NOTE: To qualify as a Member, dues must be paid by September 30!
The Ina Coolbrith Circle
103rd ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST
ENTRY DEADLINE: September 30, 2023
Event will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 via Zoom from 1:00pm – 3:30pm.
Guest Speaker: Kathleen McClung
1. NUMBER OF ENTRIES: FOUR (4) poems per contestant, no more than one (1) poem per category
2. CATEGORIES: A. Poems about California B. Journeys C. Love D. Humor E. Nature F. People G. Theme: Childhood H. Poet’s Choice
3. DEADLINE: Postmarked no later than Saturday, September 30, 2023
4. WHO MAY ENTER: All Circle members (including out-of-state); nonmember California residents
5. FEE: No fee to Circle members with $25 annual dues paid by 9/30; $8 per poem for nonmembers
MEMBERSHIP DUES must be received by September 30 to qualify for free entry.
*Please send any awards donations to the ICC Treasurer:
Gayle Eleanor, 1245 Pine Creek Way, #J, Concord, CA. 94520
6. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: POEMS MUST
• have a title
• be original, in English, and not have appeared online or in any journal or newspaper professionally published
• not have been award winners in any previous contest (honorable mentions acceptable)
• not exceed 42 lines, not counting spaces between stanzas
• be submitted in triplicate, i.e., three (3) clear copies of each poem on 8 1/2 x 11 paper
• have the category of each poem typed in the upper right corner of all copies
• if traditional/classical in form, have the form noted on entry (all forms of poetry encouraged)
• include on ONE COPY ONLY in upper left corner the typed name, address, phone number, email, and status (member or nonmember) of the poet (address labels OK)
• be mailed in one envelope with sufficient postage (certified/registered mail is not accepted)
• be sent with check payable to The Ina Coolbrith Circle (if including submission fee or dues)
MAIL ENTRIES (and any entry fees or dues) TO: Johanna Ely , 366 Military East,
Benicia, Ca. 94510
RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED EXACTLY OR ENTRIES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
Keep copies of your poem(s) as none will be returned to you. Authors retain all rights. Decisions of judges are final.
*Donations are welcomed to sustain awards.
Winning poems will be read and awards given at the Ina Coolbrith Circle’s 103rd Annual Poetry Contest. Saturday, December 2, 2023 --- via Zoom (link to be sent out the morning of December 2nd)