Guidelines / Rules

Ongoing Deadline: November 30th (Postmarked)

All prose works must be typed, double-spaced, page numbered, and paper-clipped. Please indicate word count on title page.

Poetry must be typed (double or single-spaced okay). One-page-poems only and only one poem per page (two-column one-page-poems okay). All poems must be titled. Poetry is judged individually, not as sets.

Do not put your names on your manuscripts; instead, enclose one 3″ x 5″ card typed, affixed with a printed label or carefully handprinted (if we can’t read your handwriting, there will be problems in our contacting you) with your name, address, phone, fax, email, and title(s) of work(s) and particular category/categories entered. Entries are sent to judges unidentified. Don’t use your real name if referring to yourself in your contest entry. These entries will be disqualified. In addition, Young Adult entrants must indicate age on card and manuscript.

Category must be indicated on 3″ x 5″ card as well as on manuscript. You may enter as many categories and as many times as you wish but you may not enter the same work in more than one category, nor may you re-enter a work that has previously earned a Soul-Making Keats award.

Previously published works okay (except for Novel Excerpt); however, those winning awards in prior Soul-Making categories may not be resubmitted. No mss will be returned; no substitutions or revisions of work will be accepted after initial submission.

We do not accept electronic (e-mail), special delivery, certified, or registered entries.

Entries that do not adhere to the guidelines will be disqualified. Entry fees are nonrefundable.

Winners will be announced and posted on our website early the following year.

Please enclose $5 per entry payable to NLAPW.

International entrants please send Travelers Check drawn on a USA bank.

Send entries to:

Questions? E-mail SoulKeats@mail.com