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Guest Judge JO SHAPCOTT introduces her selection of competition winners THERE is no such thing as a competition poem. Winning a poetry competition should not be down to a knack or a trick. It’s all so much simpler. There are only two important things to remember: first, that the poems which end up in prize positions will be good; and second, that the final choice depends on the eye and taste of the judge. In fact, it’s probably better to think of the winning group of poems in any poetry competition as a distinct collection edited or curated by the judge rather than as the ‘best’ in any simplistic way. And this isn’t an invitation to second-guess the judge by entering poems that you think will please her individually. If I’m anything to go by, judges look for poems that surprise, that are outside their usual range of reading. As a judge, you’re hoping to discover a genuinely new voice, not a replica of your own or a pastiche of poets currently in vogue. As far as the entrant is concerned, I always think it’s best to use competitions just as deadlines to finish and polish poems. Feel pleased that you have made your poem the best it can possibly be, enter the competition and then forget about winning or losing. A cheerful envelope through the door is then a surprise and a bonus, and if nothing happens you haven’t lost anything – in fact you’ve gained a finished poem that satisfies you. For the complete essay, and for Jo's full selection of winning poems, read issue 26 • Subscribe! |
 Read one of the winning poems chosen by Jo Shapcott: This blue cloth that was our country by Pippa Little  |
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For more on JO SHAPCOTT, go to www.contemporarywriters.com |
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