How to Win a Poetry Contest
Writing a poem is a creative enterprise. It takes talent, knowledge of the craft, and an understanding of the rules and regulations to successfully enter a poetry contest. Here we will explore some tips to help you through the process.
First, know the rules of the contest. Reading the fine print is essential when entering a contest, or any other sort of agreement. Read the rules closely. Certain contests might have winners based on the most likes, and in others, the judges select the best poem based on a predetermined criteria.
Next, be sure to read the guidelines of the contest. Guidelines are often indicated in the fine print and explain the length of a poem and the type of poem. As an example, some competitions have sonnets, haikus, epics, and ballads. Knowing which types of poems are allowed for entry is essential for success. It even helps to read previous winners in that specific contest.
Research is key when entering a poetry contest. If a specific theme or subject matter is included as an aspect of the contest, study up on relevant topics and include them in your piece. The same goes for reading. It is essential to be knowledgeable of poetry, verse, and metre. It will help you write a winning poem.
Poetry contests often have small entry fees. Paying the fee not only establishes a writer’s commitment to winning the competition, but it also reveals their dedication to the craft. The latter carries allot of weight with judges.
When submitting a piece, send an essay along with the poem. Generally, the author should include a brief explanation of why the poem is a fitting entry for the contest. This can help the judges to understand where a seemingly vague poem is coming from.
When writing, think outside the box. Make sure your poem stands out from the others – go for something unique. Take the time to craft a powerful image that creates a lasting impression on the judges and readers. Also, make sure to proofread after writing and before submission.
Develop an Autobiographical Poem
Developing an autobiographical poem can be a great way to win a poetry contest. Autobiographical poems are a form of storytelling where the poet reflects on personal experiences and pulls from them to create a work of art. It’s important to remember that autobiographical poems don’t need to be about the poet’s entire life, only meaningful parts of it. The experiences should have a real impact if the poem is to be successful. This can be a great way to emotionally engage readers for a better chance at success in a contest.
Familiarize Yourself with Different Verse and Mature Forms
When entering a poetry contest, it’s important to showcase the poem in its most flattering form. Knowing the various types of poems available can help ensure you choose the right format for the right occasion. Consider learning rhymes, haikus, couplets, villanelles, and sonnets. These forms often impress judges, while also showcasing the writer’s talent.
Get Inspired by Music
When entering a poetry contest, it can sometimes be difficult to come up with an appropriate poem that stands out amongst other contestants. Music is often a great source of inspiration for poets. Listen to some of the songwriter’s craft and take inspirations from the slides and lifts of music to craft an award-winning piece. Try writing the poem as if it was a set of lyrics and then revising the structure to fit the form of the poem.
Create a Visual Working Space
To create an effective poem for a poetry contest, it helps to provide a distraction-free working environment. Turn off any other devices and create a space where you can focus on the words and concepts for the ideal poem. Note that this doesn’t mean you should entirely isolate yourself. You can still join writers’ groups or share your drafts with other writers to get opinions and feedback.
Network with Other Poets
Poets often work in isolation to capture their true feelings and stories. However, it’s important to network amongst other poets to get an understanding of the recent trends and techniques used by successful poets. Use social media to find and join different poets’ groups. You can also reach out to successful poets to learn directly from them and get any tips that might help you write your poem.
Prepare for Rejection
Poetry contests are often wide and competitive, making it difficult to stand out from other talented poets and win the contest. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win despite your attempts. Rejection is just a part of the writing process. Consider it as a learning experience and use any criticism to help you submit a better entry the next time. Reevaluate, refine, and test as many versions as possible for the best result.
Read Great Poetry
As a poet, it is essential to be familiar with great works of poetry. Reading classic poems and analyzing the structure, meter, and form can be a great way to understand the craft and come up with great poem ideas. Also, consider reading unfamiliar poets who write in traditional forms and modern forms. This exercise allows writers to create something that stands out when entering a poetry contest.
