Poetry Nation Poetry Contest

Poetry Nation invites poets from around the globe to take part in its free annual poetry contest and become part of a vibrant international community of writers and readers. Whether you write for passion, expression, or competition, Poetry Nation offers a welcoming space to publish, connect, and grow.

---

What Is Poetry Nation?

Poetry Nation is more than a contest—it is a living online ecosystem dedicated to poetry. Members can:

• Submit poems without limit

• Organize their work into personal collections

• Participate in monthly challenges

• Receive feedback through comments and ratings

• Interact with poets worldwide

Poets who enjoy reciting their work can also upload a YouTube link to share spoken-word performances.

---

Poetry Contest at a Glance

• Entry Fee: Free

• Frequency: Annual

• Eligibility: Open to poets aged 13 and above

• Submission Limit: One poem per person, per household

Each contest typically receives 20,000–25,000 entries, with about 55–60% advancing to the semi-final round.

---

Prizes and Awards

The Poetry Nation contest offers generous rewards and recognition:

• First Prize:

  • $2,000 cash

  • First prize wall plaque

• Second Prizes (20 winners):

  • $100 cash each

  • Second prize wall plaque

• Third Prizes (100 winners):

  • Wall plaque

  • $25 gift certificate (redeemable toward Poetry Nation or Eber & Wein Publishing products)

• Semi-Finalists:

  • Certificate of participation suitable for framing

Winners are notified by mail, and the first-place winner is contacted directly for identity verification before the prize is sent.

---

Poem Requirements (Essential Rules)

To qualify, submissions must meet all of the following criteria:

• Written in English

• Original work by the entrant (no plagiarism)

• 3 to 26 lines total (stanza breaks included)

• Maximum 55 characters per line (spaces included)

• Poem title does not count as a line

• Only one poem per person

• No double-spacing

• Proper capitalization rules must be followed:

  • No ALL CAPS

  • Do not capitalize every word

  • Capitalize proper nouns only

• Avoid texting language; spell out all words and numbers

• Do not include your name or personal details in the poem

• Avoid clichés and overused phrases such as “Roses are red” or “Time after time”

• Content must not be vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate

Any poem exceeding the line or character limits is automatically disqualified.

Get new posts by email:

Powered by