poetry writing contests 2021

Free Poetry Contests

Poetry contests are an excellent way for aspiring poets to showcase their talent and get recognized for their work. These contests, listed below , offer a platform for poets to share their creative expressions with a broader audience and gain feedback from experts in the field. It's an excellent opportunity to challenge oneself, improve one's writing skills, and win prizes and accolades. Whether you're an amateur poet or a seasoned professional, there are plenty of poetry contests that cater to all levels and styles. So why not try it and see where your words can take you?

About PoetrySoup Poetry Contests

Below is a list of free online poetry contests that you can enter right now. They are managed by PoetrySoup Premium Members . Poetry contests are held every day, and anyone can enter. All competitions are free; you can enter as many contests as you want. You keep copyrights on all of your poems. Some poetry contests even have prizes!

Contest Submission Guidelines

Submit your poems to PoetrySoup using the Submit Poems link at the top of any PoetrySoup page
Return to the poetry contest page
Select a contest to enter and click the Enter Contest button associated with the poetry contest you want to enter.
Select your poem to enter by clicking the Enter Contest button (You may need to scroll to see more of your poems).
The entrant’s name, address, e-mail, and phone number must not appear in the poems.
Do not identify yourself in your contest entries.
The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the poem field.
Enter the contest early. A contest closes when the number of allowed entries is reached, or the deadline passes. Study the past winners of a contest sponsored by that member
Before entering a contest, have your poem critiqued in the High Critique Forum
Objectively and critically review your poem
Enter a lot of contests. The more contests you enter, the better your chance of winning one.

List of Current Contests

An old form poetry contest.

Deadline: Monday, April 1, 2024 34 poems of the maximum 45 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Emile Pinet

Woven Worlds - Tanka Prose Poetry Contest

Deadline: Thursday, April 4, 2024 17 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Suzette Richards

Glenn Hughes Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 19, 2024 12 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Robert James Liguori

Senryu's 3 Rhymed By 3 Unrhymed Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 9 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Hilo Poet

You Have Entered The Twilight Zone Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 30 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Tom Woody

No 1297 Poetry Contest

Deadline: Saturday, April 27, 2024 31 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Brian Strand

Ode Poetry Contest

Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 7 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Regina Mcintosh

I Wish I Had Poetry Contest

Deadline: Saturday, April 6, 2024 37 poems of the maximum 40 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Unseeking Seeker

Coagulation Starter Poetry Contest

Deadline: Wednesday, April 10, 2024 22 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Matt Caliri

Ethereal Lanterns Poetry Contest

Deadline: Thursday, April 11, 2024 34 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Ink Empress

Legend Poetry Contest

Deadline: Sunday, April 14, 2024 30 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Silent One

The Interview (2) Poetry Contest

Deadline: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 27 poems of the maximum 37 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Anthony Biaanco

This Or That, Vol 24 Poetry Contest

Deadline: Saturday, April 20, 2024 27 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Edward Ibeh

Search That Bus (6 Lines Or Less) Poetry Contest

Deadline: Saturday, April 20, 2024 13 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Miranda Hawley

Vanish, Voyage, Veiled, Vagabond Words - Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 27 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Constance La France

Maestro Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 8 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Craig Cornish

Bitesize Poem No84 Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 22 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Line Gauthier

Vo Dee Oh Doe Poetry Contest

Deadline: Friday, April 26, 2024 20 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Kim Rodrigues

Babel, Bait, Blame, Blank Check Poetry Contest

Deadline: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 3 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered. Sponsored by: Sotto Poet

Types of Contests Available

Cash or prize contests, premiere contests.

Stricter guidelines for contest sponsors as determined by PoetrySoup
One poem per place in a contest
1st place winners will have a trophy next to their poem on the website

Standard Contest

Rules determined by the contest sponsor
The number of winners and how they place are determined by the contest sponsor

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