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

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 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 to see more of your poems).
5. The entrant’s name, address, e-mail, and phone number must not appear in the poems.
6. Do not identify yourself in your contest entries.
7. The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the poem field.

How to Win

• 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
• Enter a lot of contests. The more contests you enter, the better your chance of winning one.

Tips for New Poets

• 10 Steps to Writing Great Poetry
• What is Good Poetry?
• How to Write Poetry
• What is Poetry? What Famous Poets Say

More Contest Links

• Poetry Contest Winners and Status
• Top Poetry Contest Poets
• Archived PoetrySoup Contest Winners

Recent Premiere Poetry Contest Winners

Rhythm of Wind and Lavender and Inspiration
Susan Ashley

Before the Door
Andrea Dietrich

I Am that I Am
Hiya Sharma

The Bath of Psyche, Frederic Leighton
Ink Empress

Wind and Wave, Franz von Stuck
Ink Empress

Inhaling Autumn's Breath
Lin Lane

Back to School (DHR)
David Crandall

Reverence
MOHIT MITRA

List of Current Contests