Lucky Jefferson Poetry And Prose Contest/ How To Submit (Prize $100 + more)

Lucky Jefferson is excited to announce its first (ever) Poetry and Prose Summer contest.

Lucky Jefferson is the literary journal that “talks back” by generating constructive and interactive conversations around poetry, art, and publishing.

Here are a few tips on how to write the perfect essay

The magazine represents the people and firmly believe that marginalised voices deserve a better platform.

They believe writers deserve opportunities like this (and so much more) and one core part of their mission includes being the difference. Many contests charge fees to enter or make writers and artists jump through hoops with no real return but Lucky Jefferson wants to change that.

Submission Guidelines For The Lucky Jefferson Contest

• For starters, it’s free to enter or submit.

• You’ll have 2 months to submit any original and unpublished poetry and prose you want.

• 20 finalists will receive publication in Lucky Jefferson‘s digital 365 Collection.

• Two finalists from that group (one poetry and one prose) will each receive $100, publication, and a swag box.

• Submissions Open: June 1, 2023 – August 1, 2023
• Winners Announced: September 2023
• Representation Matters;
  Lucky Jefferson is a women and people-of-color-led organization and welcomes all to share their words with them.
• Black, indegenous, LGBTQ+, and historically underrepresented writers are encouraged to submit as they continue to prioritize these communities in their ongoing work.

Things To Avoid

•  They will not tolerate any work that promotes harmful stereotypes and perspectives including: racism, bigotry, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, islamophobia, etc.
• They also kindly request that you refrain from sending any sexually explicit pieces, or works highlighting extreme violence.

• Anyone, over the age of 10 is welcome to submit.
• Send your five best poems or prose pieces (per submission).
• You will be asked to share your name, email address and current mailing address. You should add a short bio (third-person, 50 words max) in the submission form. 
• Submit only original and previously unpublished work. And please, no soulless ai-generated pieces.

Your Rights

• They ask for exclusive first worldwide print and electronic rights for up to three months from the date of publication. They also ask for non-exclusive rights to include published works in their archive indefinitely.
• Basically, they’d like to be the first to publish your submission. After three months, you’ll be free to redistribute it how you’d like. Nevertheless, it’ll be a part of their collection forever.
• If your work is forthcoming in a manuscript, or published somewhere else (online or print) after publication in Lucky Jefferson, you agree to give credit to your family at Lucky Jefferson.

Prize

• Selected Poetry Winner will receive $100, an LJ swag box, publication in The 365 Collection (digital), and eligibility for social media press.
• Selected Prose Winner will receive $100, an LJ swag box, publication in The 365 Collection (digital), and eligibility for social media press.
• Top 20 Finalists will receive publication in The 365 Collection (digital), and eligibility for social media press.

Deadline

1st August, 2023.