Are you bubbling up with words but terrified of slam poetry? Do you have so much to say but can’t stand the spotlight? Don’t panic! Our Calm Slam is for every woman* who loves poetry but likes the quiet life. Whatever your message we’d love to hear from you on the theme of Activism.
Our Open the Door Calm Slam is a safe space for poets who are ready to step out of the shadows and take their writing to the next level. If you have work you want to share – but aren’t up for a full-on SLAM – then this is the competition for you.
We want your words and your videos – with you in front or behind the camera. If you have a poem that won’t stay silent then enter our Calm Slam, this is competition poetry for the introverted!
How to enter:
All poems entered under your name must be your own work!
Please send us a video of your poem (in mp4 format) – on the theme of Activism, via WeTransfer to info@womenslibrary.org.uk along with a transcript of your poem in English, and a short biography of no more than 60 words telling us a little about you and your poetry.
If you’ve never used WeTransfer before, you can read this guide on how to add your files.
Please label your poem with “OTD2023CalmSlam” your name and the poem’s title, for example “OTD2023CalmSlamMaryBriggsQuiet”
Videos can be of you or – if you’re feeling camera-shy – of anything you like, but please make sure we can hear or see your poem clearly.
Put your video in a folder labelled “OTDSlam2023yourname” along with a transcript of your poem in English and your short biography.
*Please be aware we will welcome all videos, however homemade! If you have a phone just flick to selfie and start recording, your Slam triumph could be only moments away!
Please check carefully!
Your WeTransfer folder – titled “OTDSlam2023yourname” should include:-
Your poem, correctly labelled.
A transcript of your poem in English.
Your biography of no more than 60 words
If you have any questions about this, please email info@womenslibrary.org.uk
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Next, look out for the WeTransfer download confirmation email – that means we have your entry.
Now all you have to do is follow our website and social media platforms to find out who’s crowned the winner.
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*Please be aware we will welcome all videos, however homemade! If you have a phone just flick to selfie and start recording, your Slam triumph could be only moments away!
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How it works:
The judges will choose the top ten entries and those poems will be uploaded to our website, Vimeo and social media channels.
A winner and runner-up will be chosen.
The winner will receive a dedicated page on the GWL website, a congratulatory fanfare on all our social media platforms, and a selection of delicious prizes including books and GWL merchandise.
All shortlisted poets will receive feedback from the judges.
This year’s judges are Blaq Pearl, Giovanna MacKenna and Lil Green.
The Calm Slam deadline is midday on Friday 21st April at 12 noon.
The winner will be announced on Friday 26th May.
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Terms and Conditions
Entries received after 12noon on Friday 21st May 2023 will not be eligible for the Open the Door
Calm Slam competition.
Writers may submit only once (one poem per entry).
Please make sure your WeTransfer folder is correctly labelled and contains all the information we need. See above for details. We cannot accept wrongly labelled entries, sorry!
Writers retain full copyright of their work and we will only publish work on womenslibrary.org.uk and our social media platforms with the permission of each writer.
The competition is open to all women*.
There is no entry fee and no purchase necessary.
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*This is inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who identify in a significant way as woman or female.
FAQs
What is the deadline for the Slam?
The deadline is 12 noon on Friday 21st April 2023.
If we near our maximum entry limit we may have to close the Calm Slam early. This would be to ensure that every poet’s work is given equal time and consideration by the judges. Please follow us on social media and keep an eye on this page for all updates – we would give at least five days notice for a change in deadline.
Is there a theme?
We’d like your poem to be on the theme of Activism.
Who can enter?
The Calm Slam is aimed at celebrating unheard women* poets! We welcome entries from Scotland and beyond, and in all languages including sign languages, but we ask that all works are accompanied with a transcript in English.
Please do not enter if you:
- have had more than five poems published online or in magazines/anthologies.
- have a solo pamphlet, chapbook or collection.
*All women-only opportunities and events are inclusive of Trans and Intersex women, as well as non-binary and gender fluid people who are comfortable in a space that centres the experience of women.
Is this an adults only competition?
Yes, all entrants must be 16 years or over.
Does the entry have to be written by me?
Please only send us your own, original work read in your own voice please!
Does my entry have to be in English?
We welcome entries in all languages, but ask that accompanying English translations are included with your submission.
Will I receive confirmation or receipt of submission instantly?
We aim to respond to all applicants within 5 days, though usually we will be in touch sooner. If you have not heard from us within 10 days, please get in touch.
Can I enter more than once?
We ask that poets submit only once to the Calm Slam.
When will the Calm Slam announcements take place?
The shortlisted poems will be shared online as part of this year’s Open the Door festival from Monday 22nd May to Thursday 25th May. The winner will be announced on Friday 26th May.
Is there a fee to enter?
No. The Calm Slam is free to enter.
What do I win?
The winning poem will be shared on the GWL website, and the poet will receive a congratulatory fanfare on all our social media platforms, and a selection of delicious prizes including books and GWL merchandise. All shortlisted poets will receive feedback from the judges (full judging panel to be announced soon).
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