Win $1,250 in the 2027 Vermont Writers' Prize Contest

Vermont residents have until January 1, 2027, to submit their creative work for a chance to win the annual Vermont Writers’ Prize.

The competition, which Vermont Magazine reported, offers two distinct categories for local talent: poetry and prose. Each winner of these categories will receive a $1,250 prize and see their work published in the summer issue of Vermont Magazine. The contest serves as a seasonal celebration of the state’s unique culture, history, and people, providing a platform for writers to translate their specific Vermont experiences into published literature.

“Each year, dozens of Vermonters share wonderfully creative stories and poems – all highlighting different aspects of the Vermont experience. There is still time for you to enter yours! It is a great way to celebrate Vermont,” said Kristin Carlson, a Prize judge and Green Mountain Power vice president.

The contest is specifically designed for those living within the state. To be eligible, entrants must be Vermont residents. The scope of the writing is broad, allowing for various forms of storytelling that capture the essence of the region. Eligible entries include poems, short stories, essays, or plays, provided they explore the people, places, values, or history of Vermont.

While the submission window is currently open, writers must meet the January 1 deadline to be considered for the 2027 awards. Winners will be announced in late spring 2027, following a judging process that evaluates how effectively the work connects with the local identity.

Green Mountain Power, which sponsors the annual contest alongside Vermont Magazine, is a major part of Vermont's civic and economic life. The utility serves more than 275,000 residential and business customers with electricity that is 100% carbon free on an annual basis. This partnership between a major regional utility and a local magazine highlights a shared interest in community engagement and the preservation of Vermont’s cultural narrative.

Beyond the immediate $1,250 cash prize, the contest offers the professional prestige of being featured in a major state publication.

The contest also maintains strict eligibility boundaries to ensure it remains a dedicated resource for the local community. Employees of Vermont Magazine and Green Mountain Power, along with their families, are not permitted to enter the competition.

The 2026 winners for Poetry and Prose can be read online, while entries for the upcoming cycle are accepted. As the deadline approaches, the competition remains a key fixture in the state’s cultural calendar, bridging the gap between individual creativity and collective heritage.

The deadline to enter is January 1, 2027.