Top Poetry Contests to Enter: January–March 2025

By Julia Press Simmons

As we step into 2025, poets across the globe are gearing up to showcase their literary talents. The first quarter of the year offers an impressive lineup of poetry contests, catering to a variety of themes and formats. Whether you’re an emerging writer or a seasoned poet, these competitions provide excellent opportunities to gain recognition, win prizes, and share your voice. Here’s a curated list of contests you should consider submitting to in early 2025.

1. William Matthews Poetry Prize

Organized by the Asheville Poetry Review, this prestigious contest honors the legacy of William Matthews by awarding poets who exhibit mastery in their craft.

• Deadline: January 15, 2025
• Prizes: $1,000 for the winner, publication in the Asheville Poetry Review, and a featured reading.
• Details: Open to a single poem submission. This competition celebrates innovative poetry that resonates deeply.
  For more information, visit readpoetry.com.

2. Colorado Prize for Poetry

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Colorado Prize for Poetry remains one of the most coveted accolades for poetry book manuscripts.

• Deadline: January 14, 2025
• Prizes: $2,500 and publication by the Center for Literary Publishing.
• Details: Manuscripts must be between 48 and 100 pages, making this contest ideal for poets with a complete collection.
  Submission guidelines are available at fundsforwriters.com.

3. Burnside Review Press Book Contest

This contest offers a platform for poets to elevate their work into the realm of published books.

• Deadline: January 12, 2025
• Prizes: $1,000 and publication by Burnside Review Press.
• Details: Open to poetry manuscripts of 50-100 pages, the contest encourages experimental and traditional styles alike.
  Find submission details at newpages.com.

4. Magma Poetry Competition

With a reputation for discovering new voices, the Magma Poetry Competition offers a chance to win cash prizes for outstanding shorter poems.

• Deadline: January 31, 2025
• Prizes: £1,000 for first place, £300 for second, and £150 for third. Additional prizes for categories based on length.
• Details: Open to poems up to 50 lines, with separate awards for poems under 10 lines.
  Learn more at readpoetry.com.

5. National Poetry Series Open Competition

This premier competition is renowned for discovering some of the most compelling poetry collections of the modern era.

• Entry Period: January 7 to March 21, 2025
• Prizes: Publication by one of five prestigious publishers.
• Details: Open to book-length manuscripts, this contest aims to amplify diverse poetic voices.
  Submission guidelines are available at nationalpoetryseries.org.

Why Enter a Poetry Contest?

Participating in poetry contests is more than just a shot at prize money or publication. It’s a chance to refine your work, connect with a literary community, and challenge yourself to push creative boundaries. These contests, with their varied themes and formats, ensure that every poet finds a space where their voice can shine.

Mark your calendars, sharpen your pens, and let your words find their audience in 2025. Good luck, poets!

For more literary insights, updates, and opportunities, keep following Intellectual Ink Magazine.