NineHills Poetry Contest

How to submit

• Enter your poem in two textareas: itaŋiKom, and an English translation for reference (the English version isn't judged — it's context for the judges panel only)
• Each poem is limited to 900 characters, reflecting standard one-poem-per-page formatting
• You can update your submission any time before the deadline — resubmitting replaces your previous entry

Judging is blind, automatically

• Judges never see your name, email, or any identifying information — they see only the poem text, in random order
• Only the contest administrator can ever connect a submission back to who wrote it

Eligibility

• Open to all ages. If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must register and submit on your behalf
• One entry per person
• Original work only — no other person or entity may hold rights to it, unless you can provide legal proof of ownership

Writing tips

• Cut excess weight — trim filler lines and over-explained endings
• Use precise, vivid imagery rather than cliché phrases
• Read it aloud before submitting, to catch awkward rhythm or heavy phrasing

After the contest

• Top-ranked winners must submit a video — either uploaded directly or a YouTube link — of themselves reading or performing their poem
• This is required to receive your prize; winners who don't submit a video forfeit their placement