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WANTED: 30 POEMS

If you are a black or Asian poet living or working in the North West of England, and you have not had a poetry collection published, this may just be your big chance.

Following on from Commonword’s highly successful Hot House Advanced Black/Asian Poets programme, Commonword and Suitcase Press are launching a search to find black /Asian poets based in the North West of England who are ready for their first single author collection. If you fit the bill, send us your best 30 poems. Three winners will get published in booklet format.

How to submit and conditions of entry:

Entrants should not have had a full length poetry collection published by an independent press. However, self publication does not disqualify you from applying.

Candidates may be shortlisted. All shortlisted candidates must agree to be available for interview.

Entrants can submit up to 30 poems. The 30 poems should not be more than 2000 lines in total.

All entries must be the poet’s own work.

Entries must be on one side of A4 paper, typed.

Please do not print your name on any of your work but instead include a separate sheet listing:
Titles of poems submitted
Name
Postal Address
Postcode
email
Telephone number

Manuscripts cannot be returned. Entrants should only send copies.

Once received, poems cannot be swapped or amended.

The judge’s decisions is final and no correspondance will be entered into regarding the results.

Winners will be notified by 30 October 2008

Winning entries will be offered their own publication. Winners will retain copyright of their work but by entering Winners grant Commonword and Suitcase Press the exclusive right to publish their entry as a collection within a period of 24 months after results are declared.

Commonword and Suitcase Press reserve the right to edit the winning entries in consultation with the poets

Winners agree to assist in publicising their collection and will make available a biography a recent photograph and will commit to at least four afternoons of media promotion and four readings.

By submitting your entry you are agreeing to the above rules.

Entry fee of £10 cheque or postal order, made payable to Commonword.

All entries should be sent to:

30 Poems Competition
Commonword
6 Mount Street
Manchester M2 5NS

Judge: Nii Parkes (series editor, Mouthmark, founder, flippedeye publishing)

Closing date for entries: July 31st 2008