The Long Poem Contest 2026
Open to Everyone
Judge: Josie Di Sciascio-Andrews
Subject & Theme
Poems may be on any theme.
Fresh and innovative imagery recommended. All styles welcome. There is no limit to the number of submissions.
Awards
Plus: 4 Honourable Mentions. All cash paid in Canadian funds. All prize winners receive a certificate. One copy of the anthology for everyone who enters this contest.
Submission Rules
- Length: Poems must be between 60 and 100 lines, with spaces between stanzas counting as lines. Poem title and author name do not count in the line total.
- Formatting: Must be submitted on 8.5" x 11" letter size paper, single spaced, on one side of the page only.
- Font: Preferred fonts are Arial 11 pt. or Times New Roman 11 pt.
- Status: Poems may be previously published but must not have previously won a contest prize.
Blind Judging Instructions
No author name to appear anywhere on the poem pages, back or front. Please include a separate cover page with your name, complete mailing address, phone number, and email, along with a list of poem titles or first lines if the poem is untitled.
How to Enter
Entry Fees:
- $10 CAD - First 3 poems
- $5 CAD - Each additional poem
Enclose a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope for the winners' list and receive a gift of a $2 off coupon for another T.O.P.S. contest.
Mail with payment to:
The Ontario Poetry SocietyAttn.: I.B. Iskov, Contest Coordinator
#710 - 65 Spring Garden Ave.
Toronto, ON M2N 6H9
Postmarked on or before December 25, 2026.