The International Poetry Book Awards will return with renewed ambition and expanded opportunities for poets worldwide, officially launching on January 1 2026. The 2026 awards promise to be the most exciting yet, featuring increased prize money, a new Children’s Poetry Book Prize, and acclaimed poet and editor Dave Lewis confirmed as the lead judge.

Recognised for championing outstanding poetry across the globe, with entries from over twenty countries, the Poetry Book Awards are a truly international competition, accessible to all through the English language. The Awards continue to grow as a vital platform for emerging voices, with emphasis on self-published poets and small indie presses. The 2026 launch marks a significant evolution, reflecting the contest’s commitment to accessibility, diversity, and the future of poetry.

“Great poetry takes risks, tells truths, and finds new ways to speak to the world,” said Dave Lewis, judge for the 2026 International Poetry Book Awards. “We’ve had books about love, politics, war, inhumanity and injustice, art, history, nature and sex. Poetry is alive, urgent, and constantly changing. With increased prize money, and a dedicated children’s category 2026 will be a landmark year for poets and readers alike.”

Enhanced financial awards underline the organisation’s commitment to valuing self-published poets’ work and supporting sustainable creative careers.

A dedicated award celebrating poetry written for children, recognising the power of verse to inspire imagination, literacy, and emotional growth in young readers.

Widely respected for his editorial insight and dedication to poetic craft.

Open to poets from around the world, the International Poetry Book Awards welcome submissions that push boundaries, honour tradition, and reflect the rich diversity of contemporary poetry.

1st Prize - £800

2nd Prize - £400

3rd Prize - £200

And the winner of the Children's Poetry Book Prize will also get £200.

Closing date - May 31, 2026.

David Lewis is a Welsh, working-class writer, poet and photographer based in Pontypridd. He writes content for and still maintain many websites. He’s worked for BBC Wales, written local newspaper columns and been published in several literary magazines and websites all over the world.

In 2007, Lewis set up the first-ever Welsh Poetry Competition, an international poetry competition aimed at encouraging the wealth of creative writing talent that exists in Wales but struggles to find an outlet.

Lewis also runs Publish & Print, a book publishing company that is seeking good writers who have been overlooked by the mainstream publishing industry. He has published numerous books, which can be bought from Amazon and all good book stores.

In 2020, Lewis launched the Poetry Book Awards, an international contest that seeks to reward self-published poets, indies and small presses by helping to promote great poets that are so often overlooked by traditional publishers.

For more information, entry details and to see previous winning books visit www.poetrybookawards.co.uk .