The Young Romantics Prizes are now open for submissions from young poets and essayists eager to engage with the enduring legacy of the Romantic era.
Organised by the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association, the competition encourages fresh, contemporary responses to Romantic ideas while offering young writers a global platform. It aims to nurture creativity, confidence and critical thinking among writers aged 16 to 18.
Focus
This year’s poetry prize invites entries on the theme “Dystopia” or “Utopia.”
Writers may interpret the theme in any style—serious, comic, experimental or traditional—so long as the poem remains focused and original.
For the essay prize, applicants must respond to one of two guiding questions exploring either the appeal of dystopias in literature or the role of writers as insiders and outsiders.
Awards
Winners in both categories will receive $700, while two highly commended entrants in each category will receive $300.
Winning and highly commended poems will be published in The Keats-Shelley Review, and selected poems and essays will appear on the Association’s website.
Entry is free, and the competition is open to young writers worldwide.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the age criteria and comply with all submission rules. The competition uses anonymous judging to ensure fairness.
Qualifications:
-
Must be at least 16 years old on 31 August 2025
-
Must be no older than 18 on 31 August 2026
-
Open to applicants from any country
-
Submissions must be in English
-
Work must be original and unpublished
Application requirements
Poetry entries must not exceed 30 lines and must fit on one side of A4.
Essays should be 750–1000 words, properly sourced and must address one of the two set prompts.
All submissions should be in Word or PDF format and must include only the title—no names or identifying details.
Judges will be looking for clarity, energy, originality and strong argumentation.
Programme expectations
Entries are assessed anonymously by a panel specialising in Romantic literature. Judges expect poems with precision and a distinct voice and essays with clear, well-supported arguments that thoughtfully engage with Romantic themes. Originality and purpose will distinguish standout entries.
Deadline
The application deadline is February 02, 2026. Interested candidates can submit their entries via the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association website.
Explore our Opportunities page for more creative prizes.
Summary not available at this time.
