Poetry Writing Contests You’ll Actually Want to Enter

If you love writing poetry, entering contests can be a fun way to get your work out there. Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, poetry contests give you a chance to share your voice, connect with other poets, and maybe even win a prize or two. In this article, we’ll break down some of the best poetry writing contests you can enter, how they work, and why they’re worth checking out.

1. Rattle Poetry Prize

The Rattle Poetry Prize is one of the richest awards for a single poem in the world, giving poets a real shot at a life-changing check and wide readership through Rattle’s winter issue.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open worldwide to writers of any age or publication record

• Entry fee: $30 per poem – includes a one-year Rattle subscription

• Prize details: $15,000 to the winner, ten finalists receive $500 each, plus a $5,000 Readers’ Choice bonus

• When to apply: Submissions close July 15, 2025

Why This Contest

A huge cash award, international visibility, and a transparent judging process make this a can’t-miss opportunity for poets who believe in the power of a single standout poem.

2. Oxford Poetry Prize

Run by the historic Oxford Poetry magazine, this contest celebrates a single outstanding poem in English and offers winners publication in a journal that has featured leading voices for over a century.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Any poet writing in English, anywhere in the world

• Entry fee: £10 per poem

• Prize details: £1,000 first prize, £200 second, £100 third, plus publication for the top three

• When to apply: Opens May 1, 2025 – closes August 31, 2025

Why This Contest

Prestige matters – a win here puts your name beside legendary alumni and can open doors to UK and international journals.

3. Donald Hall Prize for Poetry

Administered by AWP, this prize honors an outstanding unpublished manuscript and pairs significant cash with publication by University of Pittsburgh Press.

• Genres: Poetry manuscripts

• Eligibility: Any poet writing in English; both emerging and established writers welcome

• Entry fee: $30 for non-members, $20 for AWP members

• Prize details: $5,500 plus book publication and national distribution

• When to apply: January 1 – February 28, 2025

Why This Contest

Few book prizes pair a four-figure check with the marketing muscle of a major university press – ideal if you want both money and long-term readership.

4. Kate Tufts Discovery Award

This coveted award from Claremont Graduate University spotlights a poet’s first book and delivers a serious boost in both funds and career momentum.

• Genres: First full-length poetry books

• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents whose debut collection was published between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025

• Entry fee: None – but eight copies of the book must be submitted

• Prize details: $10,000 cash award

• When to apply: Postmarked by July 1, 2025

Why This Contest

A no-fee submission with a five-figure purse is rare – and the alumni list reads like a who’s-who of breakout poets.

5. Anthology Poetry Competition

Run by Ireland’s Anthology Magazine, this contest invites poems up to 40 lines on any theme and offers a tidy euro prize plus magazine publication.

• Genres: Poetry (any style)

• Eligibility: Open worldwide; poems must be unpublished and under 40 lines

• Entry fee: €15 early bird, €18 after June 30

• Prize details: €1,000 first, €500 second, €250 third, with winning poem in Anthology Magazine

• When to apply: Final deadline October 31, 2025

Why This Contest

Reasonable fees, cash paid in euros, and a glossy print appearance make this an attractive gateway to European readers.

6. Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize

This U.S.-based competition seeks full-length manuscripts and rewards the winner with cash plus book publication by an indie press known for championing innovative work.

• Genres: Poetry manuscripts

• Eligibility: Open to poets writing in English worldwide

• Entry fee: $30 per manuscript

• Prize details: $2,000 and publication; two additional memorial awards of $250 each

• When to apply: Submissions close April 30, 2025

Why This Contest

If you want indie-press attention plus real marketing support, Marsh Hawk’s reputation for nurturing its authors is a strong draw.

7. Letter Review Prize for Poetry

Offered quarterly, this global contest shares a $1,000 prize pool among two to four winners and guarantees online publication and Pushcart consideration.

