Community Corner

Montgomery County Poet Laureate Competition Now Open for Submissions

Are you a poet and don't even know it? Submissions now for poets to be considered the 2014 poet laureate for Montgomery County.

Are you a poet and don't even know it?: That is the question.
The 2014 Montgomery County Poet Laureate competition is now accepting submissions, due by Feb. 3.
According to the Indian Valley Arts Foundation MCPL program, a poet laureate composes poems and express poetic ideas in "beautiful language." The laureate also is deemed the highest degree of excellence in poetry.
Upon selection, the poet laureate will represent Montgomery County at various venues in the county where they will be asked to read their poetry. Furthermore, the poet laureate will be tasked with aiding MCPL Executive Director Joanne Leva on MCPL programming.
Submissions will be judged by three Delaware Valley poets, Hayden Saunier and Roy Smith, and celebrity judge J.C. Todd. Each judge will assign a numeric value to the top 25 manuscripts, which will be calculated to determine a winner.
The competition is open to all Montgomery County residents age 18 and older.
Fee is $25, check payable to Indian Valley Arts Foundation. Add "Poet Laureate" in the memo field.

Here are the rules for submission:

  • 10 poems, no more, no less. Any style, form, or length. 
  • All work to be original, published or unpublished, typewritten or word processed, one side only. 
  • Do not place name or address on poetry pages. 
  • Attach Entry Form with paper clip to packet of poems.
  • List titles of poems, your name, address, and phone number on opposite side of Entry Form. 
  • If return of manuscript is desired, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage. No certified mail. 
Winner will be notified by March 28. All entries are judged anonymously. 
Winner receives a $500 Honorarium at a formal awards presentation at the Indian Valley Public Library on April 13 at 1 p.m.
A Montco Poet's Wordshop takes place the first Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at Molly Maguire's in Lansdale.
Past poet laureates were Glenn McLaughlin of Pottstown (2013); Liz Chang of Philadelphia (2012); Amy Small-McKinney (2011); Grant Clauser (2010); Doris Ferleger (2009); Elizabeth Rivers (2008); David Simpson of Glenside (2007); Deborah Fries of Elkins Park (2006); Sean Webb of Germantown (2005); Teresa Mendez-Quigley of Springfield Township (2004); Nicole Greaves of Flourtown (2003); Jon Volkmer of Telford (2002); Deidra Greenleaf Allan (2001); Margaret Almon of Lansdale (2000); and Yolanda Wisher of North Wales (1999).


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