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Apoetical

Poetry Competitions

Poetry deserves a place to start fires, and this is it. Our monthly Apoetical poetry competitions are just £3 to enter, open to all, and designed to spotlight new voices who don't fit neatly into anyone's box. On 2nd of each month, we announce a new theme or prompt. Winners claim eternal glory, plus:

All shortlisted entries are published on our website so your words find their way into the world. No dusty archives here.

Ready to enter? Make sure you check the rules first:

  • Original work only - poems must be your own and previously unpublished.
  • Maximum three entries per competition. Choose your best (or your bravest).
  • Entries must be submitted in English.
  • Maximum length: 50 lines. Line breaks are your friends - use them well.
  • Submissions close at 4PM on the competition deadline date.
  • By submitting, you agree to publication of your poem on our website and potential inclusion in our anthology (with credit, of course).

Pro tip: we love poems that risk something - write what only YOU could write. We'll be reading!