Monthly Poetry Contests: A Complete Guide to Finding and Entering Poetry Competitions Every Month
Poetry contests are an exciting way for poets to share their work, gain recognition, build a writing portfolio, and sometimes win cash prizes, publication opportunities, or valuable feedback. For both emerging and experienced writers, monthly poetry contests offer a consistent opportunity to submit poems throughout the year.
Unlike annual poetry competitions that may accept entries only once a year, monthly contests give poets more frequent chances to participate. Whether you write free verse, haiku, sonnets, spoken-word poetry, nature poems, love poems, or experimental poetry, there are competitions available for different styles and experience levels.
In this complete guide, we will explore what monthly poetry contests are, where to find them, how to choose the right competition, how to prepare your submission, and how to improve your chances of success.
What Are Monthly Poetry Contests?
Monthly poetry contests are poetry competitions that accept submissions on a recurring monthly basis. Some contests have a new theme every month, while others allow poets to submit any original poem that follows the competition's rules.
These contests may be organised by:
Literary magazines
Poetry websites
Writing organisations
Universities and colleges
Independent publishers
Poetry communities
Writing platforms
Nonprofit literary organisations
Individual poets and editors
Depending on the organiser, a monthly poetry contest may offer prizes such as cash, publication, books, certificates, memberships, or editorial feedback.
For poets, the biggest advantage is consistency. Instead of waiting months for a major annual competition, you can regularly search for new opportunities and submit your work throughout the year.
Why Enter Monthly Poetry Contests?
Entering poetry competitions regularly can be beneficial for your writing career and creative development.
1. Build Your Writing Portfolio
Winning or placing in a poetry contest can become an important part of your writing portfolio. Even being shortlisted may demonstrate that your work has been recognised by editors or judges.
A strong contest record can be useful when applying for:
Literary fellowships
Writing residencies
Scholarships
Creative writing programmes
Publishing opportunities
Grants
Literary awards
However, poets should always verify the reputation of the competition before paying an entry fee.
2. Gain Publication Opportunities
Some monthly poetry contests offer winners or shortlisted poets the opportunity to have their poems published in literary magazines, anthologies, or online publications.
Publication can help new poets build credibility and reach new readers.
Before entering, check whether the contest clearly explains:
Where winning poems will be published
Who owns the copyright
Whether publication is exclusive
Whether poets retain publication rights
How long the work will remain online
Understanding the rights agreement is especially important for poets planning to submit the same poem elsewhere.
3. Win Cash Prizes
Many poetry competitions offer cash prizes. The amount can vary significantly depending on the organiser and the scale of the contest.
Monthly competitions may offer:
Small cash awards
Gift cards
Book prizes
Annual grand prizes
Publication packages
Coaching or mentoring
Editorial consultations
Not every reputable contest offers money. Some competitions focus primarily on publication and recognition.
4. Develop a Regular Writing Habit
Monthly contests can encourage poets to write consistently.
If you know that a new competition opens every month, you may become more disciplined about writing and revising your poems.
A simple monthly routine might look like this:
Week 1: Write new poems
Week 2: Revise and edit
Week 3: Research suitable contests
Week 4: Submit your strongest work
This process can gradually improve your writing skills.
5. Challenge Yourself With New Themes
Many monthly poetry competitions announce specific themes.
For example, a contest may ask poets to write about:
Love
Nature
Climate change
Identity
Memory
Family
Friendship
Migration
Childhood
Loss
Hope
Dreams
Social justice
Theme-based contests can push poets outside their usual creative comfort zones.
Types of Monthly Poetry Contests
Not every poetry contest works in the same way. Understanding the different types can help you find opportunities that match your writing style.
1. Free Monthly Poetry Contests
Free poetry contests do not charge an entry fee.
These are particularly attractive to beginners and students who may not have a large budget for submissions.
Before entering a free contest, check the organiser's website and rules carefully. Look for clear information about the judges, prizes, deadlines, and publication terms.
2. Monthly Poetry Contests With Entry Fees
Some competitions charge poets to submit their work.
Entry fees may help organisers cover:
Prize money
Administration
Judge payments
Publication costs
Website maintenance
However, poets should be selective when paying to enter contests.
A legitimate contest should clearly explain:
Entry fee
Deadline
Eligibility
Prize details
Judging process
Rules
Copyright terms
Be cautious of competitions that make unrealistic promises or provide little information about the organisers.
3. Theme-Based Poetry Contests
Theme-based competitions ask writers to submit poems based on a specific topic.
These contests are ideal for poets who enjoy writing with creative prompts.
A monthly theme can also help writers overcome writer's block.
