Call for Submissions for the 5th Annual Battle of the Bards

From our friends at Authors at Harbourfront Centre:

Submissions are now open for Poetry NOW: 5th annual Battle of the Bards presented by Authors at Harbourfront Centre (AUTHORS) and their long-time media partner NOW Magazine. Just in time for National Poetry Month, this popular poetry competition celebrates Canadian poetry by showcasing 20 upcoming and established writers for a night of readings on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. One poet will win an invitation to read at the 34th annual International Festival of Authors (October 24 – November 3, 2013) and have their book advertised in NOW.

Twenty poets will be selected by random draw from all eligible submissions and invited to read for a maximum of five minutes. A jury comprising Authors at Harbourfront Centre Director Geoffrey Taylor, Artistic Associate Jen Tindall and another judge to be announced will select the night’s winner.

“Poetry takes on many forms and we want to celebrate that uniqueness in our fifth year partnering with NOW Magazine to present this event,” said Geoffrey Taylor, Director, Authors at Harbourfront Centre. “We’re looking for both new and established poets to share some of their best work with us in hopes of showcasing their talent at this year’s Festival.”

In keeping with AUTHORS’ mandate to promote new literature and new voices, participant’s books must have been published within the past five years and currently be in print with a trade publisher.

Submissions should be made by a poet’s publishing representative by February 28 at noon. For full submission criteria and guidelines, publishers and poets should visit here. Please note that AUTHORS will forgo the usual stipulation that participants refrain from participating in local events for seven days before and after the engagement as we realize it is National Poetry Month and several events will be taking place throughout April.

Tickets to attend the event are $10 (free for supporters, youth 25 and under, and students with ID). AUTHORS is pleased to offer a 50% discount to members of the League of Canadian Poets, Writers’ Union of Canada and Playwrights Guild of Canada. This event takes place Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30pm in the Brigantine Room, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto.