Everything you need to know before entering the Happiful Poetry Prize

Please note, the Happiful Poetry Prize 2025 is now closed for entries. To hear about upcoming opportunities and to read the winning poems, sign up for a free digital subscription to Happiful magazine.

General

  • The competition is open to anyone aged 18 or over at the time of entering.
  • Entries are free.
  • Entrants must be based in the UK or NI.
  • The deadline for entries is 23:59 Monday 18 November 2024.
  • Only one entry per person is permitted.
  • Once submitted, no changes can be made to your entry.
  • Use of artificial intelligence to create your poem is not permitted.
  • Entries must be submitted through the online submissions form. Postal entries or poems submitted via any other means will not be accepted.
  • The judges read all the entries, and their decision is final. Neither the judges nor other staff at Happiful will enter into any correspondence.
  • No current employee, or paid freelancer currently working with Happiful, is eligible to enter.

Your entry

  • All entries are judged anonymously. The poet’s name must not appear on the poem document itself.
  • All poems must have a title and must not exceed 25 lines in length (excluding title).
  • Entries must include their full name, address, and a short biography (no more than 50 words) with their entry.
  • Poems must be on the topic of mental health or wellbeing. Poems without a clear link to the topic will not be considered.
  • Poems must be written in English.
  • Poems must be the writer’s original work. AI-generated work is prohibited.

Winner and shortlisters

  • The winner and four shortlisted writers will be notified by the end of February 2025.
  • The winner will receive £100, paid via bank transfer. The four shortlisted poets will receive a £25 National Book Token each.
  • The copyright of each poem remains with the author. However, authors of the winning poems, by entering the competition, grant Happiful the right in perpetuity to publish and/or broadcast their poem in its print and digital magazine, and on its digital and social media platforms.