What are the Best Poetry Contests to Enter?

The Poets and Writers Network has released their annual FREE poetry contest directory, and the growing number of contests is great news for poets. Most poetry contests offer writers the opportunity to get your poetry published, which can help you earn writer's royalties. Here are our picks for the best poetry contests to enter:

1. The Main Street Poetry Contest
P.O. Box 690100, Charlotte, NC
First Prize: Publication. Contact for details and dates.

2. Ruthless Rhyme Competition
Sheldrake Press, 188 Cavendish Rd. London, U.K.
Entry Fee: Free to Enter. Prizes: T.B.A. Contact for full details.

3. Peggy Zuleika Lynch Poetry Competition
301 N. 19th St., Lamesa, TX U.S.A.
Prizes: 1st Place Adult $75, 1st Place under 12, $75, 1st Place 14-17, $75
Entry Fee: Free to Enter. Maximum: 32 lines. Contact for full details

4. East Riding Poetry Prize
East Riding Poetry Prize, Skirlaugh, East Riding, Yorkshire, U.K.
Prizes: £1,000 & £500. Entry Fee: £3. Contact for full details/dates.

5. Artists Embassy International Poetry Contest
704 Brigham Ave., Santa Rosa, CA
Prizes: $1,000. Entry Fee: $5. Contact for full details and dates.

6. Grey Hen Poetry Competition
PO Box 450, Keighley, W Yorks
Maximum Length: up to 40 lines. Contact for full details and dates
Prizes: £100, £75, £25. Entry Fee £3.00 per poem, £10 for 4.

7. Dream Quest Poetry Contest
P.O. Box 3141, Chicago, IL U.S.A.
First Prize: $250, Second Prize: $125. Entry fee: $5 per poem.

8. The Northampton Literature Group Poetry Competition
NLG 7 Cattle Hill, Great Billing, Northampton
Prizes: 1st Prize £250. Entry fee: £3.00 per poem. Contact for details.