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Children’s Writers Poetry Contest
Children's Writer Newsletter

The Following Text Is Quoted:

Dear Writer,

We constantly hear from editors that the vast majority of the manuscripts they receive are rejected because they were not written to the editor’s specifications. Few editors will consider a story or article that does not meet their specs—precisely.

Writing contests also have exact specifications. That’s why we encourage writers—all writers, new ones and old pros too—to enter contests. They’re excellent, professional training experiences and, if you win, they can get you published and pay healthy prize money.

The winners in these contests will be published in Children’s Writer, the monthly newsletter that goes to every children’s book and magazine editor/publisher in North America. Along with the winning piece, we’ll publish an article on it and the other top-ranked entries and their authors. There are also cash prizes. The cash prizes alone are a lot of good reasons to write a piece and enter.

Poetry

A verse story or set of poems for children of any age, to 300 words. Entries may take any poetic form—story, haiku, limerick, song, and so on—and can be serious or funny. Winners will be selected based on quality of verse and appeal to young readers.

Entries must be received by February 28, 2008. Current subscribers to Children’s Writer enter free. For all others, the entry fee is $13, which includes an 8-month subscription. Winners will be announced in the July 2008 issue. Prizes: $250 for first place plus publication in Children’s Writer; $100 for second place; and $50 for third and fourth places.

Send to:
Children’s Writer, Poetry Contest
93 Long Ridge Road
West Redding, CT 06896.


Writing Contests Rules

Submission Requirements: Any original, unpublished piece not accepted by any publisher at the time of submission is eligible. Contest entry is free to Children's Writer subscribers who include on their Official Entry Form and on page one of their manuscript the number that appears on the top left of the name/address block (for ICL students, same as their student number). Non-subscribers may enter by enclosing a reading fee of $10 (check, money order, or credit card accepted). The fee will also pay for an introductory six-month subscription to Children's Writer. Extra postage fees will be charged for non-U.S. subscriptions and GST added for Canada. All submissions must be postmarked within the entry period specified for each contest. Submit clear photocopies only, not originals; submissions will not be returned. Do not include an SSAE. No acknowledgment of receipt will be sent. Multiple entries are allowed.

Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced. Please put your name, address, and account number (if a subscriber) on the first page of your manuscript, and your name on all following pages. No entries containing violence or derogatory, racist, or sexist language or situations will be accepted, at the sole discretion of the judges. No employees or relatives of employees of the Institute or its divisions are eligible.

Judges: All entries will be read by faculty and editorial staff members of the Institute. Winners will be notified by mail approximately 105 days after the close of the contest. Once the winners are announced, all entries are released for submission elsewhere.

Winners: The winners will be announced in Children's Writer, which receives first rights to the prize-winning manuscripts, after which all rights revert to the authors.