Poetry
A category for original poetic work that explores language, meaning, and emotion with clarity and craft.
The Poetry category invites original work that demonstrates command of language, emotional resonance, and artistic intention. Submissions may be written in any poetic form or style - traditional, experimental, or spoken - as long as the work reflects thoughtfulness, originality, and craft.
Poetry Manuscript
Submission may be one of the following:
• A single long-form poem
• A collection of up to 3 short poems (submitted as one document)
• A spoken word poem with transcript (optional video link)
Length
• Maximum: Up to 3 pages in total
• Spoken word (if applicable): Max 3 minutes (link must be public or unlisted)
Format
• Font: Times New Roman or Garamond
• Size: 12 pt
• Spacing, At the poet’s discretion (maintain intended lineation)
• File type: PDF
• File name: LastFirstName_Title.pdf
Title Page
Include the following information as the first page of your submission:
• Title of the work
• Full name of the applicant
• Email address
• Submission category: Poetry
Author’s Note (Maximum 200 words)
Please include a short reflective note at the end of your submission.
This note is optional but encouraged. You may address:
• The inspiration or emotional origin of your poem(s)
• Any formal choices or techniques used intentionally
• What you hope the reader might feel, question, or notice
Additional Notes
• Submissions must be written in English. You may attach an addition version in your native language, but the English version will be used for review.
• Previously published, AI-generated, or plagiarized work will not be considered.
• Feedback will not be provided on individual submissions.
Originality Policy
All submissions must be the applicant’s own, original work.
Submissions must not have been previously published, formally submitted to other competitions, or generated in whole or in part by artificial intelligence tools. Work that is found to be plagiarized or in violation of these guidelines will be disqualified without exception.
Applicants are expected to uphold the values of integrity, authorship, and independent thought that define the spirit of the Hearth Fellowship Prize.