The Canto Poetry Prize

The Canto Poetry Prize is our flagship biannual competition. Each edition is built around a theme, chosen to spark imaginative and unexpected interpretations.

Yes – each edition of The Canto Prize has its own theme. We encourage poets to engage with it creatively rather than literally; the most memorable entries often approach the theme from an unexpected angle.

The prize runs twice a year. Each edition has its own theme, winners archive page, and publication.

Yes. The two competitions are completely independent and you’re welcome to enter both simultaneously – you can even submit the same poem to each.

Yes. Previously published poems are welcome, and simultaneous submissions are accepted.

None at all. We welcome poems of any length and any form or style.

Poems must be written in English, though you’re welcome to include words or phrases from other languages.

The entry fee is paid by card at the time of submission.

All entries are read and judged by our editorial team.

We’ll contact the winner within one month of the competition closing.

Your winning poem will be published on the Free the Verse website under the Canto Prize winners archive. You retain full copyright – by entering you grant us the right to publish your poem and use it in associated marketing materials.