For The Record
Northern INK’s 2027 poetry anthology and contest explores True Stories and Aging. We welcome a wide range of voices, forms, and approaches.
Eligibility: Submissions from Canada only.
Entry: CAD $5 per submission, with up to three poems.
Deadline: March 31, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Blind judging: Poems are reviewed anonymously. Do not include your name or identifying details in the poetry files.
Expected publication: Second half of 2027.
Submit and pay securely through Duosuma. You can also use the portal to receive updates and contact the editor about corrections, withdrawals, or other necessary information.
Three Signature book prizes
In addition to anthology publication and author-copy ordering, three poets who submit will be selected for Northern INK Signature Releases: chapbook-sized collections of their own work.
Northern INK covers the publication-side costs and works directly with each selected writer from manuscript development to release. Support includes editing and proofreading, ISBN setup, cover design, print and ebook formatting, publishing setup, metadata and searchability, launch preparation, and marketing support.
Through multiple sessions with the editor, each writer will develop and prepare the collection. The writing remains the author’s responsibility. Final length, contents, and publication schedule will be agreed directly with the selected writer.
For the chapbook prizes, we help each writer create their own KDP account or add their book to an existing account. At completion, the author receives the final publication files and guidance through publishing setup. The author retains 100% of their rights, control of the finished book and publishing account, and 100% of future book profits. Northern INK takes no continuing royalty or percentage of future sales.
Anthologies remain managed by Northern INK, with contributors ordering copies through our editor. The chapbook prizes give each winning writer control of their own individual book and publishing account.
Publication is worth celebrating
Being selected for the final curated anthology is an achievement in its own right. Every selected contributor will have an ongoing way to order copies for signings, readings, local bookstore consignment, gifts or other creative ventures.
Author copies at a very low cost. Copies usually come to under $10 CAD each, including printing and shipping. Your final quote depends on the quantity and delivery address; small orders may cost more per copy. We charge only the book and shipping costs we pay.
One free copy on your first order of five or more. One book in that order is free, as a one-time benefit. Consider sharing it with a local library or little book nook—or keep it, gift it or sell it. It’s your copy; you earned it.
What we’re looking for
The themes are guides, not assignments. Memory, family, history, bodies, relationships, change, places, inheritance, and unexpected connections are welcome. A poem does not need to announce its theme. Send the poem you wanted to write.
There are no restrictions on form or style. Most selected poems will fit on one page of an average-sized poetry book—often around 15–17 lines or fewer. Longer poems are welcome, though fewer can be selected because of the space they require.
Sequels, trilogies, and other connected poems may be submitted together within the three-poem entry limit. We will consider their relationship as part of the work.
No AI-generated poetry. We want work shaped by your own language, memory, humour, imagination, and experience.
Request an author-copy quote
Once your place in For the Record is confirmed, email our editor with your name as credited, quantity, full shipping address and the email address associated with the account you’ll use for your e-transfer. This request route will remain available after publication.
Within five business days, our team will confirm your shipping address and provide a quote for books and shipping, or contact you with any questions. Payment instructions will accompany your quote.
Request For the Record author copies by email
About Northern INK
We’re an independent publisher and writing community helping writers develop, publish, and move their work forward. For the Record builds on our first community anthology, Born of Boreal Bones, and opens the door to new voices.