• Genres: Poetry (up to 70 lines)

• Eligibility: Open to poets anywhere in the world; blind judging ensures fairness

• Entry fee: $15 per poem

• Prize details: $1,000 total split among winners, publication, and a shortlist of up to 20 poets

• When to apply: Next round closes July 1, 2025

Why This Contest

Frequent deadlines mean frequent chances – perfect if you want regular goals and speedy results rather than waiting a whole year.

8. The Bedford Competition – Poetry Category

A long-running UK contest with hefty cash awards, the Bedford Competition publishes all winners in its annual anthology and donates profits to literacy charities.

• Genres: Poetry (up to 40 lines)

• Eligibility: Anyone aged 17+ worldwide; special prizes for Bedford residents

• Entry fee: £8.50 per poem or three for £17

• Prize details: £2,000 first, £300 second, £200 third, plus Cygnature and Bedford Prizes

• When to apply: Deadline October 31, 2025

Why This Contest

Big prize money, charitable impact, and anthology publication combine to make this competition both prestigious and purpose-driven.

9. Louise Bogan Award

Trio House Press offers this annual manuscript prize honoring artistic excellence, with a cash award, publication, and a healthy box of author copies.

• Genres: Poetry manuscripts

• Eligibility: Open to all poets regardless of previous publication history

• Entry fee: $25 per manuscript

• Prize details: $1,000, publication, and 20 copies of the book

• When to apply: November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025

Why This Contest

A manageable fee, guaranteed publication, and hands-on marketing help from an indie press make this a smart path to getting your collection into print.

10. Hastings Book Festival Poetry Competition

This annual UK-based contest invites poems from writers around the world, celebrating both emerging and established voices. Winners receive cash prizes and publication, with potential for additional local honors.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open internationally to poets of all experience levels

• Entry fee: $10

• Prize details: £250 first, £100 second, £50 third; winners may also receive the Sussex Prize or Founder's Prize

• When to apply: Deadline June 30, 2025

Why This Contest

A great balance of low entry fee, meaningful recognition, and the charm of a community-focused literary festival.

11. TCK Publishing Poetry Awards Contest

Established in 2021, this international contest invites poets to share original work for a chance at cash prizes and global exposure via the TCK website.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to all poets worldwide

• Entry fee: $5

• Prize details: $1,000 and publication on the TCK Publishing website

• When to apply: Deadline June 30, 2025

Why This Contest

One of the most affordable contests with a generous cash prize and solid exposure – a great pick for newer poets.

12. Fischer Prize

The Fischer Prize, run by the Telluride Institute, honors excellence in poetry with a $1,000 top award and multiple finalist prizes, supporting the Talking Gourds community poetry program.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to poets writing in English, no age or location restrictions

• Entry fee: $12

• Prize details: $1,000 first prize, five $250 finalist prizes

• When to apply: Deadline August 31, 2025

Why This Contest

It combines strong cash awards with a long-standing community legacy, making it both rewarding and meaningful.

13. The Loraine Williams Poetry Prize

Offered by The Georgia Review, this annual contest awards a single poem with a substantial prize and publication in a respected literary journal.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to all writers; no geographic restrictions

• Entry fee: $3

• Prize details: $1,500 and publication in The Georgia Review

• When to apply: February 15 – May 15, annually (next round in 2026)

Why This Contest

A minimal entry fee for a prestigious journal placement and a healthy prize makes this a strong value for serious poets.

14. International Poetry Book Awards

Designed to recognize excellence among indie and self-published poets, this contest is a great platform to spotlight full poetry collections.

• Genres: Poetry books and chapbooks

• Eligibility: Independent and self-published poets

• Entry fee: $44

• Prize details: £400 first, £200 second, £100 third, publication opportunities

• When to apply: Deadline June 30, 2025

Why This Contest

If you've already published a book independently, this contest offers visibility and validation in the broader poetry world.

15. Ware Poets Open Poetry Competition

Now in its 27th year, this respected UK contest welcomes poems on any topic and offers several themed awards, including a special sonnet prize.

