Everything you need to know before entering the Happiful Poetry Prize

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.

Enter the Happiful Poetry Prize 2025.