Nominations open for Keats-Shelley Essay Prize

The Keats-Shelley Essay Prize invites writers to submit original essays on the writing and/or lives of the Romantics and their circles. The Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay Prizes are open to applicants aged 18 and above from anywhere in the world, with a prize of £1,000 for winners and £500 for two highly commended entrants. The essay deadline is 10am (GMT) on 1 February 2027. The Keats-Shelley Poetry and Essay Prizes were established in 1998 to encourage writers of all ages to respond to the work of the Romantics. The essay prize specifically invites essays on any aspect of the writing and/or lives of the Romantics and their circles. The prize is judged by an expert panel. The chair of the judging panel for 2026–27 will be announced shortly, and the returning judges for the Essay Prize include Professor Simon Bainbridge and Professor Sharon Ruston. This is a prize competition with cash awards and publication opportunities: The source does not specify additional costs covered by the organizer. The Keats-Shelley Essay Prize is open to: The source also states that plagiarism will not be accepted, including AI-generated work. All sources must be acknowledged. Essays may be on any aspect of the writing and/or lives of the Romantics and their circles. The organizer also provides guidance from the essay judge, emphasizing that the essay should be: This prize is designed for writers who want to engage critically with Romantic literature and its wider cultural context. Because the competition is open internationally and free to enter, it can be a relevant opportunity for independent writers, scholars, and students (aged 18+) who can produce an original, well-supported essay within the stated word limit. Publication in The Keats-Shelley Review and on the Keats Shelley website is an additional benefit for successful applicants. Official application page: “Enter this prize” (link not provided in the source text). If you cannot find the entry form, use the organizer’s prize page and follow the “Enter this prize” call to action. For questions about the 2026–27 prize, email [contact details removed] or consult the site’s FAQs (as referenced on the page). What is the Keats-Shelley Essay Prize about? The essay prize invites essays on any aspect of the writing and/or lives of the Romantics and their circles. Who can apply? The prize is open to applicants aged 18 years and above from anywhere in the world. What is the essay word limit? Essays should be no more than 3,000 words, including quotations. Is there an entry fee? No. The entry fee is FREE. What is the deadline to submit? The prize deadline is 10am (GMT) on Mon 1 February 2027. Can I submit work that has been published before? No. Entries must not have been published previously (in print or online or in any other media) and must not have been previously submitted to the organizer. How do I submit my essay? All entries must be submitted via the website. Essays must be in English and provided in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and the essay should not include your name. Review the official Keats-Shelley Essay Prize rules on the organizer’s page—especially the requirements on originality, anonymity, word limit, and the prohibition on AI-generated work. Then prepare your essay in the required format and submit it through the website before 10am (GMT) on 1 February 2027.