July is almost here! 

Have you written a new poem and/or short story you would like to share? Our annual summer poetry and short-story contests for Canadian residents of all ages are getting started, and the deadline of July 31st is approaching. 

Poems must not be longer than 48 lines and short stories must not be more than 750 words. All work should be fiction, and characters/character names, plots, etc. must be of your own creation. We do not accept essays or fanfiction.

We have two divisions: 1) ages 16 and over, and 2) ages 15 and under. Three prize winners will be selected in each division, along with ten honourable mentions. There is a top prize of $500 for those 16 and over and $200 for those 15 and under. Three softcover collections containing the poems and stories of the top group of entrants will be released in early December.

Submit your entry by pasting the email form (found on the SUBMIT ONLINE page of our website) and your poem and/or story into a new email OR by downloading and printing an entry form from our SUMMER CONTESTS page to mail in with your poem and/or story. 

We greatly look forward to reading your work. Wishing you a happy and safe summer!

Yours truly,

Polar Expressions Publishing

Visit our SHOP page 

to read last year's prize winners

(excerpts found in the description below each book title)

or to purchase a copy from the remaining stock!