The Far Horizons Award deadline is nearing! If you're a budding poet, this is one writing contest you won't want to miss.

We're giving away $1000 to one emerging writer whose poem stands out above the rest. Eligible emerging poets have yet to publish their poetry in book form (publication in literary journals is OK).

Poets contributing to The Malahat Review have won or been nominated for National Magazine Awards for Poetry and the Pushcart Prize.

Click here for contest details, including payment and submission options.

Get Inspired: Read our contest judge interview

Carolyn Smart will judge this year's Far Horizons contest, and she has a few things to say for emerging poets who hope to win the $1000 prize! During an interview with Lauren DeGaine, she shed some light on what she'll be looking for in the winning poem.

 

LD: Is there anything specific you look for or notice when reading a poem? Do you have any advice for folks who are submitting their poetry to contests or literary magazines? 

CS: I look for poems that feel honest, emotionally generous, and surprise with originality of imagery and language. I am constantly impressed by what I see from my students and know how much excellent work is out there, waiting to be shared.

You should do the research before submitting anywhere: look at what the magazine publishes, what particular styles and content speaks to the editors, what fulfils the mandate of the particular publication, and see where best your own work fits. The same notion applies to contests. The competition is tough, and it’s wise to go into the application for the experience alone, though winning (and acceptance for publication) is undeniably strong validation of a writer’s work, and a confidence-builder.

Click here to read the rest of the interview.