Sonnet or Not [2010]

Cannon Poets are pleased to announce the return of their popular SONNET OR NOT Competition. You are invited to write a poem or poems of just fourteen lines in length. You may choose one of the traditional sonnet forms or experiment with alternative 14 line forms. We shall be looking for some structure, however. Not just 14 lines of free verse.

Prizes

1st Prize £200; 2nd Prize £100; 3rd Prize £50

Theme

The theme this year is “Sonnet or Not”. Entries should be 14 line poems that in some way reflect the Sonnet form.

Entries

An entry will consist of one 14 line poem typed on a sheet of A4 paper [please use at least 12 point typeface]. Please ensure that each entry has its own title. There is no limit to the number of entries providing the fees are paid. Several entry forms may be used if necessary. No artwork please. The entry fee is £4.00 for the first poem and £2.50 for each additional poem submitted.

Judging

Three Cannon Poets will be appointed to shortlist the 25 best entries [or 10%, whichever is larger]. An eminent poet will judge the winning entries from the shortlist.

The closing date for entries is

31st October 2010

Rules of Entry     

Entries must be received on or before 31 October 2010 together with £4.00 [Sterling] entry fee for the first poem and £2.50 for each additional poem submitted. Please make cheques payable to Cannon Poets.

Entrants must be 18 years or over.

Not more than one prize will be awarded per entrant.

Please attach one completed entry form containing the titles of the poems you are submitting, together with the appropriate entry fee. Photocopied entry forms will be accepted.

Each poem should be on a separate sheet of A4 paper, typed or word-processed in no smaller than 12 point typeface, and must include ONLY the poem and its title. Do not include your name.  Do not send artwork.  Poems must be 14 lines in length.

Poems containing real names of individuals or organisations will be disqualified.

If you would like an acknowledgement and/or a list of winning entries, please supply a stamped addressed envelope[s] with your entries [see entry form]. If you send only one SAE we will assume it is for the results.
 
Please keep a copy of your work, as entries cannot be returned.
 
Entries must be entirely the work of the individual and must not have been previously published, nor won a prize in a competition.
 
The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
 
Entries remain the copyright of the author and may be used by Cannon Poets for publicity purposes until December 2010. All winners will be published, together with the judge’s assessment, in our magazine ‘The Cannon’s Mouth’.
 
Members of Cannon Poets who are not in any way involved in the organisation and judging of the competition are eligible to enter. Winners will be announced by 31 December 2010.

ENTRY FORM Cannon Poets 2010 Poetry Competition  

Method of payment Cheque [£ Sterling only] / Postal Order [payable to Cannon Poets] / Cash / Other [tick one]. Do not send cash by post.
I have read and agree to the competition rules.
 

Signed …………………………………………………………….
  Please acknowledge my entry [SAE enclosed.]
  Please supply a list of winning entries [SAE enclosed.]
Post completed form with poems and correct fee to:
Cannon Poets 2010 Competition, 22 Margaret Grove, Harborne, Birmingham  B17 9JH  ___________________________________________________________________________

Last updated 15th July 2010

Poetry Competitions Closing Dates   -  Check List of those notified to us:

Note  The value of the first prize is indicated. Full information is supplied to members with our magazine The Cannon’s Mouth [£10.50 p.a. for 4 issues]. For further information or entrance forms, please contact the organisations direct. Please remember that poems previously published in the Cannon's Mouth are NOT eligible for entry into most competitions.