Publishing question

[writerfire]

 I entered this poetry contest April 29  http://www.poetrymillions.com/avrillavigne/ 

And I got a letter from them.  I'm a semi-finalist and they want to publish my poem in their book. 

 They tell me my poem will still be mine as it will be copyrighted under my name but they want me to initial and send back this Artist's release form saying that I certify that my poem is my work.

   I've never been in a contest before is this something they do? 

 I don't want to loose my poem signing something I shouldn't have.

What is your opinion? Thank you much!

[roustabout]

It sounds like a scam site to me.

I took a look and it's got a "world poetry movement" logo on it;  many folks think that it's a scam and intended pretty much entirely to get you to buy, from them, the book containing your poem. 

One of their books sells for 70 bucks -- http://www.amazon.com/Stars-Hearts-World-Poetry-Movement/dp/1608801330

I would suggest that you research that book and see if any libraries carry it.  (And this is apparently a good idea for any of these writing competitions;  if libraries never carry the books, the likelihood that you're seeing a scam is pretty high.) 

[keriflur]

Also, you should take a look at the terms of the competition - usually there is some rights lingo in there and by entering you are agreeing to those terms.  It'll be good to know what you've already agreed to before you decide whether or not to back out.

[MacMcK1957]

Sounds like one of the myriad "Who's Who" books where they notify you that you qualify for inclusion.  And wouldn't you just love to buy a half-dozen copies for yourself and all your friends?  Don't worry about the price; we'll wait until you're thoroughly reeled in before we tell you how much.

[writerfire]

no they gave me a price of 50bux but I'm not sure.  I guess I'll think twice before entering again on anything.

[WildBlossom]

I don't know if this helps, but i read a review and this is what the women said about the book,

"The World Poetry Movement is a despicable organization which takes advantage of naive, struggling artists. They stole a poem from me, and are now trying to charge you 70 dollars to read it. Please do not purchase this anthology, and to all the poets out there, do not submit your work to the World Poetry Movement. Cheers."

Another one said,

"Though at first I felt special for being "chosen" as a semi-finalist for the World Poetry Movement, I understand now that it was bogus. Who forces the writers of a book to order it themselves? Who sends emails encouraging authors to buy more of their own merchandise, by pretending that their job is in danger? This is a SCHEME. Please don't buy it or enter the World Poetry Movement. I had to learn my lesson at 15, and being in this book might stop publishers later on from taking my poetry seriously. Please learn your lesson now."