For the Record: For The Record Northern INK Publishing Fee: cad $5.00

For the Record2027 Poetry Contest & Anthology

Northern INK is accepting poetry for For the Record, our 2027 anthology and contest.

This year’s collection is built around two broad themes:

True Stories
Aging

These themes are guides, not assignments. Interpret them widely. Direct, distant, unusual, and unexpected connections are welcome. We are looking for variety across the collection.

Each submission may contain up to three poems.

There are no restrictions on form or style.

Most selected poems will fit on a single page of an average-sized poetry book. As a general guide, many will be approximately 15–17 lines or fewer.

Longer poems are welcome, but because they require more space in a physical anthology, they will be selected in smaller numbers.

Sequels, trilogies, or other connected poems may be submitted together and will be considered together when submitted as part of the same entry.

You may message the reviewers or editor through the submission system if you need to:

• correct or update your submission;
• withdraw a poem;
• provide important information about your submission; or
• reply to communication from Northern INK.

Please use the messaging system respectfully and only when necessary.

True Stories and Aging should be interpreted broadly.

A poem does not need to focus directly on aging or recount a literal true story to be considered. Distant associations with either theme are welcome.

The collection needs range, so strong poems that approach these ideas from unexpected directions are encouraged.