Welcome to Shadow Poetry's Annual Chapbook Competition! Shadow Poetry will publish one incredibly talented poet every year who has an extraordinary collection of unpublished poetry (up to 40 pages). This contest was previously a biannual chapbook competition. The name, guidelines and payouts were changed January 1, 2008.

The lucky poet who is chosen will receive:

Shadow Poetry suggests purchasing a copy of a Shadows Ink Chapbook from its online bookstore before entering this competition for $10.00 plus shipping. Purchasing one of these unique chapbooks may help you to familiarize yourself with Shadow Poetry's format, set up, and overall quality of these timeless books.

Feel free to also visit Shadow Poetry's Chapbook Testimonial page for comments on chapbook printing, quality, and service.

If you think you have a collection of breathtaking poetry, and want to see it in print, read the competition rules below. We also suggest reading the FAQ & Extras page for more chapbook publishing information.

Rules:

1) Poets must be 18 years of age or older.
2) Manuscripts must be postmarked by December 31, 2008.
3) Submit typed manuscript of 16-40 pages including poetry and acknowledgements.
4) Submit cover ideas, artwork, photograph, etc. if applicable.
5) Include cover letter with name, address, phone, age, and email address.
6) Enclose $18.00 (US) reading fee.
7) Send manuscript in #90 (9" x 12") envelope. Manuscripts will not be returned.
8) Send #10 SASE for notification (required), SASP for entry receipt (optional).
9) Mail manuscripts and reading fee to:

Shadow Poetry
Annual Chapbook Competition
1209 Milwaukee Street
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024

Make checks/money orders payable to "Shadow Poetry." Cash accepted, but sent at your own risk. Shadow Poetry is not responsible for lost manuscripts.

Notification of chapbook winner will be announced April 10, 2009 during National Poetry Month.

Shadows Ink Publications is a division of Shadow Poetry.

Submission hints: a) Submit a full cover letter instead of a sheet of paper with only the author contact information. If you don't know how to write one, find out. b) Do not submit manuscripts that have already been published as a whole. c) Do not submit manuscripts in chapbook format. d) Do not staple your manuscript. e) Type or print poems on white 8" x 11.5" paper. Please remember that poems will go into a 5.5" x 8.5" format; therefore, if all of your poems are exceedingly long, your manuscript will not fit into chapbook format. f) Manuscripts typed in all CAPS is a big no-no! g) Beware of fancy fonts. The text should be readable. The same font and size throughout is best. h) Name your collection of works. After all, this is a book. i) We do not want to see a collection with a bunch of quotes from other authors, clip art that is not yours, or cover art you do not have permission to use. j) Never, never, never forget to include your entry fee and a SASE. Shadow Poetry does not return manuscripts.

The Biannual Chapbook Competition is listed in the 2007 Poet's Market book, page 410.