Poetry Forum Areas

Introduce Yourself

New to PoetrySoup? Introduce yourself here. Tell us something about yourself.

Looking for a Poem

Can't find a poem you've read before? Looking for a poem for a special person or an occasion? Ask other member for help.

Writing Poetry

Ways to improve your poetry. Post your techniques, tips, and creative ideas how to write better.

High Critique

For poets who want unrestricted constructive criticism. This is NOT a vanity workshop. If you do not want your poem seriously critiqued, do not post here. Constructive criticism only. PLEASE Only Post One Poem a Day!!!

How do I...?

Ask PoetrySoup Members how to do something or find something on PoetrySoup.


Home » Poetry » Free Poetry Contests

Poetry Contests

Below are free poetry contests for 2017 (some for money or cash) are managed by PoetrySoup poet Premium Members. Poetry contests are held every week. Any poet can enter and all competitions are free. Enter as many contests as you want. You keep copyrights on all of your poems. Some poetry contests even have prizes! Go to the contests you can enter...

How to Enter PoetrySoup Contests

  1. Submit your poems to PoetrySoup using the Submit Poems link at the top of any PoetrySoup page
  2. Return to the poetry contest page
  3. Select a contest to enter and then click the Enter Contest button associated with the poetry contest you want to enter.
  4. Select your poem to enter by clicking the Enter Contest button (You may need to scroll see more of your poems).
  • Entrant’s name, address, e-mail and phone number must not appear on the poems.
  • Do not identify yourself on your contest entries.
  • The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the poem field.

How to Win a Poetry Contest

  • Study the past winners of a contest sponsored by that member
  • Prior to entering a contest, have your poem critiqued in the High Critique Forum
  • Objectively and critically review your poem
  • Enter a lot of contests. Hey, the more contests you enter, the better chance you have of winning one.

Other Contest Links

The contests are below...

Poetry Contests

Jump to a contest:

Is a Premiere Poetry Contest Premiere Contests

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

Standard Contest

  • Rules determined by contest sponsor
  • Number of winners and how they place are determined by contest sponsor
Enter Contest
Sonnet poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Monday, November 6, 2017
15 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Dale Gregory Cozart

Enter Contest
Rhyme poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 16, 2017
8 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Brenda Chiri

Enter Contest

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 16, 2017
30 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Brian Strand

Enter Contest

Poetry Contest Deadline: Tuesday, October 31, 2017
38 poems of the maximum 169 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Russell Sivey

Contest: BOO
Enter Contest
Monorhyme poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 9, 2017
20 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Alexis Y.

Enter Contest
Rondeau poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 9, 2017
21 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Janice Canerdy

Enter Contest
Senryu poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Friday, November 10, 2017
25 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Laura Loo

Enter Contest

Poetry Contest Deadline: Sunday, November 12, 2017
29 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Line Gauthier

Contest: Parenthood
Enter Contest

Poetry Contest Deadline: Monday, November 13, 2017
25 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Silent One

Enter Contest
Free verse poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
29 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: nette onclaud

Enter Contest

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 16, 2017
14 poems of the maximum 40 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Julie Leigh Rodeheaver

Enter Contest
Rhyme poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 16, 2017
11 poems of the maximum 36 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Kevin Shaw

Enter Contest
Sonnet poetry form only.

Poetry Contest Deadline: Thursday, November 30, 2017
8 poems of the maximum 35 allowed have been entered.
Sponsored by: Michael Vacek