Poems should be typed with no identifying information on the page. Include a separate cover sheet with author’s name, address, email address, and poem titles. Poems may be more than one page, but only one poem per page. Include a SASE for results if you do not wish to receive notification via email. No previously published poems.
Email submissions or questions about the contest should be sent to contest@midwestwritingcenter.org
Email submissions should include all poems in one (.doc or .rtf) document and one document for the cover page.
Submissions must be postmarked January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009.
Prizes will be given in two categories: “National” and “Regional” (for poets residing in the Northern Mississippi Valley Region states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin). Please note on your cover letter which category you would like to be considered for. First, second, and third prize in each category are as follows: $200, $150 and $75; winner of the regional contest will also receive an award in honor of Max J. Molleston, long-time coordinator of the Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest.
Entry fee is $7 for up to three poems; $2 for each poem over three. Make checks payable to the Midwest Writing Center. Send a SASE ($2.50) for a copy of our anthology, which will include poems from the top 25 finalists and the contest winners.
Credit card payment for email submissions only; please note in your email that you are paying by credit card, and you will be contacted with further instructions. Or, you may send a check to the address listed below.
Submissions and entry fees should be mailed to:
Midwest Writing Center
Mississippi Valley Poetry Contest
225 E. 2nd St., Suite 303
Davenport, IA 52801
This year’s national judge is F. Daniel Rzicznek, author of Neck of the World, winner of the May Swenson Award.
This year’s regional judge is Rebecca Wee, author of Uncertain Grace, and Poet Laureate of the Quad Cities from 2003-2005.
Friends, relatives, and/or past or current students of judges may not enter. Employees and board members of the Midwest Writing Center are also ineligible.
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