The Great American Poetry Competition

The Great American Poetry Competition

Submission Guidelines  Email your poem to GreatAmerican@classicalpoets.org (Word file or in email body). You may name a prize category, but it is optional—we will place your poem accordingly.

Theme Ideas (optional):

• American heroes 

• Historic events 

• American culture 

• The American spirit

Length: Max 130 lines

Fee: $20 per poem (pay before submitting).

Up to 5 poems may be entered.

Deadline: July 4, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

Winners announced: July 18, 2026

Guidelines

• Meter is strongly encouraged (syllable counting acceptable for beginners) 

• Rhyme and traditional techniques encouraged, but optional 

• AI-generated poems are not permitted 

• Previously published and simultaneous submissions are allowed 

• You retain ownership; SCP may publish winning poems

High School Category

• Must be under 21 

• Include grade, school name, and city in submission

Prizes

• Henry Longfellow Ode & Ballad Grand Prize: $1,500 

• Ogden Nash Satire & Light Verse Prize: $1,000 

• Robert Frost Sonnet Prize: $500 

• 5 Finalists: $250 each 

• Freedom 250 High School Prize: $500

(All winners published by SCP)

Eligibility Open to anyone.

Optional Payment by Mail submissions@classicalpoets.org for mailing instructions.

Website https://www.classicalpoets.org/the-great-american-poetry-competition/