Getting noticed as a creative writer – competitions!

Winning, coming second or just being shortlisted in a competition is a great way to build up your CV as a writer. Whilst poetry may have a reputation as the highest-earning career opportunity out there,  many poets have successful careers and also turn their hands to screenwriting and other forms of writing.

Now in its 40th year, the National Poetry Competition is open for entries! Judged by Kei Miller, Kim Moore and Mark Waldron, there are 10 cash prizes, including a first prize of £5000.

Previous winners have had their work featured in national newspapers, literary and poetry festivals, and in The Poetry Society’s quarterly journal The Poetry Review. For many, the prize has proved an important career milestone; winners follow in the footsteps of Tony Harrison, Jo Shapcott, Colette Bryce and UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, and many more. For your poem, it might be the start of an astronomical journey: enter online at poetrysociety.org.uk/npc.

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