With the aim of attracting a greater number of high-quality poetry and literary nonfiction works for publication, thereby honoring the image of the armed forces and today’s soldiers, and with the approval of the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People’s Army, Vietnamese Army Arts & Literature Magazine officially launches the Poetry and Literary Nonfiction Contest 2026.
This is a meaningful cultural activity celebrating the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, while also looking toward the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 – December 22, 2026) and the 70th anniversary of the first issue of Vietnamese Army Arts & Literature (January 1957 – January 2027).
Cover of the January 1957 inaugural issue of Vietnamese Army Arts & Literature
1. Contest Regulations
Themes and Content
Works should focus on the armed forces and contemporary soldiers, with priority given to pieces that vividly, authentically, and emotionally portray the image, work, daily life, thoughts, and feelings of soldiers in today’s context. Topics may include training, combat readiness, protection of national sovereignty, search and rescue, participation in peacekeeping missions, production labor, and mass mobilization activities, among others.
The contest welcomes all creative approaches. Traditional styles are respected, while works offering new discoveries, distinctive perspectives, strong humanistic depth, and artistic value are particularly encouraged.
Eligibility and Submitted Works
Open to all Vietnamese citizens at home and abroad, including overseas Vietnamese.
Submitted works must be unpublished in any mass media or printed publications, and must not have been posted on websites or social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, Twitter, etc., whether by individuals or organizations.
During the contest period, submitted works must not be published in other newspapers or magazines, nor included in books or anthologies in any form, unless the author formally requests to withdraw the work from the contest.
Epic poems, satirical poetry, and works created with or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
Literary nonfiction works (including essays, reportage, and notes) must not exceed 10,000 words.
Manuscripts should be clearly typed on one side of the paper or submitted as a Word file, accompanied by the author’s full contact information: address, phone number, bank account number, and email address.
Submissions must clearly indicate “Poetry Contest Entry” or “Literary Nonfiction Contest Entry” and be sent to:
Vietnamese Army Arts & Literature Magazine
No. 4 Lý Nam Đế Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
or via email: vnquandoi@gmail.com
Eligible works may be published in Vietnamese Army Arts & Literature and its online edition (VNQĐ Online). Manuscripts that are not selected for publication will not be returned.
2. Awards (for each category: Poetry and Literary Nonfiction)
01 First Prize
02 Second Prizes
03 Third Prizes
04 Consolation Prizes
3. Timeline
Contest launch: January 2026
Submissions accepted immediately after the launch; selected works published from January 2026
Submission deadline: December 31, 2026
Award ceremony: expected in January 2027
Translated by MINH KIÊN
VNQD