Please email admin@edwinmorgantrust.com with any questions that you have. 

Q: What do you mean by ‘unpublished’ poems?
A: Any poem that has not been published in print or online (including social media or personal websites) and has not been accepted for publication at the time of submission.This includes self-published work.

Q: What do you mean by a ‘full-length collection’?
A: A full-length collection typically contains 48–96 pages. You are still eligible if you have published a short book, such as a pamphlet, chapbook, or zine.

Q: Can I submit one 12-page poem instead of 10 individual poems?
A: The guidance of 10 poems ensures judges see a broad sample of your work. If you submit one 12-page poem, make sure it reflects the range of your writing style and practice.

Q: Does the Edwin Morgan Trust gain any ownership or printing rights to submissions, shortlisted, or winning entries?
A: No. One or two poems by shortlisted poets may appear on our website prior to the awards announcement, but the Trust does not take copyright or publishing rights beyond EMPA promotion.

Q: Who will be judging the award?
A: The EMPA 2026 judging panel will be announced in January 2026. Judges will nominate poets, review open-call submissions, and select the final winner(s).

Q: What is the difference between ‘nominated’ poets and the ‘open-call’ process?
A: The judging panel nominates poets they feel are particularly deserving, especially young poets whose voices have been underrepresented in past shortlists. This includes, for example, poets who experience racism; are disabled or neurodivergent; are trans, non-binary, or queer; or come from working-class or lower socio-economic backgrounds.

The open call allows any eligible poet to submit via the online portal. The longlist consists of ten open-call poets and up to ten nominated poets, with up to eight poets selected for the shortlist. The £20,000 prize may be split between up to four poets.

Q: Can I submit poems I’ve submitted to previous EMPA awards?
A: Yes, but we advise that poems have been reworked or developed.

Q: I want to submit sound or video recordings. How should I do this?
A: Upload your submission to SoundCloud or Vimeo and provide the link (and password if required) in the online submission form. Ensure your name or other identifying details are removed to maintain anonymity.

Q: Can I submit poems in languages other than English, Gaelic, or Scots?
A: Submissions should be primarily in English, Scots, or Gaelic. If you include other languages, provide a glossary or English translation. The Trust ensures submissions are assessed in the original language.

Q: Does the 12-page limit include a cover page?
A: No. The 12-page limit applies to poetry only. You may include a cover or end page, but it should not contain poetry.

Q: Can I submit some poems as audio recordings and some as written text?
A: Yes. Submit a PDF of your written poems and a separate audio recording for spoken-word poems. In the PDF, mark which poems are included in the audio using an asterisk (*).