Rules and Guidelines for the NLAPW Non-Pen Women Poetry Competition

Any woman over the age of 18 may submit three of her best poems in a single entry to the NLAPW Non-Pen Women Poetry Competition. Single poems should be no longer than 40 lines. Up to three poems may be submitted with a single-entry fee of $15. Poets may enter as many times as they want, as long as each entry (up to three poems) is accompanied by a separate form and entry fee sent to a branch.

There are no restrictions on topics or themes. Artificial intelligence (AI) may not be used in generating any poem, and poets must sign agreeing to the AI policy on the submission form. Poems should be written in English.

Entry fees may be paid by a check made out to the National League of American Pen Women, Inc. Women who wish to enter should fill out the application form to accompany their submission fee and poems (from one to three poems) on the NLAPW website or on the branch’s websites and submit to a local branch.

Competition opens November 15, and the deadline for entries is January 15, 2027. Branches may begin preparation as soon as they would like to make this competition a national success.

Branches may award a first prize of $35 and additional awards if merited, including virtual readings and local promotion. Winner or winners at the branch level will be notified by the branches by February 15, 2027.

Branch officers will notify National of their winner or winners immediately after notifying their winners. The League will choose from all the branch winners the overall top three poets and award $100 each, plus publication of their poetry in The Pen Woman magazine. The top three National winners will be notified by April 15, 2027.

If there is no NLAPW branch in your area, please submit entries to the nearest branch regardless of state. Visit nlapw.org/nlapw-branches for a list of branches.