Entering a Rhyming Poetry Contest can be a thrilling experience, offering a chance to showcase your skills, gain recognition, and even win cash prizes. The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, presented by Winning Writers, is one such opportunity, with a significant award specifically for rhyming or traditional poetry. This article explores the details of this exciting contest, focusing on the requirements for the Margaret Reid Prize, dedicated to rhyming poetry.
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The Margaret Reid Prize: A Celebration of Rhyme
The Margaret Reid Prize, a core component of the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, offers a $3,500 prize specifically for poems that rhyme or adhere to a traditional style. This provides a unique platform for poets who appreciate the art of rhyme and the structured beauty of traditional forms. But what exactly qualifies as “traditional”?
Defining Traditional Poetry
For this contest, traditional poetry encompasses various forms employing regular meter and/or rhyme, or adhering to recognized poetic structures. This includes familiar Western forms like sonnets, ballads, and blank verse, as well as Asian forms such as haiku and tanka. The possibilities are vast, allowing for creative exploration within established frameworks.
Beyond Rhyme: The Tom Howard Prize
While the Margaret Reid Prize celebrates traditional and rhyming poetry, the contest also features the Tom Howard Prize, also worth $3,500, which welcomes poems of any style or genre. This inclusivity allows poets to submit their work regardless of form, maximizing their chances of recognition. Ten Honorable Mention awards of $500 each are also available, further expanding the opportunities for recognition and reward.
Submission Guidelines and Eligibility
The contest welcomes original poetry from most countries, with the exception of Syria, Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Russia, and Belarus due to US government restrictions. Poems must be written in English or translated into English if originally composed in another language. Each poem should not exceed 250 lines, excluding the title and blank lines.
Anonymous Judging and Copyright
A key feature of the contest is its anonymous judging process. Entrants are required to omit their names and any identifying information from their submissions to ensure impartiality. Winning entries will be published on the Winning Writers website and in their newsletter. While Winning Writers obtains a nonexclusive online publishing license for winning entries, authors retain all other rights to their work.
Exploring Poetic Forms
To assist entrants in exploring traditional forms, Winning Writers provides helpful resources. Their glossary of poetic terms offers detailed descriptions of numerous forms, and their resource pages offer links to sites dedicated to both traditional and exotic poetry. These resources provide valuable guidance for those seeking to refine their craft or discover new poetic structures.
Participating in the Rhyming Poetry Contest
The Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest presents a valuable opportunity for poets, particularly those with a passion for rhyme and traditional forms. The Margaret Reid Prize, with its dedicated focus on rhyming poetry, offers a unique platform for recognition and a substantial cash prize. By understanding the guidelines and exploring the available resources, poets can confidently submit their best work and become part of a vibrant literary community. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or just starting your journey, this contest offers a chance to share your voice and celebrate the power of poetry.