The Wisconsin People & Ideas Poetry Contest

2026 Submissions: CLOSED

The 2027 window for submission opens January 15, 2027; deadline is March 31, 2027.

Eligibility 

• Authors must be age 18 or older and reside or attend school in Wisconsin.
• All submissions must be original and previously unpublished work. Authors attest that they are the sole authors of the work and that AI was not implemented in its creation. 

• Current Wisconsin Academy staff, board, and Foundation board members are not eligible. If you have questions about eligibility, please be in touch: [email protected].
   

Poetry Guidelines

• Format one (1) poem per page; up to three (3) poems per submission. 
• Submission must be typed, single-spaced. Please do not include your name on the manuscript pages. Poems are judged anonymously. 
• Use a 12-point, clearly readable font. For example: Times New Roman, Garamond, etc.
• Limit to 45 lines maximum per poem (including lines between stanzas). 
• You may submit multiple entries - each additional entry requires paying a contest fee. 
• Limit to 45 lines maximum per poem (including lines between stanzas).
• Cover page must include 

1. ​author's name 
2. address
3. phone number 
4. email address 
5. poem titles  

Thank you to everyone who participated this year. We look forward to receiving your submission for the 2027 Wisconsin People & Ideas Writing Contest.

Thank you to our sponsors!