Thank you for your interest in our Pathways Program—an ongoing initiative designed to help you achieve your publication goals!
For only $104, your Pathways Membership is an investment in your craft and your future as a published poet.
If you are struggling financially AND you identify as a First Nations, Neurodivergent, Disabled, LGBTIQA+, or CALD poet, you may be eligible to apply under our Pathways Assistance Grant and have your Membership fee waived.
Membership is valid for 12 months from the time we receive your fee, after which time you’ll be invited to join WA Poets at our usual membership rate.
As a Pathways member, you can expect:
• constructive feedback and editing suggestions on 6–10 pages of your theme-related poetry,
• help with writing that dreaded author biography,
• to see your best poem(s) published in this year’s Pathways Chapbook,
• constructive feedback and editing suggestions on 6–10 pages of your theme-related poetry,
• help with writing that dreaded author biography,
• to see your best poem(s) published in this year’s Pathways Chapbook,
• and the opportunity to enter our members-only solo chapbook competition.
All financial members of WA Poets enjoy the benefits of our monthly updates on publishing and performance opportunities, poetry workshops, competitions, book launches, and other poetry events.
Please note that places are limited, and all applications must be received by 5 PM on May 10th.
Applications under the Pathways Assistance Grant must be received by 5pm on May 31st.
Selection Criteria
For the purposes of this program, an “emerging poet” is any poet over the age of eighteen who has not:
• had more than three individual poems published in the previous three years,
• formally published or self-published a solo collection of their poems, or any other literary work.
• won any prestigious poetry prizes either in Australia or overseas,
• been offered or completed any arts-based residencies,
• and has had no other significant publishing, recording, or performance-based accomplishments, nor any level of pre-existing celebrity (or notoriety).
If you are already finding your way through higher education, music, art, public speaking engagements, literary connections, performance, other writing genres, or self-publishing, you are NOT eligible to apply.
Acceptance into the program is based on place availability and adherence to this definition of an emerging poet.
Ready to apply?
Please email the WA Poets Pathways Coordinator at pathways@wapoets.com and include:
• a cover letter of no more than 100 words explaining why you want to join the program,
• three pages of your best poems (12pt Times New Roman and 1.15 line spacing), and
• a detailed list of your publication history including any prizes, performance-based achievements or self-published works.
Your first three pages can be about anything you like, and your old poems are welcome! You don’t need to write new ones (unless you’re feeling inspired, of course).
If you are applying under the Pathways Assistance Grant, please indicate this in your cover letter.
We look forward to reading your work!