• Genres: Poetry (up to 50 lines)

• Eligibility: Open to poets worldwide

• Entry fee: $5

• Prize details: £800 first, £400 second, £200 third, £200 sonnet prize

• When to apply: Deadline April 30, 2025

Why This Contest

Affordable entry and a dedicated sonnet category make this a standout for both free verse and form-focused poets.

16. Adrienne Rich Award for Poetry

Named after the legendary poet, this contest offers a solid prize and publication in the Beloit Poetry Journal, with a focus on exceptional, boundary-pushing work.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: Open to all poets

• Entry fee: $15

• Prize details: $1,500 and publication in Beloit Poetry Journal

• When to apply: Deadline April 30, annually

Why This Contest

Named after a literary icon and judged by top editors, this contest offers both honor and a powerful platform for your work.

17. The “I Matter” Contest

Created to give young voices a place to express themselves on social justice issues, this national youth contest emphasizes poetry and art that reflect lived experiences.

• Genres: Poetry

• Eligibility: U.S. students (K–12); themed around racial justice and equality

• Entry fee: Free

• Prize details: Publication in an annual book and features on social media

• When to apply: Deadline July 23, 2025

Why This Contest

It’s free, mission-driven, and offers young poets a powerful way to speak up and be heard through literature.

18. SFPA Poetry Contest

Run by the Science Fiction Poetry Association, this contest honors speculative poetry and includes categories based on poem length, celebrating innovation and imagination.

• Genres: Speculative poetry (science fiction, fantasy, horror)

• Eligibility: Open to all writers

• Entry fee: $3

• Prize details: $150 first prize, $75 second, $25 third, publication on the SFPA website

• When to apply: Deadline August 31, 2025

Why This Contest

Ideal for poets working in fantasy or sci-fi genres, this niche contest opens doors for writers outside traditional literary circles.

Where to Find New Poetry Contests

Looking for more poetry contests beyond the usual lists? Here are some easy, practical ways to keep up with the latest opportunities:

• Poetry-specific websites: Sites like Poets & Writers, Submittable Discover, and The Poetry Society regularly update their listings with current and upcoming contests. These are great places to browse by deadline, genre, or prize amount.

• Writing forums and online communities: Platforms like Reddit (check out r/Poetry or r/Writing), Facebook writing groups, and Discord servers for creatives often share contest news in real time. You’ll also get advice from fellow poets about which ones are legit or worth the entry fee.

• Email newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from literary magazines, poetry blogs, and submission platforms. Many send out curated lists of open contests every month, so you don’t have to search on your own.

• University or library websites: Colleges and public libraries often host writing contests for students and community members. Even if you’re not a student, you might find local or regional contests open to everyone.

• Social media: Follow poets, publishers, literary magazines, and writing orgs on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Many announce contests, deadlines, and submission tips in their feeds or stories.

Using a mix of these resources keeps you in the loop and helps you spot opportunities that others might miss. Plus, many of them are free to use or join!

How Freewrite Helps You Crush Poetry Contests

When it comes to poetry contests, submitting your best work means doing your best writing, and that starts with focus. That’s where we come in. AtFreewrite, we create writing tools designed specifically to help you block out distractions and stay locked into your creative flow. Whether you're working on a single poem for a contest or drafting an entire manuscript, our devices let you write freely without notifications, browser tabs, or social media pulling you away.

Each Freewrite device is built to be a digital sanctuary. You get a beautiful screen that’s easy on the eyes, a responsive mechanical keyboard that feels like it was made for writing marathons, and zero access to the open internet, just your words, exactly where you left them. So if you're entering a poetry contest and want to make every line count, our tools can help you stay focused and finish strong. We’ve seen poets go from idea to submission with clarity and confidence, now it’s your turn.

Smart Typewriter

TheSmart Typewriter is built for one thing: helping you write without distractions. It strips away all the extra stuff that usually gets in the way of a good writing session, and gives you a space to just focus on the words. It combines a durable aluminum body with a full-size mechanical keyboard and an E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes, even in bright or low light.

