THE DOGFISH HEAD POETRY HERITAGE AWARD GUIDELINES

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Delaware Poets, Inc., in partnership with Dogfish Head, invites Delaware poets to submit work commemorating the more than 20-year history of the Dogfish Head Poetry Prize and celebrating its contributions to poetry communities throughout Delaware and the surrounding region. 

Submissions will be accepted from August 1 through August 31, 2026, or when 250 eligible submissions are received.

There is no submission fee.

Entrants must:

• Be at least 18 years old by the submission deadline.*
• Be legal residents of Delaware.
• Have maintained their primary residence in Delaware continuously for the two years preceding the submission deadline.**

*The winner must be 21 years of age or older to receive the full prize package.

**Proof of residency may be requested from a finalist or prospective winner.

Each entrant may submit one (1) poem. The poem must:

• Be the entrant’s original work.
• Be written in English.
• Be no more than three pages.
• Be previously unpublished.
• Be submitted as a .doc, .docx, or PDF attachment.
• Contain no identifying information in the poem file.

Submitted poems do not need to follow a specific theme. We simply want to read what you consider your best poetic work. 

Submissions created or materially revised using generative artificial intelligence are not eligible.

Individuals directly involved in the leadership of Delaware Poets, Inc., the Delaware Poets Almanac, or an affiliated contest partner, as well as those involved in administering or judging the contest and their immediate family members, are not eligible to enter.

Simultaneous submissions too other publishers are permitted, but entrants must notify Delaware Poets, Inc. if the poem is accepted elsewhere before the winner is announced.

Email the poem as an attachment to:

thedelawarepoetsalmanac@gmail.com

Submission emails must have the subject line: ATTN: Dogfish Head Poetry Heritage Award - Poet’s Full Name - Poem Title

The email or an attached cover letter must include:

• Full name
• Delaware mailing address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• A brief biography may be provided if desired

No identifying poet’s information (including name or contact information) may appear in the poem or poem attachment. 

Submissions who do not match these requirements will be disqualified.

The prospective winner will be notified by email between September 15 and September 18, 2026. 

The winner will be publicly announced no later than September 18, 2026.

The winner and shortlisted poets will be invited to attend a award reception at the Dogfish Head Milton Brewery on Friday, September 25, 2026 to read their work and accept their prize. The winner must be able to attend the event in person to be eligible.

The winner will also receive:

• A $250 Check from Dogfish Head Brewery
• A case of Dogfish Beer
• A bottle of DFH 250th Whiskey
• Consideration for publication in the 2027 Delaware Poets Almanac: 250th Edition.

As a condition of accepting the award, the prospective winner must verify eligibility and sign a Winner Acceptance and Publication Agreement outlining the authorized uses of the poem and other conditions of the award. The winner must be 21 years or older to receive the entire award as described.

Delaware Poets, Inc. reserves the right to determine eligibility, enforce these guidelines, and disqualify entries that do not comply.