Poets, like all creatives, have to support each other. I run a small poetry contest each month, now followed by almost 20k+ poetry lovers on the hashtag and 30k+ on my Instagram poetry account. It's called Indie Poetry Please. #indiepoetryplease. Its aim is to introduce my poetry readers to some inspiring work by other indie poets.

Indie Poetry Please: Instagram Poetry Contest: How to Submit

Any poet on Instagram can enter this contest. Entry is free and couldn’t be easier (prize details below).

To submit:

• Follow @ornaross.author on Instagram
• Post your poem in the comments box of the latest contest callout on Instagram, using the hashtag #indiepoetryplease
• Tag 3 other poets you know to invite them to join in too.

Indie Poetry Please: Instagram Poetry Contest: The Selection Process

Various considerations go into the selection process, including getting a spread of genres, themed broadcasts, what has previously shortlisted, and many other factors.

• As always, my patrons have priority. Poetry patrons receive a callout each month by email to submit and patrons' work gets priority reading.
• Enter as many of the monthly contests as you like but only one entry per individual per contest.
• Posting a variety of poems across the months increases your chances of success.
• Opt out any time.

Indie Poetry Please: Instagram Poetry Contest: The Prizes

The winning poem will be announced and featured on my Instagram account, my blog and patron feed, and my monthly newsletter, subscriber and patrons editions.

The winner also receives a copy of:

• my most recent poetry ebook; and
• the ebook edition of my Alliance of Independent Authors in-depth guide for authors and poets, Creative Self-Publishing

I very much look forward to reading and sharing your poems. Best of luck!