Frequently Asked Questions - Newcastle Poetry Prize
Before you enter
Who can enter the competition?
Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 years or older, regardless of where they live.
Is there a theme I need to write on?
No. You’re welcome to write on any subject.
Can I enter more than once?
Yes. There’s no limit to the number of entries. One poem = one entry = one submission fee.
Can I submit two poems in one document?
No.
The line limit is 200 maximum. Does this mean I have to write 200 lines?
No. In fact, over the years many shorter poems have been selected for publication. The reason the Newcastle Poetry Prize has an upper limit of 200 lines is to give opportunity to those poets who wish to submit long poems or a suite of poems (see below for more information about submitting a suite of poems).
Can I enter a suite of poems? Would this count as one entry or multiple entries?
Yes. A “suite of poems” is defined for this competition as multiple sections of poetry that together form a single cohesive narrative or thematic exploration. This could be in the form of a long poem divided into parts, or a series of poems that are intrinsically linked to build upon a central theme, where the separation of these parts would detract from the understanding or impact of the work as a whole.
Entries that consist of multiple individual poems that can stand alone will not be considered a single suite but rather separate entries.
Should a poem rhyme?
No, it does not have to. Many poems selected by the judges do not rhyme.
Can I use a pseudonym?
Yes. You’ll need to supply both your real name and your chosen pseudonym on the entry form. Your real name will never be shared publicly.
Preparing your submission
What is the line count limit?
200 lines maximum, including title and any subheadings. There is no minimum.
What file formats do you accept?
Only Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx).
How should I format my poem?
Line spacing, font style and size is your choice.
Do titles, subheadings or extras count towards the word count?
Yes. Titles, subtitles, dedications, and other additions are included in the word count — even if they appear in the header or footer. Numbers used to identify stanzas or sections (e.g. 1., i.) are considered sub-headings. Citations and symbols used indicate breaks, (e.g. ***) are not included in the line-count. Only lines of text are included in the line-count.
Can I include images, drawings, or illustrations?
No. Text only.
Can I use AI tools to help me write?
You must write the story yourself. Generative AI tools (like ChatGPT, Sudowrite, etc.) must not be used to write or substantially edit your story. Standard digital aids like spellcheck or grammar correction are fine. If you do use AI in any way, please disclose it in your entry form.
What happens if my name appears in the document?
Entries are judged blind. If your name appears in the story or the filename, the submission will be ineligible.
What if I want to submit a poem I’ve entered in a past year?
If the poem was previously entered but not selected or published, you can resubmit it. If it has been published in any form, it is not eligible.
What counts as ‘published’?
Any form of publication — including in print, on a blog, in social media writing groups, or elsewhere online — is considered published.
Submitting your story
How do I submit my entry?
Via the online entry form on the Newcastle Poetry Prize webpage. Upload your poem and pay the entry fee.
What are the entry fees?
$30.25 (incl. GST) per poem for Hunter Writers’ Centre members
$35.20 (incl. GST) per poem for non-members
What’s the deadline to enter?
Entries close at 8 pm AEDT, Sunday 7 December 2025.
How do I know my poem has been received?
You’ll receive a confirmation email with a copy of your entry form. If it doesn’t arrive within 24 hours, check your spam or junk folder. If you still don’t see it, contact us at contact @ hunterwriterscentre.org
If you submit on the day submissions close, you will have a window of 24 hours let us know you have not received your confirmation.
I made a mistake with my piece. Can I submit it again?
If you submitted the work and paid successfully but want to upload another version of your work before the deadline, enter the poem again and contact us for a refund on your previous entry. No changes can be made after the submission closing period.
Tips for Entrants
Read these FAQs and the Terms and Conditions carefully
Only submit original, unpublished work
Do not include your name anywhere in the document or filename
Read your story out loud — it helps you catch awkward phrasing and errors
Ask a friend to check for spelling and grammar issues.
Need inspiration?
We recommend reading a past Newcastle Poetry Prize anthology to get a sense of the diversity and quality of work selected in previous years.
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