When can I expect to hear if my letter was chosen?

You can expect to hear back from us by May 2024.

How many letters do you select to be published?

We select five letters for each of our nine participating poets, for a total of forty-five selected letters. The letters will be published in a shareable, PDF booklet by May. 

How do you choose letters?

Our team of readers selects letters that we think best facilitate conversation between students and poets. There is no specific formula and we aren’t necessarily looking for the “best written” letters, rather, we aim to showcase letters that engage with the poems in any meaningful way. We are committed to showcasing a wide range of voices, selecting letters from all age groups and from as many different backgrounds as possible.

Am I guaranteed a response?

Unfortunately, given the number of letters we receive, it isn’t possible for poets to respond to every letter. However, all students can expect a general response from the poet to whom they wrote, as well as a certificate from the Academy.

Will my letter definitely be read?

Yes. We have a team of dedicated readers and take pride in reading every single letter sent to us in its entirety.

What personal information will be published, should my letter be selected for a response?

The Academy requires permission from a parent or guardian in order to consider publication of a minor's letter. An adult's email address is required in the submission form. If we are unable to obtain a parent, teacher, or legal guardian’s permission, we will only publish the student's first name and grade level, and we will edit any location information out of the letters. If we are able to obtain permission, we will publish the student’s first name, grade level, and state.

I am a senior in high school. How will I hear back after my graduation?

If your school email address will expire after graduation, please provide us with an alternative email address where we can contact you if needed.

Can students outside of the United States participate?

Yes! We encourage any student or classroom to participate. Please indicate your city and country when submitting. Beginning in 2024, we are also offering Dear Poet readings and resources in Spanish, including videos by Nicole Cecilia Delgado and Mara Pastor, lesson plans from 826 National, and translated submission forms. 

I am a teacher submitting my students' letters. Google Forms only allows 10 files to be uploaded at a time. How do I submit more than 10 letters? 

You may submit the form more than once, combine files, or you may send us all of your letters at once by emailing [email protected].

The form appears to be closed, how do I submit?

You may need to clear your internet browser's cache or cookies. A guide for doing so can be found here.