Monash Poetry Prize – Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a nom de plume?
- A nom-de-plume is an assumed name or pseudonym used by a writer, like “George Orwell” (used by Eric Blair).
- Why is a nom de plume required?
- It is required to ensure that poems are assessed anonymously, on their merits.
- Do I include my actual name on any part of my submission?
- Yes, on the application form (which doesn’t go to the judges).
- If I submit more than one entry, can all my entries have one nom de plume?
- Yes.
- Can I submit multiple entries together?
- Yes, but you must remember to include a separate application form for each entry.
- Is there any theme associated with the contest or is it free style?
- Choice of subject, theme and style is entirely up to the poet.
- Is there a format - line spacing, margins etc.?
- No, but common sense suggests the value of a legible and visually pleasing presentation. Double spacing is not a good idea since line-spacing itself can be part of the meaning-system of a poem and double spacing distorts this.
- Is there a word limit? The application details only mention a maximum of 150 lines.
- There is no word limit (though obviously lines cannot be much wider than a page without losing definition as lines). Remember Polonius’ advice: “brevity is the soul of wit, and tediousness its limbs and outward flourishes”.
- Can I submit an ‘old poem’ written some time ago or should it be written only for the competition?
- Old poems are fine.
- What criteria is it being judged on?
- Aesthetic excellence is the only criterion.
- Is the contest open to all students on other campuses like Malaysia, South Africa etc.?
- Yes, as long as they are undergraduate students of Monash University.
- What happens if I win?
- Winners’ names and the winning poem will be published on our School web page and Monash memo.
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