Got a first book (or later book) of poetry that isn”t committed somewhere yet? Here”s a quick rundown of several literary contests with deadlines upcoming..

The Sixth Annual A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize
BOA Editions will be accepting manuscripts for the sixth annual A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize between August 1, 2006 and November 30, 2006. An entry form and fee are required. The A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize is awarded to honor a poet”s first book, while also honoring the late founder of BOA Editions, Ltd., a not-for-profit publishing house of poetry and poetry in translation.

BRIGHT HILL PRESS – 12TH ANNUAL POETRY BOOK COMPETITION – 2006
Book length (48-65 pages) collection of poetry. Deadline Nov. 30, 2006. Winner receives publication, $1000.00 and 25 copies of his/her professionally printed book; review copies will be sent to more than 50 reviewers. BHP will advertise the book in national publications and market it by retail and through distributors. Reading fee $22

The Fence Books 2007 Motherwell Prize
For a first or second full-length collection of poetry by a woman writing in English. Cash prize of $1,000 and publication in Fall 2007. 48-80 pages, $25 reading fee. Deadline Dec. 31, 2006

11th Annual Five Points James Dickey Prize for Poetry
Presented annually for a group of poems. Submit up to three poems with $20 reading fee (includes one year subscription to Five Points). Prize is $1,000 and publication in Vol 11, No 3 issue of Five Points. Deadline November 30, 2006

Beatrice Hawley Award
Alice James Books will be accepting submissions of poetry manuscripts for the Beatrice Hawley Award postmarked through December 1st, 2006. The Beatrice Hawley Award welcomes submissions from emerging as well as established poets. Entrants must reside in the United States. The winner receives $2000, book publication and has no cooperative membership commitment. In addition to the winning manuscript, one or more additional manuscripts may be chosen for publication.

Thomas Merton Poetry of the Sacred Award
Poetry that expresses, directly or indirectly, a sense of the holy or that, by its mode of expression, evokes
the sacred. The tone may be religious, prophetic, or contemplative. Deadline for submissions: December 31, 2006 First Prize, $500; Three Honorable Mention Prizes, $50 each. No reading fee. One poem, less than 100 lines.

The 2007 New Issues Poetry Prize
Poets writing in English who have not previously published, or self-published a full-length collection (48+ pages) of poems in an edition of 500 or more copies. $15 reading fee. Prize: $2,000 and publication. Manuscripts other than winner may be considered for publication. Deadline: Nov 30, 2006

Poetry Society of America Chapbook Fellowships
Two separate chapbook contests, one open to NYC residents under 30 years old who have not published a full length poetry collection, one to any US resident who has not published a full length poetry collection. Prize for each: $1000, publication and distribution through PSA, option to teach class at Purchase College (additional $1000). Deadline Dec 23, 2006.