Small Change Press
The Dream Ain’t Broken
Chapbook Competition

The main Prize, you ask? A contract with Small Change Press to publish the winning manuscript, a lavish book launch in Brisbane 2009, plus 4 copies of our current titles, as well as widespread acclaim and some (roughly 5 mins 30 secs) fame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter this competition?
All emerging poets / spoken word artists / songwriters / lyricists. From outlaw to hip hop to haiku and back. Emerging is defined as an individual who has not had a book of poems published by a commercial publisher.

Can I fax or e-mail my Entry?
Email or faxed applications cannot be accepted due to our small scale old fashioned ways and love of letters. Late applications cannot be accepted but we commend the attempt.

Will I get any feedback from the Judges?
The Judges will be Small Change Press chief editors and page turners, Graham Nunn & David Stavanger. We will only be commenting on the winning manuscript.

Manuscript Format, Prize details & Rules

1. The submitted manuscript (MS) needs be between 35-45 max pages in length. To best serve your art, each new poem must start a new page - bit like underwear and lovers.

2. We would appreciate your manuscript  beginning with a title page with the "working" manuscript title; your name (and any aliases) & contact details (email/postal/phone); a table of contents & a brief acknowledgment list noting where any poems have been previously published (if applicable - well done!). Throw in a line from your favourite Steve Kilbey or David Bowie lyric as well... we love them both and it will warm our hearts!

3. We would prefer you to use Times New Roman or Garamond in 12-point type, 1.5 line spacing on A4 paper, printed on one side only. However, if you are called to present your work in another way, answer the call.

4. Do not bind or staple the manuscript. Clip loose sheets with a bulldog or alligator clip. Do not send any crocodiles or chihuahuas.

5. The MS must be unpublished and not on offer for publication elsewhere. Prior publication of individual poems in literary journals and newspapers is fine and very good for the poetic ego.

6. The poetry manuscript (MS) must be your original work. Send the work you believe in, not what you think will impress us. Be brave.

7. Entrants must reside in South East Queensland. This is purely a “geographical” must due to costs and the size of our operations.

8. Please do not send the only copies of your MS, as it will NOT be returned. Entrants may submit more than one MS. Entries will be acknowledged & celebrated via email (where email is not applicable, please supply an SSAE or racing pigeon).

9. Our decision on who takes the title is final and generally no correspondence will be entered into as we have lives outside of poetry. We do reserve the right to not publish a winner – we are sure you understand this right.

10. The winner will have a 32 page chapbook (with spine) published & released by Small Change Press in 2009. The print run will be 250 copies. We will also launch your book with style & some panache in Brisbane in 2009.

11. Mail two (2) hardcopies of your MS to:

Small Change Press
The Dream Aint Broken Chapbook Competition
PO Box 1032
Toombul QLD. 4012

Contacts for enquiries: Graham Nunn and David Stavanger, smallchangepress@smallchangepress.com.au

12. Entries must be received by last mail on Monday, 2nd March 2009.

13. The winner will be advised by the end of March 2009 , prior to a big (ish) public announcement on the Small Change Press website in April 2009. www.smallchangepress.com.au