Rules for the Prize Competitions
1. All submissions must be electronic. To submit entries, use the online
submissions manager Submittable.com through our website at:
https://www.poetrysocietysc.org/ submission-guidelines.
2. Current PSSC members submit their poems for free. For non-members, the
submission fee for each poem is $5.00. Certain prizes are open to members only.
Entries must be received between October 15 through November 15 for the Fall
Competitions and between January 15 through February 15 for the Spring
Competitions.
3. Entries must be original, single-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, and
must adhere to the following specifications: Length not to exceed THIRTY-SIX
lines(including prefatory matter such as epigraphs or dedications, and stanza-break
lines, but not including the title).
4. An author may submit to as many prizes as they are qualified to enter, but please
submit only one poem per prize.
5. An entry consists of the poem with the name of the prize and the title of the poem
at the top of the page. The author’s name and address must not appear on the
document carrying the text of the poem. The title of the document file uploaded to
Submittable must match the title of the poem.
6. The same poem may not be entered for more than one prize at the same time. A
poem that has failed to win a prize may later be submitted for any other prize or
competition for which it is suitable.
7. Each entry must be original, unpublished (either in print or online or placed on
exhibition), and written in English. Distribution in workshops or closed, online
critique groups does not constitute publication. Simultaneous submissions are
allowed, but if the poem is accepted elsewhere, it must be withdrawn from the
competition immediately.
8. Authors grant the PSSC first publication and electronic reprint rights to prize-
winning work. Authors retain all re-publication rights, subject to acknowledging
original publication in The Poetry Society of South Carolina Yearbook.
9. The winner of a prize is ineligible for the prize the following year.
10. At the discretion of the judges, one or more honorable mentions may be
awarded for any prize. To keep these entries eligible for resubmission at a later
date, titles will be withheld.
11. Contest results will be announced at the February and May meetings and posted
online at the PSSC website and on Facebook.
12. The PSSC reserves the right to withhold any announced prize.
Open to Anyone
Sponsor: The friends and family of Dr. Linda Veldheer
$200
Open to Anyone
Sponsored by the friends and family of Dr. Linda Veldheer
$200
Open to PSSC members only. The Spring Forum critic will choose the finalists; the winning poem will be selected by audience vote at the Spring Forum.
Sponsor: The Poetry Society of South Carolina
Prize: $200
Offered for a poem written about childhood.
Open to PSSC Members and non-members
Sponsor: James L. Lundy, Jr.
Prize: $50
Offered for a poem written about childhood.
Open to PSSC Members and non-members
Sponsor: James L. Lundy, Jr.
Prize: $50
For a poem of any style about finding tiny moments of joy.
Open to PSSC members only.
Sponsor: Debra Daniel
$100
Dedicated to the memory of John H. Bennett, Jr., a past president and devoted supporter of The Society. Offered for a poem of any style and nature on the topic of generosity, kindness, or gratitude.
Open to current PSSC members only.
Sponsor: Mary Pinckney.
Prize: $250
For a poem highlighting the struggles to save endangered wildlife or capturing the efforts to conserve the natural environment in South Carolina. This contest honors the work of the Nature Conservancy in SC. Open to PSSC members only.
Prize: $200
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. D. Oliver Bowman for his long service to the PSSC, including presentations about poetry therapy. Offered for a poem of any style which describes a significant moment or event blending sorrow and joy. Open to anyone.
Sponsors: The Board of Governors of the South Carolina Academy of Authors and Friends of Dr. D. Oliver Bowman.
Prize: $200
Dedicated to the memory of Dr. D. Oliver Bowman for his long service to the PSSC, including presentations about poetry therapy. Offered for a poem of any style which describes a significant moment or event blending sorrow and joy. Open to anyone.
Sponsors: The Board of Governors of the South Carolina Academy of Authors and Friends of Dr. D. Oliver Bowman.
Prize: $200