Please find below our rules for entering a book into the contest:
- This is an international competition and we accept poetry books & pamphlets from anyone in the world provided all submissions are in English.
- Each entrant will submit one copy of their book. We only accept physical copies (i.e. paperbacks or pamphlets) as we can then donate your book(s) to local libraries (RCT), Storyville Books (free library) and/or schools each Christmas.
- Each entrant is required to fill out the entry form and send it to us along with their book and proof of online payment.
- Only poetry books published by small, truly independent presses and self-published books are eligible to enter. Publishers that get huge grants from arts councils, universities and other sponsorships are NOT considered independent and don’t need our help to promote their books or poets.
- Only individual poets are eligible to enter. (Although if a book is co-authored we may bend the rules – please contact us first.) The poet must be living. We do not accept anthologies at the moment. Translations of other poets’ works are also not accepted at the moment.
- Entry fees are payable via PayPal. Unfortunately, we can no longer accept UK cheques due to our bank charging excessive fees. Your PayPal confirmation should be printed out/written on the entry form and sent with your book.
- You may enter the competition as many times as you wish as long as each submission is accompanied by an entry fee.
- There is no publication date requirement but books should not be out of print.
- Books shouldn’t be too long, so only books under 200 pages are eligible. If your book is only a little longer, then please email us first.
- Unpublished manuscripts are not accepted and will not be returned. No refund will be issued.
- Entries cannot be returned but all books will be donated to local libraries and/or schools in south Wales so that your book will have the chance to be read by even more people.
- The Poetry Book Awards holds no responsibility for incomplete or ineligible entries.
- If posting from overseas (outside the UK) it is your responsibility to fill out any customs forms and declarations that may be needed. We take no responsibility for this.
- All prizes will be paid in pounds sterling either by cheque or PayPal. The Poetry Book Awards cannot be held responsible for any fees from PayPal or fees associated with currency conversions.
- By entering you agree that if you win one of our awards you will send us a photo and short biography for us to post on our website, to share on social media as well as for any other advertising/press releases.
- The judge(s) decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
- No feedback is offered and no personal comments regarding entries will be given.
- Winners will be awarded a cash prize and emailed a certificate and logo to use for publicity and we shall also post a review on your book’s Amazon UK page as well as on Goodreads. (This assumes your book is available on these platforms.)
- Any entries received after the closing date will automatically be put forward for the following year’s competition. No refunds or returns will be given.
- You retain all rights to your work.
- By entering this competition each entrant agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
It might also be worth reading our FAQs page for more information.