The Best Poetry Writing Contests of 2022
Writing competitions curated by Reedsy
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Showing 172 contests
Editor's Prize - Work Anthology
Unleash Press
Writers are invited to submit creative interpretations on Work for an upcoming anthology and the chance of winning the editors' prize. Essays, fiction, drama, and poetry interpretations of the theme will be accepted. Submissions should have a total word count of no more than 5,000 words. All authors chosen for the anthology will receive a paperback copy of the book. Only one editor’s prize will be selected.
Top prize
150
Additional prizes
Publication in anthology
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: December 30, 2022
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Poetry, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller
View contestThe Bedford Competition
The Bedford Competition
We are an International Competition with prizes totalling £3000 including special awards for 17-25 year olds. All winning and shortlisted entries are published by our partners, Ostrich Books. We donate proceeds to charities that support literary and literacy skills.
Top prize
$1,221
Additional prizes
2nd: $244 | 3rd: $122
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $9
Deadline: October 31, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestMyth: SaveAs Writers' International Writing Competition 2022
SaveAs Writers
National and International entries are welcome. SaveAs Writers invite entries of poetry and prose for their annual competition. 2022 celebrates the centenary of the publication of James Joyce’s Ulysses. In the tradition of Joyce's novel, the work should display a link to myth, Greek, Roman, Norse, Indian, Icelandic or any other, and may be set in any period.
Top prize
245
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: October 31, 2022
Genres
Poetry, Short Story
View contestWergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest
Winning Writers
Now in its 21st year, this contest seeks today's best humor poems. No fee to enter. Submit published or unpublished work. $3,500 in prizes.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Two-year gift certificate for Duotrope | 2nd: $500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: April 01, 2023
Genres
Humor, Poetry
View contestSeven Hills Literary Contest and Penumbra Poetry and Haiku Contest
Tallahassee Writers Association
The Seven Hills Literary Contest and Penumbra Poetry and Haiku Contest (collectively, “the Contest”) is sponsored annually by the Tallahassee Writers Association. The contest is open to English-language entries from around the world. For the first time, we are open to published entries as well as unpublished entries.
Top prize
$300
Additional prizes
Published in the Seven Hills Review
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Genres
Children's, Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Novel, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestTom Howard / Margaret Reid Poetry Contest
Winning Writers
Welcome to the 20th annual Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest. Submit published or unpublished work. $3,000 for a poem in any style or genre. $3,000 for a poem that rhymes or has a traditional style.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
$200 for 10 honorable mentions
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $20
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestHaiku Poetry Contest
FanStory.com Inc.
Share a Haiku! That's a poem with only three lines that generally follows the 5-7-5 syllable count. So the first line of your poem will have three syllables. Second line seven. Final line five!
Top prize
$100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $13
Deadline: April 15, 2023
Genres
Poetry
View contestMinds Shine Bright Storm
Minds Shine Bright
Mind Shine Bright has two writing competitions annually a revolving theme competition which for 2022 is Storm and Confidence.
Top prize
$500 (AUS)
Additional prizes
2nd: $400 (AUS) | 3rd: $300 (AUS)
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Poetry, Script Writing, Short Story
View contestMacQ-15 Ekphrastic Writing Challenge: "The Question of Questions"
MacQueen's Quinterly
For our tenth themed writing challenge, MacQueen’s Quinterly is calling for literary works in multiple genres: flash and micro-fiction, nonfiction, poetry, prose poetry, and poetic hybrids. Each piece entered must include one “q” word and must address the theme described in our contest guidelines and publisher's commentary.
Top prize
$200
Additional prizes
Publication in Issue 15 of MacQueen's Quinterly online
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: August 21, 2022
Genres
Essay, Flash Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Writing
View contestNarrative Prize
Narrative Magazine
The Narrative Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative. The submission system is open all year.
Top prize
$4,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $27
Deadline: June 15, 2023
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestEtched Onyx and the Story Discovery Podcast
Onyx Publications
The Fall Edition Contest is an open, mixed-category contest. In other words, we have no limitations or expectations on which types of works will win awards. Selections are based on originality, voice, and style. Last year's contest had 4 prose winners and 2 poetry winners. (An early bird entry fee of $7.50 runs till July 31)
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
Second Prize $250 | Third Prize $100 | 3 Honorable Mentions $50 each
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $12
Deadline: August 28, 2022
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller
View contestTLOP Anthology of Contemporary Writers 2022
The League of POETS
The League of POETS is proud to announce our 2022 anthology contest. This year we are looking for poetry and short story entries that edify the theme of industrialism. We want entries that defines the new age of our global village.
