For more information about the South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS) and our other publications and contests, please visit our website at sdpoetry.org.
Deadline: February 1, 2027
Send up to FIVE previously unpublished poems in a SINGLE document, with each poem on a separate page. We do accept simultaneous submissions but ask that you inform us immediately if your work is accepted somewhere else. Include your name, phone number, and email address in the document. Please also add a brief bio (50 words or less) in the space for Cover Letter, highlighting any connection you have to South Dakota.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
SDSPS members receive a copy of Pasque Petals as one of their membership benefits.
Deadline: February 1, 2027
Send up to FIVE previously unpublished poems in a SINGLE document, with each poem on a separate page. We do accept simultaneous submissions but ask that you inform us immediately if your work is accepted somewhere else. Include your name, phone number, and email address in the document. Please also add a brief bio (50 words or less) in the space for Cover Letter, highlighting any connection you have to South Dakota.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
SDSPS members receive a copy of Pasque Petals as one of their membership benefits.
There is a submission fee of $3.00 for non-SDSPS members. We are unable to offer a complimentary copy to non-members, but copies are available for sale on our website. SDSPS members receive a copy as a benefit of membership. For information on how to join SDSPS, please visit sdpoetry.org.
Guidelines, 2026 Contest, Landscape Category:
Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Poems should focus on the geography, places, and/or features that make South Dakota unique.
- Submit up to three (3) poems in ONE document, with each poem on a separate page.
- There is no restriction on length or style of poem.
- Please include "Landscape Poems" in the title line of the submission form.
- Documents must be uploaded as .doc or .docx
- There is a fee of $5.00 per entry, per category.
- Do NOT write your name anywhere on the poem(s).
- Please include a brief third-person bio and your physical mailing address as your cover letter when you submit.
- Submissions that fail to follow the instructions will not be considered.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
Guidelines, 2026 Contest, Portrait Category:
Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Poems should focus on PEOPLE from South Dakota: you, someone you know, or other people and characters unique to South Dakota
- Submit up to three (3) poems in ONE document, with each poem on a separate page.
- There is no restriction on length or style of poem.
- Please include "Portrait Poems" in the title line of the submission form.
- Documents must be uploaded as .doc or .docx
- There is a fee of $5.00 per entry, per category.
- Do NOT write your name anywhere on the poem(s).
- Please include a brief third-person bio and your physical mailing address as your cover letter when you submit.
- Submissions that fail to follow the instructions will not be considered.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
Guidelines, 2026 Contest, Landscape Category:
Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Poems should focus on the geography, places, and/or features that make South Dakota unique.
- Submit up to three (3) poems in ONE document, with each poem on a separate page.
- There is no restriction on length or style of poem.
- Please include "Landscape Poems" in the title line of the submission form.
- Documents must be uploaded as .doc or .docx
- There is a fee of $10.00 per entry, per category.
- Do NOT write your name anywhere on the poem(s).
- Please include a brief third-person bio and your physical mailing address as your cover letter when you submit.
- Submissions that fail to follow the instructions will not be considered.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
Guidelines, 2026 Contest, Portrait Category:
Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Poems should focus on PEOPLE from South Dakota: you, someone you know, or other people and characters unique to South Dakota
- Submit up to three (3) poems in ONE document, with each poem on a separate page.
- There is no restriction on length or style of poem.
- Please include "Portrait Poems" in the title line of the submission form.
- Documents must be uploaded as .doc or .docx
- There is a fee of $10.00 per entry, per category.
- Do NOT write your name anywhere on the poem(s).
- Please include a brief third-person bio and your physical mailing address as your cover letter when you submit.
- Submissions that fail to follow the instructions will not be considered.
AI Statement: By submitting, you pledge that everything under your name represents your original writing, and that you have not used generative AI (artificial intelligence) in any part of your written work.
The South Dakota State Poetry Society Board of Directors will be accepting applications between November 1 and December 1, 2026, from poets who wish to be considered for South Dakota Poet Laureate.
The Poet Laureate celebrates, supports, and promotes poetry reading and writing across the state by initiating programs, projects, and activities that help accomplish these goals.
Candidates themselves must apply. Third party applications will not be considered. Please note this is an honorary position: the Poet Laureate of South Dakota does not receive a stipend for their service.
Interviews of qualified applicants will take place in January, 2027. The Board’s recommendation will be given to the Governor for consideration in February, 2027. The Poet Laureate position is for four years, July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2031.
Applicants for the position must be current residents of South Dakota and must have written and published poetry of recognized merit. To be considered, applicants should submit the following documents and NO OTHER materials. Applications that do not follow these guidelines or that include non-required materials will NOT be considered.
- A letter of application to the South Dakota State Poetry Society that outlines qualifications, intended activities, projects, programs, and/or other ideas for the promotion and celebration of poetry across the state.
- A current resumé or curriculum vitae.
Media or applicants with questions should contact SDSPS at sdspsmembership@gmail.com.