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!

[Darkkin]

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writerfire wrote:

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!

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You are giving them permission to print your poem, but you retain all creative rights to it.  It is standard procedure.  If you want to publish the piece later, you maintain that right.  By signing the release, you are allowing for this one authorized publication of your work.  It is copyrighted to your name and no others.

[writerfire]

thank you much!!  I'm thinking about it. 

[Brandi_R]

I'm not familar with that particular contest but, in general, make sure you read anything you sign/initial carefully. If they're simply asking you to certify that the poem is yours, there's little harm in doing so as long as the work is your own original work. Do make sure that you haven't made any agreements simply by entering the contest. Some contests like these make your submission an agreement to terms. If that's the case, you should have had to check something when submitting online.

Let us know if we can be helpful as you make this decision!