ELIGIBILITY:  Open to all poets and aspiring poets, with the exception of the “YOUTH” category which has specific entry requirements.  These are listed with the contest description.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any original, unpublished poem that has not been submitted to other current contests, nor has won $10.00 or more.  Observe specified subjects, forms, line limits, format and age requirements (“YOUTH” category).  No refunds for disqualified entries.  All entries should be titled.  (The use of the first line of any poem may suffice for a title.)  Any number of poems may be entered in each category, but each individual poem may be submitted only once per entire contest.  Submit entries at any time; all entries need not be sent in at one time.

FORMAT: Submit two (2) clearly typed copies of each poem (in English only), on 8-1/2"x11" white paper, without lines or illustrations.  Each entry has a 40-line limit, unless otherwise specified in the contest description.  Submit each poem on a separate page; no staples, unless an individual poem exceeds one page.  No entries will be returned.

PAGE LAYOUT

ENTRY FEES: Per poem:         Category 1 & 7 . . . . . . . $3.00

                                             Categories 2, 3, 4, & 6 . . $2.00

                                              All other categories. . . . . $1.00

Make checks or money orders (US funds only) to: ASPS Annual Contest

DEADLINE: Received by September 5, 2008. Send First Class or Priority Mail only (not Registered or any form of delivery requiring signature). Mail entries and #10 (business) self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Carol Hogan, Contest Chair

ASPS Annual Contest

8530 N. 22^nd Avenue  Apt. 1014

Phoenix, AZ 85021

JUDGES: Qualified non-ASPS members. Decisions are final.

PRIZE WINNERS: Awards (certificates and prize checks) not claimed at the ASPS Annual Fall Conference, November 1, 2008, will be mailed to winners.  Winners: please deposit checks as soon as possible.  First, second, and third prize-winning poems will be read at the Annual Fall Conference of the Arizona State Poetry Society and published in the ASPS quarterly journal, Sandcutters.  Winners will receive a copy.  Sandcutters claims first publication rights.  Poets receiving Honorable Mentions will be listed in Sandcutters. (Publication of Honorable Mentions’ poetry will depend on space and the discretion of the editor of Sandcutters.)  All awardees will receive certificates.  (Non-winning poems will be destroyed.)

Arizona State Poetry Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1966 in Phoenix, Arizona, and is a member of the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. Membership is $15.00 per calendar year.