Eric Gregory Awards 2026: Celebrating Young Poets

The Eric Gregory Awards, established in 1960 by Dr. Eric Gregory, are designed to encourage young poets under the age of 30. Administered by the Society of Authors, these awards offer winners a unique opportunity for recognition and development. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: The Society of Authors

- Opportunity Type: Poetry Award

- Benefits: Residency at Thomas Cottage, publication in Poetry London

- Eligible Applicants: Poets under 30, British nationals or residents of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

- Deadline: 31 October 2026

- Project Duration: Not specified

About the Opportunity

The Eric Gregory Awards aim to support and promote the work of young poets. Winners receive a week-long residency at Thomas Cottage in the Lake District, offering a serene environment for creative work. Additionally, a poem from the winning collection or other works will be published in the summer edition of Poetry London. Funding and Benefits

- Residency: A free week-long stay at Thomas Cottage, a historic farmhouse in the Lake District.

- Publication: Opportunity to have a poem published in Poetry London.

- Recognition: Winners are encouraged to include “Winner of an Eric Gregory Award” on the cover of published collections.

Who Is Eligible?

- Age: Poets must be under 30 on 31 October 2026.

- Nationality/Residency: Must be a British national or have resided in Great Britain and Northern Ireland for three years prior to submission.

- Language: Works must be written in English.

- Submission: One collection of up to 30 poems, unpublished for this award, without AI-generated content.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

- Genres: Poetry, drama-poems, and belles-lettres.

- Submission Limit: One collection per year, with no more than 30 poems.

Why This Opportunity Matters The Eric Gregory Awards provide young poets with a platform to gain recognition and further their careers. The residency and publication opportunities offer both creative inspiration and professional exposure, helping poets to develop their craft and reach wider audiences. How to Apply

- Prepare Submission: Format your collection according to the style guide (A4 size, 12-point font, contents page, no more than 30 poems or 50 pages).

- Upload Submission: Submit your collection in .doc/.docx/.pdf format via the official entry form.

- Ensure Anonymity: The poet’s name should not appear in the collection, only in the file name.

- Deadline: Submit by 31 October 2026.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Ensure Eligibility: Confirm age and residency requirements before applying.

- Follow Formatting Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the submission format to avoid disqualification.

- Anonymity: Ensure your name does not appear in the collection to maintain anonymity during judging.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the deadline for the Eric Gregory Awards? The deadline is 31 October 2026. Who can apply for the Eric Gregory Awards? Poets under the age of 30 who are British nationals or residents of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. What are the submission requirements? Submit a collection of up to 30 poems, formatted according to the specified guidelines. What benefits do winners receive? Winners receive a residency at Thomas Cottage and publication in Poetry London. How can I apply for the Eric Gregory Awards? Submit your collection via the official entry form. Next Steps Interested poets should carefully review the official guidelines and prepare their submissions in line with the specified criteria. Ensure all eligibility requirements are met and submit your collection by the deadline to be considered for this prestigious award.