Top prize
Publication and Certificate of Distinction
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $2
Deadline: September 25, 2022
Genres
Poetry, Short Story
View contestThe TLOP Weekly Contest
The League of POETS
After a long hiatus, The League of POETS is happy to announce its return to literary activities. Each of our new weekly contest will have a different topic and different theme — this is done to encourage diversity among ideas. We want to see poetry and short stories that explore different emotions and take on a fresh new perspective on life.
Top prize
Certificate of Distinction
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: July 15, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry, Short Story
View contestThe One Page Poetry Contest
One Page Poetry
One Page Poetry is dedicated to the art of expressing a poetic theme on a single page, whether your poem is four lines or forty, whether yours is a love poem, inspirational poem, philosophical poem, or just one that is fun or whimsical. We welcome any and all poetic forms, as long as they fit on a single page.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
2nd: $1000 | 3rd: $500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $95
Deadline: September 20, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestBest Indie Book Award
Best Indie Book Award
The annual Best Indie Book Award® (or BIBA®) is an international literary awards contest recognizing self-published and independently published authors from all over the world. Entries are limited to independently (indie) published books, including those from small presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors.
Top prize
Trophy
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $65
Deadline: October 01, 2022
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Novel, Novella, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestHysteria Writing Competition
Hysteria Writing
The Hysteria Writing Competition showcases writers from all over the world. Past winners have come from countries as far apart as UK, Canada, Australia and Nigeria. Its purpose is to help writers get their work in front of a new, different audience.
Top prize
$364
Additional prizes
Publication in Hysteria 9 anthology
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: August 31, 2022
Genres
Flash Fiction, Poetry, Short Story
View contestTHE MONO POETRY PRIZE 2022
MONO
We are thrilled to invite you to enter our 2022 Poetry Prize judged this year by Joelle Taylor. This competition is completely unthemed. Why? Because we want you to go off-piste, totally off the beaten track. Word limit? You choose. Line count? Enough. You can enter up to three poems at a cost of £6 per poem (just adjust the quantity at checkout if necessary).
Top prize
$606
Additional prizes
2nd: $243 | 3rd: $122
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $8
Deadline: August 01, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contest2nd Annual WCWF Writing Contest
Wine Country Writers' Festival
Fire up those pens and get those unpublished stories and poems submitted to WCWF 2nd Annual Writing Contest. Three winners in each category, publication in Anthology, and your own copy. Entries: $15 or two for $25.
Top prize
$150
Additional prizes
2nd Place: $75 | 3rd Place: $50
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: July 29, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThomas Merton Poetry of the Sacred
Center for Interfaith Relations
For over thirteen years, the Poetry of the Sacred contest has received thousands of submissions touching every aspect of spiritual life. Poetry has been called ‘the language of the soul’ and this annual contest encourages poets to awaken the reader to the deep meaning and beauty of a contemplative life. Poems are evaluated based on literary excellence, authenticity and spiritual tenor.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
Three honorable mentions to receive $100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: August 01, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestThe Poetry.com Contest
Poetry.com
Poetry.com offers monthly contests for poets worldwide to gain motivation, inspiration and exposure, while building passion and enjoyment for the written creative process! How are winners chosen? Our contest boasts a clever twist: poems remain anonymous whilst applicants vote on what they believe should be the winning entry.
Top prize
$500
Additional prizes
2nd place: 300 USD | 3rd place: 200 USD | Runner up personalized Poetry.com mug
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: December 31, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestFour Line Poem
FanStory.com Inc.
Write a four line poem that has a specific syllable count. The first line has 1 syllable, the second line has 5 syllables, the third line has 5 syllables, and the last line has 9 syllables. The subject can be anything.
Top prize
$100
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $10
Deadline: December 22, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestMarch Micro Writing Competition
Globe Soup
We accept: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction. Each month has a theme. You have just 100 words to write something interesting, unique, and impactful based on the theme. Entry to your first contest is £3, after that you can enter all subsequent contests for free each month. You can get peer feedback on your entry too. The theme this month is: Yellow/Orange.
Top prize
$133
Additional prizes
Publication on our website
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $4
Deadline: March 14, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Flash Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contestRhina Espaillat Poetry Award
Plough Publishing
This award honors the achievements of the great Dominican-American poet, translator, and public school teacher Rhina Polonia Espaillat. The Rhina Espaillat Poetry Award will be awarded for an original poem of not more than fifty lines that reflects her lyricism, empathy, and ability to find grace in everyday events of life.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication in Plough Quarterly. Two finalists will receive $250
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $5
Deadline: March 30, 2023
Genres
Poetry
View contestGeminga: $250 for Tiny Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, or Art
Sunspot Lit
Authors and artists eligible. Sunspot Lit’s Geminga contest honors the power of the small. No restrictions on theme or category. $250 cash, publication for the winner, and publication offered to runners-up and finalists. Enter as many times as you like, but only one piece per submission.