4. Open-Theme Poetry Contests
Open-theme contests allow poets to submit poems on almost any subject.
These competitions are useful if you already have completed poems that you want to submit.
Always check whether the contest requires previously unpublished work.
5. Haiku and Short Poetry Contests
Some monthly competitions focus specifically on short forms such as haiku, tanka, micro-poetry, and other concise poetic forms.
These contests can be excellent for writers who enjoy expressing complex ideas with very few words.
6. Student Poetry Contests
Students can find monthly competitions designed specifically for young writers.
These may be divided into categories such as:
Elementary school
Middle school
High school
College and university
Student contests may have different eligibility rules and submission requirements, so always read the guidelines carefully.
7. Emerging Poet Competitions
Some contests are designed specifically for new or emerging poets.
These opportunities may be especially valuable for writers who have not yet published a full poetry collection.
Emerging poet competitions can provide:
Recognition
Publication
Mentoring
Feedback
Networking opportunities
Where to Find Monthly Poetry Contests
Finding legitimate monthly poetry contests requires regular research.
Poetry and Literary Websites
Poetry websites often publish information about upcoming contests and submission opportunities.
Look for websites that maintain regularly updated contest calendars.
Literary Magazines
Many literary magazines organise contests or publish announcements about poetry competitions.
Following literary magazines can help you discover opportunities that may not appear in general writing-contest directories.
Writing Organisations
Professional poetry and literary organisations often provide resources for writers.
These organisations may publish information about:
Competitions
Awards
Fellowships
Grants
Residencies
Submission opportunities
Membership may be required for some contests, while others are open to everyone.
Social Media
Poetry contests are frequently announced through social media.
Poets can follow:
Literary magazines
Poetry organisations
Editors
Publishers
Writing communities
However, always verify contest information on the organiser's official website before submitting personal information or paying an entry fee.
University Writing Programmes
Universities and colleges sometimes host poetry competitions for students or the general public.
These contests may be connected to literary festivals, writing programmes, or annual arts events.
How to Choose the Right Monthly Poetry Contest
With so many competitions available, choosing the right one is important.
Consider the following factors.
Entry Fee
If the contest charges a fee, decide whether the prize and opportunity justify the cost.
Free competitions can be an excellent option for beginners.
Prize
Look beyond the cash prize.
Publication, editorial feedback, and professional recognition can also be valuable.
Reputation
Research the organiser before entering.
Look for:
Previous winners
Past judges
Published winning poems
Established literary connections
Clear contest rules
Eligibility
Some contests are open internationally, while others are restricted to residents of a particular country or region.
Check the eligibility requirements carefully.
Deadline
Keep a calendar of upcoming deadlines.
Missing a deadline can mean waiting another month or year for the next opportunity.
Rights
Always read the copyright and publication terms before submitting.
A contest should clearly explain what rights, if any, the organiser receives.
How to Prepare a Winning Poetry Contest Entry
Winning a poetry contest is never guaranteed, but careful preparation can improve your chances.
1. Read the Rules Carefully
Before submitting, read every rule.
Check:
Word count
Line limit
File format
Theme
Number of poems allowed
Entry fee
Deadline
Eligibility
Publication requirements
A technically excellent poem can be disqualified if it fails to follow the rules.
2. Choose Your Strongest Poem
Do not automatically submit your newest poem.
Instead, choose the poem that best represents your writing.
Ask yourself:
Is the poem original?
Does it have a strong opening?
Is the language precise?
Does it create an emotional response?
Is the ending memorable?
Does every line contribute something?
3. Revise Multiple Times
Strong poetry often requires extensive revision.
During revision, examine:
Word choice
Rhythm
Imagery
Metaphors
Line breaks
Repetition
Structure
Ending
Remove unnecessary words and clichés.
A shorter, sharper poem is often more effective than a poem filled with unnecessary language.
4. Create a Strong Opening
The first lines of a poem matter.
A memorable opening can immediately establish:
Voice
Mood
Setting
Conflict
Emotion
Avoid generic introductions whenever possible.
5. Focus on Originality
Judges read many poems.
A poem that uses familiar clichés may struggle to stand out.
Try to approach familiar subjects from an unexpected perspective.
For example, instead of simply writing about "love," explore:
Love through memory
Love after separation
Love between generations
Love expressed through ordinary objects
Original perspectives can make a poem more memorable.
6. Edit for Precision
Every word should earn its place.
Replace vague language with specific images.
For example:
Instead of:
The day was beautiful.
Consider a more specific image that allows the reader to experience the scene.
Precise details often create stronger poetry than general descriptions.
Common Mistakes Poets Make
Many contest submissions fail not because the poem is poor, but because the poet overlooks important details.
