Maya Poetry Book Awards - Poetry Publisher

The Maya Poetry Book Awards 2026

International contest looking for the best poetry books from self-published poets, indies, small press and independent publishers – www.poetrybookawards.co.uk

Website Relaunch!

The Poetry Book Awards are now the Maya Poetry Book Awards, named after the fundamental concept in Hindu philosophy referring to the “illusion” or “magic” that makes the temporary, phenomenal world appear real. The website has a fresh look-and-feel, and we hope you agree that the information is clearer and the competition easier to enter.

An Extra Little Brainteaser and Prize

There are a particular number of lines from famous poems included on the pages of the new site. Find them all and send us the titles of the poems they’re from using our contact form.

They need to be sent in the right order. What’s the right order? That’s the second part of the puzzle. We also need something a little extra from you. What’s that? That’s the final part of the puzzle!

The first person to get it exactly right will receive a free copy of last year’s glorious 1st Prize winner, “Taplash Meditations“. If nobody gets it exactly right by the competition closing date, we’ll award the prize to whoever got closest. No using AI! That spoils the fun – and we’ll be able to tell.

Main Competition Prizes

1st Prize – £800

2nd Prize – £400

3rd Prize – £200

Children Prize

£200 (best book for children)

Plus a review on Amazon and Goodreads, and a bio/book cover/link on our website.

Judge – Dave Lewis

Entry £40

Click here to enter your book.

Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026

www.poetrybookawards.co.uk

Maya Poetry Book Awards

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“I’m very pleased with the results of my collaboration with Poetry Publisher. My questions to the publisher were answered promptly and always in an encouraging manner. I especially liked Dave’s ideas for the cover.”
– Anita Namyslo

“The book arrived and it looks fantastic! It’ a great feeling to see it in print. Thanks for making the whole process so easy and successful!”
– Jim McCarthy

“The book is spot on, couldn’t have asked for a nicer job.”
– Dee Donnelly

“I was a newbie to the publishing process, and I have to say that Dave Lewis at Poetry Publisher made it happen! It can be a little daunting, actually, to figure out what you need to do. But Dave’s wonderful support, knowledge, skill and patience were absolutely outstanding… thank you, Dave!”
– James Henderson

“Choosing to publish my first collection of poetry through Poetry Publisher seems to have been a very good move. I had read books on self-publishing and it involved more work than I was prepared to do. I wanted to outsource, and Dave Lewis was the ideal person to approach. He took care of everything, was very easy to collaborate with plus providing lots of support and advice. I am delighted with the final product.”
– John Short

“As a young author seeking to publish my first book, David has been an invaluable help. From proofreading and suggesting edits to producing the perfect cover image, Dave deserves a medal for his patience and commitment to publishing!”
– Amelie Ash