Founded by an NEHS student member seeking a more equitable and transparent alternative to traditional competitions, Marginalia is a poetry contest created by young people, for young people. Designed to challenge the often vague and inconsistent standards of established contests, Marginalia prioritizes clarity, accessibility, and fairness at every stage of the submission process.
Judged by poet Ziyi Yan, the contest offers a clear and consistent evaluation method. Submissions are read individually in random order, with standout pieces revisited and compared—a process that ensures thoughtful and balanced consideration.
Marginalia stands out not only for its transparency, but also for its commitment to accessibility. There are no entry fees, and participants benefit from peer feedback provided by student editors before final judging. The contest also offers monetary awards, with prizes of $50, $40, and $30 for the top three winners, as well as recognition for a shortlist of 5–10 additional writers.
Importantly, Marginalia embraces a non-extractive publication model. Students may submit previously published work or pieces being considered elsewhere, and winning entries remain eligible for future publication, provided rights are secured. This flexible approach empowers young writers to pursue multiple opportunities without restriction.
The contest is open to all NEHS student members, with no required theme or subject matter. Writers may submit up to three poems in a single PDF (12-point Times New Roman font), allowing for both creative freedom and professional presentation.
Submissions opened on February 14, 2026, and will close on April 18, 2026. Results and individualized feedback will be shared on August 1, 2026.
For students seeking a supportive, transparent, and student-centered platform to share their work, Marginalia offers a refreshing and meaningful opportunity.
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