Poetry is a powerful art form that can be used to express oneself, tell stories, and connect with others. If you’re an African poet looking to share your work with the world, there are many poetry competitions that you can enter. But with so many competitions to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Here are a few tips on how to find the right poetry competition for you:
Consider your goals:
What do you hope to achieve by entering a poetry competition? Do you want to win a prize, get your work published, or simply share your work with a wider audience? Once you know your goals, you can start to narrow down your search for the right competition.
Read the competition guidelines carefully:
Before you submit your work, make sure that you read the competition guidelines carefully. These guidelines will tell you what the competition is looking for, how to submit your work, and any other important information.
Research the competition:
Once you’ve found a few competitions that you’re interested in, take some time to research them further. Read past winners’ work, and try to get a sense of the competition’s style and tone. This will help you to determine if your work is a good fit for the competition.
Get feedback from others:
Before you submit your work, ask a friend, family member, or fellow poet to read it and give you feedback. This can help you to identify any areas where your poem could be improved.
Here are a few popular poetry competitions for African poets:
Evaristo Prize for African Poetry
International African Poetry Prize
Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
Luschei Prize for African Poetry
Poets in Africa Prize
Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa
These are just a few examples, and there are many other poetry competitions available for African poets. To find more competitions, you can search online or contact your local writers’ association.
Conclusion:
Entering a poetry competition can be a great way to share your work with the world, and it can also be a rewarding experience. By following the tips above, you can find the right poetry competition for you and increase your chances of success.
