Arc Poetry Magazine’s annual poetry contest is among the richest in the country, offering $5,000 for the winning poem, a $500 award for the poem selected as Honourable Mention, and a $250 prize for the Readers’ Choice selection. In addition, all 10 to 12 shortlisted poems receive paid publication in Arc and online.

The entry fee is $40 CDN, and includes a one-year Canadian subscription of Arc Poetry Magazine**.

Shortlist: A shortlist of 10 to 12 poems, selected by Arc’s editorial board, will be eligible for the Readers’ Choice Award. The winner receives $250. Visit us in April to read our shortlist selections and cast your vote! Shortlisted poets will be contacted prior to the shortlist going live.

Publication: Shortlisted entries for the Poem of the Year will be published online and in a print issue of Arc, and will receive page-rate payment for online and print publication. Arc secures First Canadian Serial Rights, meaning the poems should not appear in any print or digital publication before the release of the issue in which the work appears. All rights will revert to the author upon publication.

**or two issues to US entrants, or one issue to overseas entrants. Entrants who are currently subscribers may pass along their contest subscription or complimentary issues to a friend. Please include the name and address to which the contest subscription is destined.

Visit Arc's website for full details and submit your work today: arcpoetry.ca/contest/poem-of-the-year.

Extended deadline: February 15, 2024.