Open to new, emerging and established poets from any country. At least one of the winners will be the highest scoring manuscript entered by a poet with no solo collection (full-length or chapbook) previously published. The other winner may have previously published poetry books.
Up to 25 other entrants will be publicly listed as “highly commended”.
Manuscripts must be between 16 and 24 pages in length, in the English language and the sole work of the entrant. The poems can be in verse or prose.
The winning chapbooks will be published by Southword Editions and launched at the Cork International Poetry Festival. It will be offered for sale internationally through our own website, Amazon, and in selected independent book shops.
Prizes
1st Prize:
€1000
Chapbook publication and 25 complimentary copies
Featured reading at the Cork International Poetry Festival with three-night hotel stay (if living outside Cork) and full board
2nd Prize:
€500
Chapbook publication and 25 complimentary copies
Featured reading at the Cork International Poetry Festival with three-night hotel stay (if living outside Cork) and full board
Entry fee: €25 per manuscript
Judges this year are Alvy Carragher, Patrick Cotter & James Harpur.
Find out more
here
Deadline: 31st August 2026