Top prize
$250
Additional prizes
Publication in digital and print
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $6
Deadline: June 30, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Essay, Fantasy, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, Humor, Memoir, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Script Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestRattle Young Poets
Rattle Foundation
Rattle is a publication of the Rattle Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the practice of poetry, and is not affiliated with any other organization. The author of the poem must have been age 15 or younger when the poem was written, and 18 or younger when submitted.
Top prize
Publication in Rattle Magazine
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: November 15, 2022
Genres
Children's, Poetry
View contestBlue Lynx Prize for Poetry
Lynx House Press
The annual Blue Lynx Prize for Poetry awards $2000 plus publication for a full-length poetry collection. The Prize is awarded for an unpublished, full-length volume of poems by a U.S. author, which includes foreign nationals living and writing in the U.S. and U.S. citizens living abroad.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
Publication
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $28
Deadline: July 16, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestKate Tufts Discovery Award
Claremont Graduate University
The Kate Tufts Discovery Award was created in 1994, a year after the inception of the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. It is presented to a first book by a poet of genuine promise. The Kate Tufts Discovery Award offers a hefty prize of $10,000. The work submitted must be a first book of poetry published between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022. Manuscripts, CDs, and chapbooks are not accepted.
Top prize
$10,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: June 30, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestKingsley Tufts Poetry Award
Tufts Poetry Awards
Kate Tufts established the $50,000 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award at Claremont Graduate University in 1992. As Kate Tufts observed, these awards are intended “to give a poet a little breathing room and a little recognition.” The legacy created with the Kingsley & Kate Tufts Poetry Awards will continue to inspire countless generations of poets and lovers of poetry.
Top prize
$100,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: FREE
Deadline: June 30, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contestNew Voices Award
Lee & Low Books
The New Voices Award is given annually by children's book publisher Lee & Low Books for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Indigenous/Native writer. Established in 2000, the New Voices Award encourages writers of color and Indigenous/Native writers to submit their work to a publisher that takes pride in nurturing new talent.
Top prize
$2,000
Additional prizes
A standard Lee & Low publishing contract | Honor Award winner: $1,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $0
Deadline: August 01, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contestThe X.J. Kennedy Poetry Prize
Texas Review Press
Established in 1998, The X. J. Kennedy Prize highlights one full-length collection of poetry per year. Since 2019 the Prize comes with a $10,000 advance, a standard royalty contract, and 20 copies of the published book.
Top prize
$10,000 advance
Additional prizes
Royalty contract with TRP, publication, 20 author copies
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $28
Deadline: September 30, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestBenjamin Saltman Poetry Award
Red Hen Press
Established in 1998, in honor of the poet Benjamin Saltman (1927–1999), this award is for a previously unpublished original collection of poetry. The awarded collection is selected through an annual competition that is open to all poets.
Top prize
$3,000
Additional prizes
Book publication by Red Hen Press, a four-week PLAYA residency
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $25
Deadline: October 31, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestFool for Poetry International Chapbook Competition
Munster Literature Center
The competition is open to new, emerging and established poets from any country. One of these winners will be the highest scoring manuscript entered by a poet with no solo collection (full-length or chapbook) previously published. Up to 25 other entrants will be publicly listed as "highly commended".
Top prize
€1,000
Additional prizes
Chapbook publication with 50 free copies, 2nd prize €500
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $30
Deadline: August 31, 2022
Genres
Poetry
View contestNorth Street Book Prize
Winning Writers
One grand prize winner will receive $8,000, a marketing analysis and one-hour phone consultation with Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a $300 credit at BookBaby, and 3 free ads in the Winning Writers newsletter (a $525 value). Please submit between February 15 and June 30, 2022.
Top prize
$8,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $70
Deadline: June 30, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Fiction, Memoir, Non-fiction, Poetry
View contest2nd Annual WCWF Writing Contest
Wine Country Writers' Festival
Fire up those pens and get those unpublished stories and poems submitted to WCWF 2nd Annual Writing Contest. Three winners in each category, publication in Anthology, and your own copy. Entries: $15 or two for $25. See the contest rules and enter now. Blind Judging.
Top prize
$150
Additional prizes
Publication in an anthology
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $15
Deadline: July 29, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Crime, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Humor, Mystery, Non-fiction, Poetry, Romance, Science Fiction, Science Writing, Short Story, Thriller, Young Adult
View contestThe Paz Prize for Poetry
The National Poetry Series
Miami Book Fair will award one $2,000 prize every other year for the publication of a previously unpublished book of poetry originally written in Spanish by an American resident. The prize will recognize book-length manuscripts of poetry written in Spanish. Translations, works of literary criticism and scholarly texts do not qualify. The next Paz Prize competition will open in May, 2020.
Top prize
$2,000
Entry requirements
💰 Fee: $35
Deadline: May 31, 2022 (Expired)
Genres
Poetry
View contest
