Open to any writers who may feel they are under-represented in mainstream publishing, including those identifying as Black, Asian or minority ethnic, LGBTQIA+ writers, writers from working class backgrounds, and those with mental health issues and learning/physical disabilities.

Poems should be on the theme of 'How it Started' and no more than 50 lines long.

Prizes
First: £100 + mentoring/tuition bundle + Society of Authors membership
Second: £75 + mentoring/tuition bundle + Society of Authors membership
Third: £50 + mentoring/tuition bundle
Fourth: £25 + poem critique
Highly Commended: poem critique
The above prizes will also include books, magazine subscriptions & performance opportunities.
There will also be Commended prizes.

Judges
Joelle Taylor, Romalyn Ante, Aki Schilz, Sarala Estruch & Dorothy Koomson

There is also a category for prose fiction on the same theme: see website for details.