Ode to the Dolle's Sign Contest Guidelines

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Delaware Poets, Inc., in partnership with the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum, invites Delaware poets to submit an original poem honoring or responding to the iconic Dolle’s Sign. 

Submissions will be accepted from July 1 through July 31, 2026.

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.*

*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.
• Meaningfully feature, address, or respond to the Dolle’s Sign.
• Be no more than two pages.
• Be previously unpublished.
• Be submitted as a .doc, .docx, or PDF attachment.
• Contain no identifying information in the poem file.

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: Ode to the Dolle’s Sign - 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.