The Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest A project of The New Quarterly (see other related projects). About Sponsored by former TNQ editor and current special projects editor Kim Jernigan and family in celebration of the man who sparked their love of poetry, this contest is for poems written in response to an occasion, personal or public-poems of gratitude or grief, poems that celebrate or berate, poems that make of something an occasion or simply mark one. We are interested in light verse and in verse more sober, in the whole spectrum of tones and occasions. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is CAD $40 (above average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to Canadians. Country of Publication Canada Publication Media & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower The Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest's overall average response time is slower than most contests. Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms, including: Light verse.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Humorous, Literary.Topics: Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: CAD $1,000 first prize.Submissions:Method: Online form. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @thenewquarterly.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @thenewquarterlyLinkedIn LinkedInX (Twitter) @thenewquarterly Support this Publisher: Make a Donation Subscribe For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope The Nick Blatchford Occasional Verse Contest Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include related projects Accuracy We have received 7 reports from 7 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 121 min | 142.3 mean avg | 130.0 median | 180 max days (22.2 std dev) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: CAD $40.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 20 Jul 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 09 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 09:18 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsThe Edna Staebler Personal Essay Contest Charges fees for all submissionsThe New QuarterlyThe Peter Hinchcliffe Short Fiction Award Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 14 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only