Everything you wanted to know




Q. How were poets chosen for this historic edition?
A. Over the past year or so, we have been reviewing the thousands of poems submitted to us, as well as examining the poetic accomplishments of people whose poetry has appeared on the Internet or has been featured in various anthologies released by other poetry publishers in America and Europe. After an exhaustive examination of this poetic artistry, the International Library of Poetry has chosen a small group of distinguished poets to be included in a collection of new poems written by the Best Poets we have encountered over the past year. We believe your poetry would add immeasurably to this special edition.

Q. Am I under any obligation to purchase anything?
A. None whatsoever. We select poems for publication because of their importance or artistic merit, without regard to any purchase. Naturally, all publishers must sell books in order to stay in business. We have been successful publishers because of our outstanding reputation for publishing anthologies that have universal appeal. We publish only hardbound coffee table volumes, utilizing the finest milled paper and the highest quality bindery available. People who purchase our books are delighted with their quality and value. Our customers include libraries, bookstores, magazines, newspapers, historical societies, foundations, and fine poets . . . like you.

Eligibility: This contest is open to all poets who have been chosen for publication in the special edition, The Best Poems and Poets of 2007. Current and former employees (and their relatives) of the International Library of Poetry and its affiliates are not eligible. All poems must be 24 lines or fewer. Only one entry per contest. We cannot return submissions.

Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest. All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded. Grand Prize is $1,000.00 in cash. There are 24 Second Prizes of Limited Edition solid silver medals (retail value $50.00) and 79 Third Prizes of Limited Edition bronze medals (retail value $25.00). Duplicate prizes are awarded in case of ties.

Decisions: Judges are members of the International Library of Poetry Selection Committee. Entries are judged based on originality, creative imagination, characterization, artistic quality, and the adherence to line limits. All judges' decisions are final.

No Fees: There are no entry fees, no subsidy payments, and no purchases of any kind required to enter and win the contest.

Rights: All poems remain the property of the artist. By submitting a poem for this contest, the artist may also be eligible for the one-time publication of his or her poem by the International Library of Poetry in a hardbound anthology and on the Internet. The International Library of Poetry is under no obligation to publish every contest entry and can disqualify an entry at any time. The artist is under no obligation whatsoever to purchase a copy of the publication in which the poem may appear.

Notification: All prize winners will be notified by mail and posted on our Internet site.

For further information, contact:

The International Library of Poetry
1 Poetry Plaza
Owings Mills, MD 21117
(410) 356-2000




Unsolicited comments from poets like yourself!
"Today I received my much-anticipated book and I am truly happy and delighted with the way my poem was printed on a page by itself. Thanks again; I will treasure this book forever!"
Helen K.
Alberta, Canada

"I love submitting my work to the International Library of Poetry. I will certainly treasure the memory of my poem receiving recognition. It's a good feeling to have my poem in this beautiful book. Thank you very much for your continued interest in my work. The International Library of Poetry is a good friend to those of us who write."
Sandra F.
West Columbia, West Virginia

"I was surprised to receive my book today. I have read many pages of it with interest and delight. I do sincerely thank you!"
Oliver G.
Wheat Ridge, Colorado

"I have gotten a good deal of exposure since I had my poem published in your book. There have been several articles in the newspaper concerning my poetry, and I have had poetry readings at my local library and on television. I sent Katie Couric of NBC one of my books and got a nice reply. Thank you so much for publishing my poem."
Mary Elizabeth T.
Brunswick, Ohio

"With all my heart, I wish to thank you for the book I received today. I enjoy reading the very best poetry written from the far corners of the world. I owe you many thanks for every reason."
Hattie B.
Perryville, Maryland

"The moment I received my copy of Verdant Lands of Spring will be cherished forever. It was exciting to see my poem and name in this breathtaking book of poetry! Words cannot even begin to express what an honor it is to be a part of the International Library of Poetry. I thank you with all my heart for the interest that you have shown in me. Enclosed please find a newspaper article about the publication of my poem. My deepest appreciation..."
Donna D.
Mountain Home, Idaho

"Being published my first time around can't be described in words! Excited, overwhelmed, astonished are but a few adjectives that come to mind. This is a great personal honor and achievement that went far beyond all my expectations. Once again, thank you for publishing my work. I am sure this achievement will help in my endeavors to publish a novel."
Edward M.
Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania