Connecticut Poetry Society
CONTEST CENTRAL
Questions: Email contests.ctpoetry@gmail.com
The following rules apply to each contest, unless otherwise noted on the specific contest page on the Connecticut Poetry Society's website. Please double check contest-specific rules. You may also want to read our FAQs for more information.
Nutmeg Poetry Contest | Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest | Connecticut Poetry Award
Experimental Contest | Vivian Shipley Poetry Award
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Entries are accepted via Submittable only. No exceptions or adjustments will be made to submission deadlines.
Submit in one document up to three original, previously unpublished poems, in any form.
Include one poem per page, no more than 80 lines (blank and printed) per poem.
Do not include any contact information in your document. Your submission will be disqualified.
Please notify the contest coordinator immediately if any poem in your entry is accepted elsewhere.
RESTRICTIONS
We will not accept any work that perpetuates derogatory stereotypes, nor will we accept work that is obscene, prurient, or sexually graphic, hate-mongering, or abusive of any social, racial, ethnic, religious, or gender group.
Any AI-generated poems, even in part, will be disqualified.
Last year’s winning poets in any CPS contest are ineligible.
2026
06/15/2026 - Connecticut Poetry Society Opens Submissions for Experimental Contest
04/15/2026 - Ella Figlar of Educational Center for the Arts Earns Top Prize in the Lynn DeCaro Contest
04/01/2026 - Submissions Open for Connecticut Poetry Award Presented by the Connecticut Poetry Society
02/27/2026 - Uxia Rose of Colchester Honored with the Nutmeg Poetry Contest's Top Prize
2025
12/01/2025 - Calling Connecticut Poets – Entries Now Accepted for Nutmeg Poetry Prize
11/27/2025 - Jennifer Tubbs Claims Top Vivian Shipley Poetry Award from Connecticut Poetry Society
10/20/2025 - Ivy Raff Wins Top Experimental Poetry Contest Prize Sponsored by the Connecticut Poetry Society