The Poetry Business calls application for the International Book & Pamphlet Competition 2021. The competition remains the most established pamphlet competition in the UK.

The competition continues to discover and publish outstanding new poets, many of whom go on to publish widely and celebrate successful writing careers. Entrants are invited to submit a collection of 20 pages of poetry. Altogether, four winners will be selected by the judges to be published by our award-winning imprint, Smith|Doorstop books.

Prizes

The International Book & Pamphlet Competition has the following prizes

• First stage winners will have a pamphlet published and receive an equal share of the £2,000 cash prize, whether or not they choose to enter the second stage.
• First stage winners may choose to enter the second stage by submitting an extended manuscript (another 30-plus page) at no extra charge, within one month of being asked. The final winner will have a book published, but not a pamphlet.
• The Poetry Business reserves the right to refuse publication to any competition winner on reasonable grounds.
• All winners will have the opportunity to read their work at a poetry reading organized by The Poetry Business shortly before (or after) publication of their title.
• Each winning poet will have at least one of their poems published in the issue of The North magazine that immediately follows the announcement of the results.

Entries Rules

• The International Book & Pamphlet Competition accepts simultaneous competition submissions. Furthermore, if an entrant to the International Book & Pamphlet Competition wins another pamphlet prize before the results are announced, The Poetry Business will issue a full refund of the entrant’s entry fee.
• There is a standard fee of £28 for each entry submitted by post. Moreover, this is reduced to £25 for entrants who are North subscribers or Friends of the Poetry Business or current members of the Poetry Society.
• You may submit as many collections as you wish.
• Your real name must not appear anywhere on the manuscript. Choose a pen name and a title for your collection, and write both on every page.
• Postal entries must be postmarked on or before 1st March. Online entries can be submitted up to midnight on the 1st of March.
• Previous winners of The Poetry Business Book & Pamphlet Competition are not eligible to re-enter within 5 years of winning.
• Entries sent by post must be accompanied by a completed entry form. (Online entrants complete the ‘uploads form’ on this site.)
• Furthermore, the Poetry Business uses the email address you provide to contact you about the International Book & Pamphlet Competition. You can request to stop receiving updates from us at any time by contacting [email protected].

Click here to apply. Click here to read the International Book & Pamphlet Competition Conditions of entry.

Click here to submit your entry to the 2021 Book & Pamphlet Competition online