Poetry competition 2012

eBook publication

The Poetic Republic Poetry Prize is a process for the selection of poems for publication based on anonymous peer review.

Selection systems are typically driven by judges of repute, celebrities, editorial teams, fan bases or “vote for me” campaigns. Increasingly, celebrity pervades publication decisions.

The Poetic Republic Poetry Prize is different. It is a rigorous process where participants read each other’s work in isolation unaware of other participants’ opinions, comments or identity. It is a neutral space.

Participation is anonymous.

This year, for the first time, we will produce a digital eBook publication featuring the best work from the prize. This will be a first of its kind co-created publication where the act of taking part accomplishes the editorial process.

Publication may be under an entrant’s real name or under a pseudonym.

Poetic Republic Poetry Prize 2012

Single poem prize

£2,000

Portfolio prize (two poems)

£1,000

The two prizes may be awarded to the same person. Qualification for the portfolio prize requires two entries.

The Judging will take place over 7 weeks in May and June.

Participants read each other’s work in small groups of 12 poems in a three round process. The combined effect is very powerful. In the final (third) round, everyone reads the shortlisted 12 poems.

The format ensures that poems are read approximately 9 times in the first round, 43 times in the second round and many hundreds of times in the final round. During judging, participants have access to groups of poems but poems are not published on the website.

From each group of 12 poems participants select their preferred 4 poems and leave a short twitteresque comment against their choices.

Commenting is a valuable part of the process but it is also fun and fascinating. We have set out some "thoughts about comments" which may be useful.

Participants can read comments left against their own poems after the judging has finished.

To be shortlisted or included in the publication entrants must have taken part in the first two rounds of judging.

The eBook Publication will include 48 poems together with a selection of the best or most interesting comments.

The selection of poems for publication will be made by the contribution of all the participants. The published poets will be invited to provide background details for inclusion in the publication. The shortlisted poets will be invited to make the selections of comments for publication.

The publication will be made available to the leading digital networks (Amazon - Kindle, Apple - iBooks, etc).

Any subject. Style: Poetry or Prose Poetry. Maximum 42 lines. Previously unpublished work. £7 per poem.

See poetry competition rules for full details.

The competition is run on a not-for-profit basis.

Poetry competitions are no longer simply poetry competitions!

We would like to thank the Arts Council England for supporting the Poetic Republic Poetry Prize 2012.

Closing date: 30th April 2012