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Well, well, well! Had an e-mail in last night, telling me I'd landed a "high" Runner-Up Spot in a United Press poetry competition, and that I'd be getting a letter confirming this by February! Ooooer!!
Apparently, all Runners-Up will be asked to publish the verses in a new book coming out, titled "Homeland"... Sounds like an interesting bonus!
Anyone else on here had the same success?... Or am I being spammed?
Comments
They do publish prizewinners and runners up in books - which they'll invite you to buy. These books are how they make their money. You don't have to buy them of course.
http://talkback.writers-online.co.uk/comments.php?DiscussionID=160852&page=1#Item_24
http://talkback.writers-online.co.uk/comments.php?DiscussionID=65974&page=1#Item_9
For example, put their name into Amazon co.uk , and only this one comes up: http://www.amazon.co.uk/National-Poetry-Antholgy-United-Press/dp/0857810189/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357411905&sr=8-1
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know that UP sent out details of a competition- a few years ago now- and they did say they were giving a free copy to those included, so perhaps it was the same competition as your T_S.
They do seem to be pushing their self-publishing service now...
Isn't it a sickener that such schemes are still out there? And what's even worse - I entered this "FREE" competition from a link that someone posted on the Writers Talkback Page on Facebook!!! So, someone's either been conned that way too, or is in cahoots with United Press... :-(
Is it true that some magazines just can't afford to send free copies to the accepted author? I've had poetry accepted by a mag that doesn't do contributor copies.
It's why you should always be clear on the terms and conditions of any competition you're considering entering.
You would be better asking them directly whether you will receive a free copy of the anthology if you agree to your work appearing. They may be willing to do so. And if a free copy isn't being given, the cost of, and where and when the anthology will be available.
Not everyone is aware of UP's long history, BLZ, so I wouldn't assume it's a matter of them being conned/or in cahoots.
They HAVE changed a lot when you look at their website- their charity element.
But sadly inclusion isn't going to be a plus on your cv, because of the past.
I'd have more faith if they made the books widely available...
The best poetry magazines usually will give a contributor copy- I have a poet friend who has had a number this way. But there are bound to be mags struggling in this tight financial market who can't afford free copies.