Canada Is Our Poem Prize

What makes something quintessentially Canadian? Is it as simple as the sweet taste of maple syrup, the thrill of a hockey game or canoeing a freshwater lake? Maybe its the kindness of our people, our commitment to inclusivity or the way we always extend a helping hand. Perhaps it is a combination of various elements - the reasons are as vast and diverse as our country is.  Being Canadian is much more than nationality. It's our core values that form the bedrock of our national identity and is what sets us apart.
 

We want to know what Canada means to you.
 

The Canada Is Our Poem Prize, spearheaded by multi-award-winning poet Heidi Sander, comes at a pivotal moment in Canada's history. Her vision is to create a space where Canadians, regardless of their background, can share their thoughts and stories, thereby fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of our nation. “At times of uncertainty, we need to hear voices from coast to coast,” Heidi shared. “Through poetry we can understand ourselves, ignite conversations, and build bridges. It’s my hope that this initiative promotes solidarity, and that Canada will forever be our poem.”
 

Poetry is a powerful tool for creating connections that transcend time, and we want to celebrate the narratives that define what it means to be Canadian through the Canada Is Our Poem Prize. The first place winner will receive $1,000, and along with the shortlisted poets, one full year access to the interactive multimedia Pathways To Poetry course and community. The top 200 poems will be featured in an anthology to be published in 2025. 

   As you reflect on what defines Canada and what being Canadian means to you, we thank you for joining us to celebrate our unique identities and contribute to the ongoing narrative of what is quintessentially Canadian. 

Submission guidelines:

• There are no limitations in form or content; we are interested in everything from traditional forms to free verse. 
• Submissions are open internationally, to any Canadian poet writing in English. We encourage writers from diverse backgrounds to submit their work.
• We want your best work and will accept previously published poetry. 
• We are an environmentally conscious organization and only accept contest entries through our online platform.
• We accept simultaneous submissions but please notify us by withdrawing your manuscript on Submittable immediately if it is accepted for publication elsewhere.
• Submit one poem to a maximum of 2 pages with a font size of 12, Arial or Times New Roman.
• You are welcome to enter as many times as you wish, but each entry must be in a separate file as a separate submission. Each submission will include the reading fee.
• All submissions will be read incognito. Do not include any identifying information in your submission file and do NOT put your name or identifying information in the title field.
• There is a $10 fee per entry to help defray administrative costs. If funding is an issue, please contact us for an alternate option.
• The final judge for the competition will be named when the winner is announced. Finalists will be selected by the editorial staff and prominent writers acting as contest judges.
• The first place winner will receive $1,000, and along with the shortlisted poets, one full year access to the interactive multimedia Pathways To Poetry course and community. The top 200 poems will be featured in an anthology to be published in 2025.
• We will accept entries until July 30, 2025. 

   Blue Moon Publishers subscribes to the principles laid out in the Contest Code of Ethics adopted by the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP)

If you have questions, please visit our websites, www.bluemoonpublishers.com or www.heidisander.com or email hello@bluemoonpublishers.com.