The Keats-Shelley Prizes (How to Submit)
Submit to the Keats-Shelley Prizes 2025–26: Poetry & Essays Inspired by the Romantics
The Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay Prizes 2025–26 are now open, inviting writers worldwide to respond creatively and critically to the legacy of the Romantics. Established in 1998, the prizes celebrate new writing shaped by the spirit, themes, and innovation of Keats, Shelley, and their circle. This year’s judging panel is chaired by critic and author Rupert Christiansen, joined by distinguished poets, scholars, and writers.
Winners in both categories receive £1000, while two highly commended entries per category receive £500. All selected poems and essays will be published in The Keats-Shelley Review and on the Keats-Shelley website.
Poetry Prize — Theme: “Dystopia” or “Utopia”
To mark the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s The Last Man, poets are invited to submit work exploring either dystopia or utopia. Interpretations may be lyrical, humorous, experimental, or traditional, but the judges emphasize that poems must stay rooted in the theme.
Key Poetry Rules
- Maximum 30 lines, fitting on a single page of A4.
- Must be original, unpublished, and not previously submitted to the prize.
- No AI-generated work.
- Entry fee: £10 per poem.
Poetry judge Deryn Rees-Jones notes that the strongest poems are “precise,” “energetic,” and capable of saying something only they can say.
Writers who want help sharpening ideas quickly may enjoy this guide on how to write a 5-page essay in an hour—a useful resource even for condensing poetic themes.
Essay Prize — Free Entry
Essayists may write on any aspect of the Romantics—their works, lives, relationships, or influence.
Key Essay Rules
- Maximum 3,000 words, including quotations.
- Original, unpublished work only (no AI-generated writing).
- Clear argumentation and strong evidence required.
Essay judge Professor Sharon Ruston urges writers to submit essays that are lively and sharply argued, reflecting a deep appreciation of Romantic literature.
If you need inspiration or a creativity boost, explore some successful writing ideas to ignite new angles on Romantic themes.
Eligibility, Deadline & Submission Process for the Keats-Shelley Prizes
- Open to all writers 18 years or older by 1 September 2025.
- Deadline: 10am GMT, Monday 2 February 2026.
- Submit through the website using the official entry form.
- Entries must be anonymous—do not include your name on the document.
- Accepted formats: Microsoft Word or PDF.
- After uploading, agree to GDPR and copyright terms, then click Submit Prize Entry.
- Poetry entrants must pay the £10 fee; essays are free.
Questions may be directed to prizes@keats-shelley.org.
Why Submit to the Keats-Shelley Prizes?
It remains one of the most respected platforms for emerging and established writers who engage with Romanticism. Past judges have included Carol Ann Duffy, Stephen Fry, Liz Lochhead, Claire Tomalin, and others who have shaped contemporary literature.
Publishing in The Keats-Shelley Review places your work alongside notable voices in Romantic scholarship and creative writing, offering exceptional visibility.
