Poetry Book Society begins search for 'next generation'

12.05.14 | Lisa Campbell - The Bookseller

The Poetry Book Society has called for submissions to find the “next generation” of UK and Irish poets.

The society's 20-strong list, drawn up once every 10 years, is described as "a rare chance for adult poets who are still building their careers and developing their audience to gain widespread recognition."

In 2004 it featured the likes of Alice Oswald, Owen Shers, Gwyneth Lewis and Jean Sprackland while 1994’s list included Simon Armitage, John Burnside and current poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
Submissions are open to poets of any age who have published their first collection in the decade between 1st May 2004 and 30th April 2014.

Poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan will be chair of the judges.
McMillan said: “New and developing poets are the lifeblood of poetry, an art form that constantly renews and reinvents itself, and I'm excited and proud to be involved with Next Generation Poets 2014, a signpost and a roadmap to a potentially marvellous poetic future.”
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