The Poetry Society of Tennessee (PST) holds poetry contests for its annual poetry festival. Related activities may include multiple individual contests, a special call for submissions, or some combination, at the discretion of the PST Board. Contest winners receive monetary prizes, and first place poems are published in PST's anthology, Tennessee Voices. Additional poems may be published at PST's discretion. See publications page for information on past and forthcoming editions and how to purchase a copy.
70th Annual Poetry Festival Contests
Who Can Sponsor?
Individuals and organizations may sponsor a contest. You need not be a member to sponsor a contest.
What Does a Sponsor Do?
Sponsors create their own poetry contest! As a sponsor, you choose the theme or poetic form, note poem length, specify prize award amounts, and provide any other special instructions for entrants or judges. In many cases, sponsors also judge the contest, but that is not a requirement. While we encourage variety in poetic forms and themes, PST does not accept contests or poetry centered on explicitly violent or sexual themes.
In general, individuals and organizations may sponsor one contest. However, PST will also accept memorial contest sponsorships, one per individual or group of individuals being honored.
What Does a Judge Do?
PST's festival poetry contests are judged blind. The Festival Poetry Contest Coordinator sends entries to the judge. In accordance with contest guidelines, the judge reviews contest entries, selects winners and provides a winners list to the festival contest coordinator.
How Do I Become a Sponsor or Judge?
If you are interested in sponsoring a festival contest, you may apply online. (Select the FESTIVAL sponsorship option.)
If you are unable to judge your sponsored contest and need assistance to find a judge, or if you are unable to sponsor but wish to judge, contact us.
Questions?
Do you have questions? Reach out to [email protected] with subject line FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP.
Individuals and organizations may sponsor a contest. You need not be a member to sponsor a contest.
What Does a Sponsor Do?
Sponsors create their own poetry contest! As a sponsor, you choose the theme or poetic form, note poem length, specify prize award amounts, and provide any other special instructions for entrants or judges. In many cases, sponsors also judge the contest, but that is not a requirement. While we encourage variety in poetic forms and themes, PST does not accept contests or poetry centered on explicitly violent or sexual themes.
In general, individuals and organizations may sponsor one contest. However, PST will also accept memorial contest sponsorships, one per individual or group of individuals being honored.
What Does a Judge Do?
PST's festival poetry contests are judged blind. The Festival Poetry Contest Coordinator sends entries to the judge. In accordance with contest guidelines, the judge reviews contest entries, selects winners and provides a winners list to the festival contest coordinator.
How Do I Become a Sponsor or Judge?
If you are interested in sponsoring a festival contest, you may apply online. (Select the FESTIVAL sponsorship option.)
If you are unable to judge your sponsored contest and need assistance to find a judge, or if you are unable to sponsor but wish to judge, contact us.
Questions?
Do you have questions? Reach out to [email protected] with subject line FESTIVAL SPONSORSHIP.
PAST FESTIVAL CONTEST RESULTS
MORE CONTESTS
The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) offers contests annually, including:
Get details on NFSPS and other state society contests.
The National Federation of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) offers contests annually, including:
- Annual poetry contests
- Blackberry Peach: a contest for page and stage
- Blackberry Peach National Slam: winner represents U.S. in International Slam competition
- College Undergraduate Competition: chapbook competition
- Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest (for grades 6 through 12)
- Stevens Poetry Manuscript Competition
Get details on NFSPS and other state society contests.