Green Dragon Guild of London Poetry Prize 2026

Green Dragon Guild Poetry Prize 2026 – Fantasy & Historical Fiction

(Theme: “Chimeras”) – Terms and Conditions

Are you a UK‑based fantasy or historical‑fiction author or poet writing original lyrics suitable for musical setting? Submit a short work relating to the theme “Chimeras” for a chance to win:

  • A cash prize of £100
  • Your work set to music by composer David Yardley and performed by professional musicians at our concert “Of Carols & Chimeras” on Friday 20 November 2026
  • Complimentary tickets to the concert
  • Standard 50% royalties from any of our future performances or recordings of the musical work that uses your lyrics

Closing date for entries: Wednesday 29 July 2026

Previously published or unpublished works may be entered.

Submit your entry by email to greendragonguild@cantab.net with the subject line:

“Green Dragon Guild Poetry Prize – Competition Entry”

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  1. Eligibility
  • Entry is free.
  • Entrants must be 18 years or older on the closing date (29 July 2026).
  • Entrants must be resident in the United Kingdom.
  • Entrants may submit up to two works.
  • Entries must be written mostly or entirely in English (Modern or Middle English are both acceptable).
  • Both published and unpublished works are eligible.
  • Entrants must own all rights to any works submitted.

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  1. Submission Requirements

“Green Dragon Guild Poetry Prize – Competition Entry”

  • Include:
    • Your poem/lyrics (as text in the email or as an attached document)
    • Your full name and contact details
    • A link to your website or online presence (optional)
    • If the work is previously published: provide publication details (title, publisher, date, page number, website etc.)
  • Works must relate to the theme “Chimeras” and be suitable for musical setting.
  • There is no minimum length but works should be no more than 50 lines.
    • For additional context, to hear Green Dragon Guild in performance, a short sample from our launch concert is here:
    • To hear an example of a previous musical setting by the same composer (David Yardley) of lyrics by poet Anne Casey, see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBr8UVC5lq0

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  1. Judging and Results
  • All entries will be judged by the panel.
  • The judge(s) reserve the right to award no prize.
  • The decision of the judge(s) is final, and no correspondence or feedback will be entered into.
  • The winner will be notified by email and announced in early September 2026.

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  1. Prize Details

The winning entrant will win:

  1. £100 cash prize
  2. Your work set to music by composer David Yardley and performed by professional musicians at our concert “Of Carols & Chimeras” on Friday 20 November 2026
  3. Complimentary tickets to the concert
    • Please note we are not able to reimburse any travel, accommodation or other expenses
  4. Standard 50% royalties from any future Green Dragon Guild performances or recordings of the musical work that uses the winning lyrics
    • Royalties apply only to the musical composition created for this competition
    • Royalties apply to future performances and recordings, not to the initial premiere performance
  5. For non-winning entries, the judging panel may in its discretion choose to recognise a Runner-Up and/or Highly Commended entries

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  1. Rights and Permissions
  • By submitting an entry, the entrant confirms that they own all rights to the submitted work.
  • Submission of an entry indicates that, if selected as the winner, the entrant grants the Green Dragon Guild and the composer:
    • Permission to set the work to music and premiere it live on Friday 20 November
    • Permission to perform and record the resulting musical work
    • Permission to release the recording publicly (including digital platforms, streaming services, and physical media)
  • The winning author retains all literary rights to their original text.
  • Unsuccessful entrants retain all rights to their works.
  • The winning author agrees to undertake reasonable, non‑commercial cross‑promotion of the concert and recording (e.g., sharing on social media).

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  1. Use of Personal Information
  • Personal information provided by entrants will be used solely for the administration of the competition.
  • Contact details will not be shared with third parties except as required for prize fulfilment.

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  1. General Conditions
  • Entries submitted after 29 July 2026 will not be considered.
  • The organiser accepts no responsibility for late, lost, or misdirected entries.
  • The organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions if necessary.
  • Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.