Ignoring the Guidelines
Always follow the submission rules.
Submitting Too Quickly
Do not submit your first draft.
Give your poem time to develop.
Using Too Many Clichés
Try to find fresh ways to express familiar emotions.
Forgetting to Proofread
Spelling and formatting errors can distract judges.
Entering Every Contest
You do not need to enter every competition.
Choose contests that genuinely suit your writing.
Ignoring Copyright Terms
Understand what happens to your poem after submission.
Monthly Poetry Contest Strategy for Beginners
If you are new to poetry competitions, start with a simple strategy.
Month 1: Research
Find five to ten reputable contests.
Study their rules and submission requirements.
Month 2: Write
Create several new poems.
Experiment with different styles and themes.
Month 3: Revise
Select your strongest poems and revise them carefully.
Month 4: Submit
Enter one or two contests that match your work.
Month 5: Learn
If your poem does not win, continue writing.
Consider whether the judges' feedback or contest results reveal anything useful.
Month 6: Repeat
Continue the cycle every month.
Consistency is more important than entering dozens of competitions at once.
Monthly Poetry Contest Calendar
Creating a personal contest calendar can make your submission process much easier.
You can track:
| Contest | Theme | Deadline | Entry Fee | Prize | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contest A | Open | January 15 | Free | Publication | Submitted |
| Contest B | Nature | February 10 | Paid | Cash Prize | Drafting |
| Contest C | Love | March 20 | Free | Anthology | Planning |
| Contest D | Student | April 5 | Free | Award | Eligible |
A spreadsheet or simple notebook can help you avoid missed deadlines.
Are Monthly Poetry Contests Worth Entering?
For many poets, the answer is yes—but selectivity matters.
Monthly contests can help you:
Build confidence
Improve your writing
Gain recognition
Build a publication record
Discover literary communities
Develop a consistent writing routine
However, poets should not measure their success only by winning.
A contest can still be valuable if it encourages you to finish a poem, revise your work, or discover a new creative direction.
The goal should be to use contests as one part of a broader writing career.
Tips for Increasing Your Chances of Success
Here are some practical tips for poets who want to compete regularly:
Read winning poems from previous years when available.
Study the contest's theme carefully.
Follow every formatting requirement.
Avoid submitting poems that are not fully revised.
Read your poem aloud before submitting.
Ask a trusted writer to review your work.
Keep track of deadlines.
Enter contests that match your writing style.
Maintain a portfolio of your strongest poems.
Continue writing even when you do not win.
Remember that poetry contests involve subjective judging. A poem that does not win one competition may succeed in another.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monthly Poetry Contests
Are there poetry contests every month?
Yes. Many literary organisations, magazines, websites, and writing communities offer recurring or monthly poetry competitions. Availability and deadlines vary, so poets should check official contest pages regularly.
Can beginners enter monthly poetry contests?
Absolutely. Many competitions welcome emerging and unpublished poets. Beginners should start by looking for free or affordable contests with clear rules and reputable organisers.
Are monthly poetry contests free?
Some are completely free, while others charge entry fees. Always check the official contest rules before submitting.
Can I submit the same poem to multiple contests?
It depends on the rules. Some competitions accept simultaneous submissions, while others require exclusive submissions or unpublished work. Always read the guidelines.
Do poetry contests offer cash prizes?
Some do. Others offer publication, books, certificates, mentoring, or editorial feedback. Prize details should be clearly stated in the official contest announcement.
How can I find legitimate poetry contests?
Search reputable literary organisations, established poetry publications, universities, and recognised writing communities. Before paying an entry fee, research the organiser and read the complete terms.
What makes a poetry contest legitimate?
A reputable contest generally provides clear information about its organisers, judges, deadlines, eligibility, fees, prizes, submission rules, and copyright terms.
Should I pay to enter a poetry contest?
Paid contests can be legitimate, but poets should evaluate them carefully. Consider the reputation of the organiser, the prize structure, judging process, and rights agreement before entering.
Final Thoughts
Monthly poetry contests provide poets with regular opportunities to write, submit, compete, and grow. Whether you are a high school student, emerging poet, independent writer, or experienced author, participating in carefully selected competitions can become a useful part of your creative journey.
The key is not simply to enter as many contests as possible. Instead, focus on finding reputable competitions that fit your writing style and goals. Read the rules carefully, revise your poems thoroughly, and submit your best work.
Most importantly, keep writing.
Winning a poetry contest is exciting, but the real reward is becoming a stronger poet through the process of creating, revising, sharing, and learning. With a consistent monthly approach, every competition can become another step toward building your confidence, portfolio, and literary career.
