Youth Poet Laureate Submission Tips

Image of a teen with a microphone. Caption: Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate

Are you or do you know a teen interested in becoming the 2024 Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate? Unsure where to begin? Here are a few tips to consider when submitting your YPL application.  

  1. Apply! Even if you don’t think your work is ready yet, the application process is also a great way to learn and improve for next year. 
  2. Read your poems out loud before submitting them! This helps you hear errors and typos you might read past if you just read it to yourself.
  3. Record yourself reading one of your poems. Practice speaking slowly and clearly and allow for air between your sentences. This helps the audience take in your work. 
  4. Tell a poet friend of yours to apply too! Knowing someone who is also applying can increase the fun. 
  5. View the Youth Poet Laureate FAQs for additional helpful tips including the application process, submission requirements, and how the judges will rate submissions.  

Additional questions? Please email us at ypl@aclibrary.org.