[Maryann Corbett]

Many thanks to Alex for all the work of making this contest happen. I'm happy to be showing up in this group, and happy to see so many colleagues in it, and happy too to learn the names of two more poets whose work I now want to learn more about. Congrats to all, but most of all to Matthew Buckley Smith.

[Cally Conan-Davies]

Boy, would I give a lot to read the books of the other finalists and Hon Menshes.

I hope everyone involved is feeling really good! I'm chuffed for you all!

Cally

[Michael Cantor]

Congrats to all, and my thanks to Alex for setting this up and making it work.

[Andrew Frisardi]

Congratulations to all, winner and finalists and semis alike. Lots of strong work in the mix. I admit that I was underwhelmed by what I saw of the winning entry, but then again I've never been especially taken with Andrew Hudgins's poetry either. De gustibus and all that. Good to hear some of the finalists will get contracts—they’re all going to be winning books, one way or another.

[Quincy Lehr]

I like Matthew Smith's work. We've published him in the Raintown and doubtless will again.

[Tim Murphy]

I read the three sample poems, which I liked very well indeed. I assume that's a wedding photo. He looks like a young version of George Clooney going in to pick up an Oscar. I look forward to the book.

[Susan McLean]

Congratulations to Smith, whose poetry does look interesting. It was great to see so many good poets among the finalists and to hear that some of them may also get books published from this contest.

Susan

[Mary Meriam]

Fabulous all around. Congrats to Alex and all the winners!!!!

[Rick Mullin]

Congrats to Smith and the impressive slate of honorees. I'm with Cally, and I hope and expect to read 'em all someday soon.

RM

[Bill Carpenter]

Congratulations to all on their mighty works!