Omnidawn Poetry Contests 2025/ How to Apply (Up to $4000)

Omnidawn Publishing is thrilled to announce its 2025 poetry book and chapbook contests, offering poets worldwide a prestigious platform to showcase their work. These competitions welcome a wide range of poetic styles and forms, including lyric, prose poems, and experimental works.

 

Prizes & Recognition

• Winners of each contest will receive:

• $3,000 for the 1st/2nd Book and Open Contest winners.

• $1,000 for the Chapbook Contest winner.

• Publication by Omnidawn, featuring a full-color cover (unless the author requests black and white).

• 20 free copies of the winning book.

• Extensive publicity through newsletters and social media.

• Winning books gain significant recognition in the literary world. Past winners have earned prestigious honors, such as the California Book Award, American Book Award, and Kate Tufts Discovery Award. Many have also become finalists for the National Book Award and PEN America Jean Stein Award.

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Eligibility

• Omnidawn welcomes submissions from poets worldwide, without any citizenship restrictions. However, all entrants must meet the following criteria:

• Language: Manuscripts must be in English, though they may include some text in other languages.

• Originality: Submissions must be original and unpublished, though individual poems can have appeared in journals, anthologies, or personal websites.

• Multiple Submissions: Poets may submit multiple manuscripts or enter other contests simultaneously. However, if their work is accepted elsewhere, they must notify Omnidawn immediately.

• Use of Images: Manuscripts containing images must feature completely original artwork. Poets must state this on the first page. Due to copyright concerns, collages are not accepted.

• Identity-Hidden Contest: To ensure fairness, manuscripts must not include names or identifying details.

Ineligible Entrants:

• Past winners of Omnidawn book or chapbook contests.

• Current or former Omnidawn authors.

• Poets who have studied under, worked with, or have a close personal connection to the contest judge.

• Translations and collaborations by multiple authors.

Submission Guidelines

• To participate, poets must follow these essential guidelines:

• Online Submission Only: Omnidawn no longer accepts postal entries.

• No Revisions After Submission: Once submitted, manuscripts cannot be revised. However, winners will have an opportunity to make minor edits before publication.

• Avoid Acknowledgements & Bios: Since the contest is identity-hidden, entrants should not include acknowledgements or biographies in their manuscripts. These can be added later if selected for publication.

• Limit Manuscript Introductions: Omnidawn prefers poetry to stand on its own, so lengthy introductions are discouraged.

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Fee Waiver Option

In honor of Omnidawn co-founder Ken Keegan, the organization offers free submission slots for writers facing financial hardship. To request a fee waiver, email:

free.entry@omnidawn.com 

How to Submit

Submitting is simple and accessible:

1. Prepare the manuscript according to the guidelines.

2. Ensure all work meets eligibility requirements before submitting.

3. Submit online via Submittable.

4. Omit identifying information from the manuscript to maintain anonymity.

View past winners

Omnidawn’s poetry contests provide an incredible opportunity for poets to gain recognition, publication, and critical acclaim. If you are passionate about poetry, this is your chance to share your voice with the world. Don’t miss it!

Deadline: 16th February, 2025.