Blake Prize

Below are some of the most common questions entrants have about the competition. If you have further questions, you can contact the NSW Writers’ Centre on (02) 9555 9757 or info [at] nswwc dot org dot au.

1. Do entries have to be pro-religion?
No, they may be pro-religion, anti-religion, non-religiously spiritual, satirical or ironic.

2. Will I receive confirmation of my entry?
Yes, we will send email or postal confirmation after the closing date. If you do not receive confirmation by 14 July 2013 please contact the NSW Writers’ Centre.

3. Is an entry form required?
Yes, a completed entry form including payment details must be received. If you are unable to download the 2013 Blake Entry Form please one can be mailed to you by contacting the NSW Writers’ Centre.

4. Does each poem require a separate entry form?
Yes, but a single payment can cover all poems entered.

5. Can I submit an entry by email?
No, four hard copies of each entry must be provided.

6. Can I submit a poem by a deceased relative or friend in his or her name?
No, poems must be the entrant’s own work.

7. Is there a minimum number of lines per poem?
No, there is no minimum. An entry can between 1 and 100 lines.

8. Does the title count as a line?
No the title does not count as a line.

9. Does a footnote or sub-heading count as a line?
Yes, it does count.

10. Can I submit an amended version of a poem I submitted unsuccessfully in a previous Blake Poetry Prize?
Yes, you can submit it.

11. Can I submit a suite of poems, part of which has been published or won a prize elsewhere?
Yes, but only if the part that won or was published is a relatively small proportion of the suite.

12. Can I submit a poem that has appeared on the Internet?
No, publication on any blog, website or social-network page counts as published.

13. Can I submit a poem that was included in a self-published book?
Yes, but only if fewer than 50 copies of the book were published.

14. Can I submit a poem that has appeared in a newspaper or non-literary magazine?
Yes, but only if the newspaper or non-literary magazine has a circulation of fewer than 250 copies.

15. Can I enter using a pseudonym?
Yes, but you must clearly state this on the entry form. You must also include your real name on the entry form.

16. How does the judging process work?
Judges are supplied with anonymous copies of all entries.
Judges individually assess the entries and submit their selection for shortlist consideration.
Judges then meet as a panel to discuss the shortlist and then determine the winner and highly commended.

17. When will the winner be announced?
The shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 17 September 2013, and published on the NSW Writers Centre and Blake Society websites.
The winner will be announced at the opening of the Blake Prize Exhibition on Thursday 17 October, 2013, and published on the NSW Writers Centre and Blake Society websites.