests is the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, which receives over 6,000 entries from young poets worldwide annually.
Winners have become successful poets and writers, with many citing the contest as a pivotal moment in their writing careers. The table below contains some of the top teen poetry contests.
| Contest Name | Age Range | Prize | Entry Fee | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award | 11-17 | Mentorship, publication | Free | July 31, 2024 |
| The Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers | High school students | $100, $200, $500 | Free | November 1, 2024 |
| The Bennington College Young Writers Awards | 10th-12th grade | $250, $500, $1,000 | Free | November 1, 2024 |
Other notable teen contests include the Patricia Grodd Poetry Prize for Young Writers and the Bennington College Young Writers Awards, which offer high school students cash prizes and publication opportunities.
Are There Free Contests for Kids in Poetry?
Numerous contests are specifically designed for young poets. For instance, Young Writers USA hosts several contests for children, including the Big Green Poetry Machine and Crazy Creatures, which aim to inspire children to write about nature and create imaginative creatures, respectively.
Another notable contest is the “I Matter” Contest, which encourages young poets to express their thoughts on critical social issues.
Participating in Poetry Contests for High School Students
The Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award, organized by The Poetry Society, is one such contest that has been nurturing young poetic talent since 1998. In 2023, the competition received over 14,000 entries from over 6,000 young poets worldwide.
Other notable contests for high school students include the National Student Poets Program, the Princeton University Poetry Contest for High School Students, and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These competitions often offer a range of prizes, including cash awards, publication opportunities, and even scholarships.
Where to Enter Online Poetry Competitions?
Online poetry contests offer a convenient and accessible platform for poets to showcase their work. They eliminate geographical barriers, allowing poets from all over the world to participate.
Some online poetry contests are shown in the table below.
| Contest Name | Entry Fee | Prize | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Amateur Poetry Competition | Free | $2,000 | Ongoing |
| Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest | $10 | $2,000 | November 30, 2024 |
| EACWP Flash Fiction Contest | Free | €600 | April 1, 2024 |
| “I Matter” Contest | Free | $500 | July 23, 2024 |
| Young Writers USA Contests | Free | Varies | Varies |
The Recognition of American Poetry Competitions
The American Library of Poetry hosts an annual contest that attracts submissions from all 50 states and beyond. In 2023, the contest received over 50,000 entries, with the top 25 winners having their poems published in a unique anthology.
Another notable American poetry contest is the Foley Contest, organized by America Magazine. This contest, which has been running since 1998, offers a $1,000 prize for the winning poem and publication in both the print and online editions of the magazine. The contest attracts diverse voices and styles, showcasing the richness and depth of contemporary American poetry.
| Contest Name | Organization | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Foley Poetry Contest | America Magazine | $1,000 |
| Annual Poetry Contest | America Library of Poetry | Publication in anthology |
| National Poetry Competition | The Poetry Society | £5,000 (1st prize), £2,000 (2nd prize), £1,000 (3rd prize) |
Broadening Horizons with International Poetry Contests
Poetry contests are fantastic ways for poets to showcase their talent, gain recognition, and win prizes. In 2024, poets can enter numerous international poetry contests, each offering unique opportunities.
One of the most prestigious contests is the Montreal International Poetry Prize. This contest awards a whopping CAD 20,000 to a poet for a single poem of 40 or fewer lines. Entries from all over the world are accepted, making it a truly international competition.
Another notable contest is the National Amateur Poetry Competition hosted by Poetry Nation. This contest awards many prizes to deserving poets and is free to enter. Your poem can be on any topic and in whatever style you prefer.
The Tadpole Press 100 Word Writing Contest is another exciting opportunity. With a word limit of 100 words, this contest challenges poets to create a powerful impact with brevity. The first-place prize is a substantial $2,000.
Poetry Contests: A Final Word
Entering poetry contests can be exciting and rewarding. In 2024, there are numerous contests to choose from, each offering unique opportunities for poets to showcase their talent. By following the right platforms, you can find the correct poetry contests for you.
This article covered topics such as the top 6 Poetry Contests of 2024; the last content update was in November 2024.
Follow our website, GiveawayListing.com, to stay informed about new giveaways, exclusive contests, and guides to maximize your chances of winning!
Poetry Contests FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about poetry contests in 2024.
Are There Any Legitimate Poetry Contests?
Yes, there are several legitimate poetry contests. Here are a few:
- Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers: This contest offers a cash prize of $3,000 and publication in Masters Review.
- Blue Stoop Jennifer Weiner Fellowships: This contest offers six $5,000 fellowships, professional mentoring, and access to creative writing workshops.
- Black Lawrence Press St. Lawrence Book Award: This contest offers a prize of $1,000, publication by Black Lawrence Press, and 10 author copies.
- Grid Books Off the Grid Poetry Prize: This contest offers a $1,000 prize and publication in print and audio formats by Grid Books.
- Louisville Review National Poetry Book Contest: This contest offers a prize of $1,000, publication by Fleur-de-Lis Press, and 25 author copies.
- Utica University Eugene Paul Nassar Poetry Prize: This contest offers a prize of $2,000.
- Aesthetica Creative Writing Award: This contest offers two prizes of £2,500 (approximately $3,171) each and publication in Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual.
- Ex-Ophidia Press Richard-Gabriel Rummonds Poetry Prize: This contest offers a prize of $2,000, publication by Ex-Ophidia Press, and 10 author copies.
Which Poem Writing Competition Has a Cash Prize?
Poetry writing competitions that offer cash prizes include the Lascaux Prize in Poetry, the Acrostic Poetry Contest, the Harold Morton London Translation Award, and many more.
How to Submit a Poem for a Contest?
Submitting a poem for a contest involves several steps. First, you must ensure that your work is original and not previously published, including on social media. When you’re ready to submit, you should only send one submission at a time per category and wait until you receive a response before uploading a new submission.
It’s essential to follow the specific contest guidelines you’re entering. For instance, some contests may require your poem to be 26 lines or fewer and no more than 55 characters per line. You can submit a poem on any topic, employing your preferred style.
When submitting a piece, it can be beneficial to briefly explain why the poem is a fitting entry for the contest. This can help the judges understand where a seemingly vague poem originates.
Lastly, if your work is accepted elsewhere, update your submission immediately to let the contest organizers know. All published work will be compensated. Contact the support team if you encounter any technical issues with the submission process.