This device is ideal for writers who want a clear divide between drafting and editing. Everything you type is automatically saved locally and to the cloud (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) as soon as you're online. And if you're totally off the grid? Just plug it into your computer via USB. Smart Typewriter feels solid, types beautifully, and keeps your drafts backed up and ready for whenever you're ready to polish them later.

What Stands Out:

• Full-size mechanical keyboard with tactile Kailh Box Brown switches

• E Ink display with built-in frontlight for day or night writing

• Durable aluminum body with retractable handle

• Seamless cloud syncing and USB document transfer

Alpha Cosmic Edition

TheAlpha Cosmic Edition is Freewrite’s sleek, lightweight drafting device made for distraction-free writing anytime, anywhere. It features a terrazzo-inspired black case with colorful specks, a warm backlight for nighttime sessions, and a compact form that’s easy to carry. Whether you’re writing at a coffee shop, on a plane, or from the comfort of your couch, Cosmic helps you stay in the zone without notifications pulling you away.

Despite its small size, the Alpha Cosmic is packed with writing power. It stores up to 1 million words, runs for around 100 hours on a single charge, and automatically syncs your writing to the cloud. It even comes with a custom felt sleeve to protect your creative companion. This is a great pick for anyone who wants a minimalist tool that still looks cool while getting the job done.

What Stands Out:

• Compact, lightweight design with LCD screen and backlight

• Exclusive felt sleeve with constellation-inspired stitching

• Cloud syncing to multiple platforms and offline USB export

• 100-hour battery life for long creative sessions

Hemingwrite Signature Edition

TheHemingwrite is a premium version of the Smart Typewriter, made with serious writers and collectors in mind. Built with a hand-polished aluminum body and green keycaps, this special edition celebrates the writing legacy of Ernest Hemingway. It’s distraction-free, beautifully crafted, and comes with a custom leather attaché case that makes it feel more like a treasure than just another device.

This version includes all the core features of the Smart Typewriter, but wrapped in an aesthetic that honors a literary icon. Each Hemingwrite is engraved with Hemingway’s signature and designed to age uniquely over time. It’s not just a writing tool, it’s a tribute to a bold and simple way of writing.

What Stands Out:

• Hand-polished aluminum body and exclusive green keycaps

• Official collaboration with the Ernest Hemingway estate

• Includes premium leather attaché case with velvet interior

• Unique patina develops over time, making each one one-of-a-kind

Traveler

TheTraveler is Freewrite’s ultra-portable model made for writers who want to work anywhere without carrying a full-sized device. It’s small, lightweight, and folds like a clamshell, which makes it easy to toss in a bag and go. Despite its size, Traveler packs a punch with a full-size scissor-switch keyboard and an E Ink screen that’s easy on the eyes and readable in sunlight.

This device is perfect for digital nomads, daily journaling, or anyone who likes to write on the move. It syncs with the cloud, has offline USB export, and supports dozens of languages. With a battery that lasts for weeks, you don’t have to worry about charging every day. The Traveler keeps you focused, lets your words flow, and gives you writing freedom wherever you are.

What Stands Out:

• Ultra-portable design, half the footprint of a laptop

• E Ink screen with no glare, ideal for outdoor writing

• Comfortable full-size scissor-switch keyboard

• 4-week battery life and cloud sync for peace of mind

Conclusion

Entering poetry writing contests is one of the best ways to grow as a writer. Whether you're aiming for publication, prize money, or simply the joy of being read, contests give your work a real audience. They also help you set goals, build discipline, and keep your creative momentum going. The great thing is, there's something for everyone: from beginners to experienced poets, free-to-enter challenges to prestigious international competitions.

If you’ve been thinking about putting your poetry out there, let this be your sign to go for it. Choose a contest that fits your style and experience, polish your work, and hit submit. Winning is great, but the real win is showing up for your writing and sharing your voice with the world.

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