Your poetry isn’t meant to stay hidden in notebooks or drafts folders forever. The Kentucky State Poetry Society (KSPS) offers poetry contests throughout the year that give writers a real opportunity to share their work, gain recognition, and take their writing seriously. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to submit your poetry, this is your invitation.
Explore current contests and submission guidelines:
View KSPS Poetry Contests
KSPS Contests Offer Opportunities for Every Poet
KSPS offers several contests each year, including opportunities for both adults and students. The lineup includes the Grand Prix (open to all poets), Chaffin-Kash (open only to KSPS members), and the Student Poetry Contest (open to grades 3-12), created specifically to encourage young writers to share their creativity and develop confidence in their voice. Some contests honor Kentucky connections, poetic craft, or specific forms, giving poets many ways to participate depending on their interests and experience level.
Each contest provides a meaningful opportunity to take your work seriously, meet submission goals, and become part of a literary tradition that celebrates poetry across Kentucky and beyond.
Winners often receive cash prizes and publication in Pegasus, the literary journal of the Kentucky State Poetry Society, helping poets share their work with a wider audience.
Selected poets may also be invited to read their work at the KSPS annual conference, offering a meaningful chance to connect with fellow writers and celebrate the craft of poetry.
Why Submit Your Poetry?
Submitting your poetry is more than entering a contest — it is an important step in becoming part of a creative community.
When you submit, you:
• Give your work the opportunity to be read and appreciated
• Push yourself to revise and strengthen your writing
• Build confidence as a poet
• Join a community that values language and creativity
• Allow your voice to be part of a larger conversation
KSPS exists to inspire and encourage poets through events, publications, and contests that support the art of poetry.
You do not need to consider yourself an expert poet to participate. You simply need the willingness to write and share.
The Hardest Part Is Hitting Submit
Many writers hesitate before submitting their work. They wonder if the poem is ready, if it is good enough, or if they should revise just one more time.
But poetry grows through participation.
Submitting your work gives it the chance to resonate with readers, judges, and fellow poets in ways you may not expect. Even one submission can build momentum and inspire you to keep writing.
Start Writing. Start Submitting.
If you’ve been looking for motivation to write more consistently, a contest deadline can provide the perfect push.
Browse current contests and deadlines:
Submit your poetry to KSPS contests
Kentucky State Poetry Society 