POEM CONTESTS
New England Poetry Club has always recognized the outstanding work of poets with its annual awards and contests. Our contests are open to all writers in English, with the exception of the Amy Lowell Prize which will be given to a poet with strong ties to New England. We hope you will be inspired to send your work.
Samuel Washington Allen Prize
For a long poem or poem sequence of 3 to 10 pages, single-spaced.
This prize honors the legacy of the African-American poet, translator, professor, and former New England Poetry Club leader, Samuel Washington Allen, who also published as Paul Vesey.
E. E. Cummings Prize
For a compelling, lyrical, or experimental poem no more than 21 lines.
This prize recognizes one of the New England Poetry Club’s most famous charter members.
Amy Lowell Prize
For an outstanding poem of any length or style by a poet with strong ties to New England.
This prize recognizes the charismatic poet who was the New England Poetry Club’s first president.
Der Hovanessian Prize
For a translation from any language; the original poem should be authored by someone other than the translator. Include the poem in the original language along with the translation.
This long-standing prize is named in honor of poet and translator Diana Der Hovanessian who led the New England Poetry Club with vision and energy for decades.
BOOK PRIZES
Jean Pedrick Chapbook Prize
For a chapbook of poems published in the last two years.
Sheila Margaret Motton Book Prize
For a book of poems published in the last two years.
VICTOR HOWES PRIZE
NEPC also proudly presents the Victor Howes Prize, a poetry contest open to undergraduate English majors currently enrolled in a New England college which generously offers a $1000 prize. Find out more here.
CONTESTS OPEN TO STUDENTS
In addition, the New England Poetry Club, in cooperation with the Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, offers multiple student contests.
Ruth Berrien Fox Award
For poems by Massachusetts high-school students
Longfellow Prize
For poems by Massachusetts students in elementary and middle schools
Winners will be invited to read their work at the Longfellow House and will receive a certificate and a small honorarium.
Contest results are announced online at https://www.nps.gov/long/index.htm and https://nepoetryclub.org/, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Include the following information with each poem:
- Contest name
- Author’s name and grade
- Teacher’s name, school name, and address
- Email address for contacting winners
Send to:
Children’s Contests
Longfellow National Historic Site
105 Brattle St.
Cambridge MA 02138