Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the terms and conditions for the Prize?

Visit our rules and regulations page for more information.

Can I make a donation to the Montreal Prize?

We welcome donations of any amount. These donations, like entry fees, contribute to the winner's prize and honoraria for the jury and judge. Please contact us at montrealpoetryprize@mcgill.ca

Do blank lines (e.g., between stanzas) count toward the limit of 40 lines?

No. Neither the title nor blank spaces count as lines. The winning poem from 2011 comprises four stanzas with ten lines each, plus the title, plus blank spaces between the stanzas, plus a dedication, plus a brief footnote.

Can I enter a translation of a poem from another language?

Translations are not eligible for the Montreal Prize, except translations of poems that one has written oneself in another language.

My poem is also a work of visual art. Can I submit a PDF?

Yes. Poems can be typed into a text box or uploaded as a separate file.

Why do I need to pay an entry fee?

The Montreal International Poetry Prize is a not-for-profit, crowd-funded organization, funded by poets for poets. Entry fees contribute to the $20,000 CAD prize and honoraria for the competition jury and judge.

Can I sponsor another poet’s entry? 

Yes, any poet entering the competition can make a donation to cover the fees of a fellow poet who cannot afford to pay. We will apply these amounts to the unpaid entries of other poets from around the world. All donations are anonymous. 

How can I get a fee waived? 

We do not offer fee waivers, but poems entered without a fee will proceed to evaluation if they receive an anonymous donation from another entrant. After the competition deadline, these donated fees will be applied randomly to poets around the world with unpaid entries.

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