The Young Romantics Prizes invite poets and essayists aged 16–18 to engage creatively with Romantic literature. The 2025–26 Poetry Prize focuses on “Dystopia” or “Utopia,” while the Essay Prize explores themes related to Romantic writers. Winners receive cash awards, and selected works are published in The Keats-Shelley Review and online.

Young Romantics Prizes 2025–26

The Young Romantics Prizes are open to talented young writers worldwide, providing an opportunity to respond to the works of Romantic poets and essayists such as Keats and Shelley. The program encourages creative exploration in both poetry and essays while recognizing originality, skill, and engagement with Romantic themes.

Prizes and Awards

• Cash Awards:

  • Winner: £700

  • Two highly commended entrants per category: £300

• Publication:

  • Winning and highly commended poems appear in The Keats-Shelley Review

  • Selected works published on the Keats-Shelley Memorial Association website

Themes and Guidelines

Poetry Prize (Ages 16–18)

• Theme: Choose between “Dystopia” or “Utopia”

• Style: Contemporary, original, unpublished

• Length: Maximum of 30 lines, fitting on a single A4 side

• Approach: Serious, comic, experimental, or traditional interpretations allowed

• Judging Criteria: Precision, energy, individuality, adherence to theme

Essay Prize (Ages 16–18)

• Theme: Choose one of two questions:

  1. The appeal of dystopias in literature

  2. Writers as insiders and outsiders in society

• Length: 750–1000 words

• Style: Original, unpublished, properly sourced

• Judging Criteria: Clear argument, organization, creativity, engagement with Keats, Shelley, and their circle

Eligibility

• Age: Must be 16 on 31 August 2025 and no older than 18 on 31 August 2026

• Language: Entries must be in English

• Format: Microsoft Word or PDF

• Anonymity: Only include the title on the submission; judging is blind

• Location: Open to entrants worldwide

How to Apply

1. Write your poem (≤30 lines) or essay (750–1000 words) following the prize guidelines.

2. Ensure your work is original, unpublished, and properly formatted.

3. Prepare your file as a Word or PDF document, including only the title.

4. Submit your entry via the official Keats-Shelley Memorial Association website.

5. Submit before 10:00 AM GMT, Monday 2 February 2026.

Tips for Applicants

• Stay close to the chosen theme; relevance is critical for judging.

• Focus on clarity, originality, and energy in writing.

• Ensure essays are well-structured with a clear argument and proper referencing.

• Review formatting carefully to comply with submission rules.

FAQ

1. Who can enter the Young Romantics Prizes?

Poets and essayists aged 16–18 worldwide, writing in English.

2. Are submissions free?

Yes, entry to both the Poetry and Essay Prizes is free.

3. How long can my poem or essay be?

Poems: max 30 lines.
Essays: 750–1000 words.

4. Can I submit work previously published?

No, all entries must be original and unpublished.

5. How should submissions be formatted?

As a Microsoft Word or PDF file, including only the title for anonymity.

6. When is the deadline?

10:00 AM GMT, Monday 2 February 2026.

7. Will selected works be published?

Yes, winning and highly commended poems appear in The Keats-Shelley Review, and all selected works are featured on the official website.

Conclusion

The Young Romantics Prizes provide a unique platform for young poets and essayists to explore Romantic literature creatively while gaining recognition, publication, and cash awards. With clear guidelines, a global reach, and opportunities for visibility, the program encourages originality, engagement, and literary excellence among youth aged 16–18.