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Contest Guidelines—Read Carefully!
(click here for printable pdf copy of these guidelines)

  • The 2009 Fence Modern Poets Series, for a poet writing in English at any stage in his or her career

To be judged by a poet of renown, with a cash prize of $1000 and publication by Fence Books. Manuscripts remain anonymous until a winner is selected.

General Terms:
  • Entry form must accompany each submission (click here for printable pdf entry form)
  • Entry fee of $25 must accompany each submission; make check payable to Fence Magazine, Inc. Fee entitles entrant to a choice of one year subscription to Fence (to begin with the Spring 2008 issue) or a copy of the winning book. Send self-addressed 8 x 10 envelope with $2.13 postage if you choose the book.
  • Multiple submissions are acceptable, but each manuscript must be entered under separate cover, with entry form and entry fee
  • Please let us know immediately if your manuscript is accepted by another publisher while under our consideration
  • No revisions to submitted manuscripts will be considered; the winning manuscript may be revised before publication
  • Translations ineligible

Manuscript Requirements:
  • between 48 and 80 pages, typed, paginated
  • bound with a removable clip and nothing more
  • one cover page with title of manuscript only; entry form(pdf) will be used for identification. No other cover letter necessary
  • No acknowledgements page
Notification:
  • Enclose an SAS-Postcard for confirmation of receipt of manuscript
  • Enclose an SASE for notification of winner
  • Do not enclose an SASE for return of manuscript; all manuscripts will be recycled at end of contest term
  • International submissions must include U.S. postage; IRCs will not be honored. Go to www.usps.com to purchase US postage.
  • TELL US IF YOU MOVE. Send new address to: fence@albany.edu.
Deadline: Envelope must be postmarked on or between February 1st of 2008 and February 29th of 2008. No Federal Express or UPS.

Mail manuscript, entry form, and entry fee to:
Fence Modern Poets Series, Fence Books, Science Library 320, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222