Super Honourable Mentions
From January - March of each year, folks in the community are invited to send letters of appreciation to poets who have published a collection that year. All letters will be vetted and sent to the poets who will know that there are people out there in the world who love their work.
The Phloreate Award
This prize is awarded to the best poetry book by a current or former Poet Laureate, because apparently representing poetry in public life is not exhausting enough. Judged by one of the past podcast Laureates, who for reasons known only to poetry will agree to take on yet another poetry-related responsibility. Award is a modest sum of money depending on the current state of poetry economics, an interview on the podcast, and ball cap that says "born to read, forced to work."
Mother-in-law's Choice Award
The adjudication process for this prize goes as follows: Isabella's mother-in-law will be blindfolded and asked to hand pick 4 random poetry books from that year's selection pool. She will then read those four books and pick her favourite. That's it. Prize is available for as long as Isabella remains engaged / married to her partner who she loves very much. Award is a $50 grocery gift card to help poet with groceries for a few days, along with chutney from Necole's catering business.
Foster-mom's Choice Award
The adjudication process for this prize goes as follows: Isabella's foster mom who also happens to be a wonderful poet and writer will select 5 poetry titles from the selection pool out of a hat. Out of those five, she will pick her favourite. Prize is a coffee gift card that Isabella's foster mom will hopefully agree to fund.
Credit to Charlie C. Petch, who came up with the following titles for additional awards:
Rifferin Award
A people's choice award, given to the poet who receives the most letters of appreciation. Prize is a stack of poetry books signed by authors with notes of advice or inspiration. Donated by authors.
Riffirm Award
This award goes to a poet who has done something cool or innovative with form. Because Isabella is biased when it comes to form. Prize is a care package of random things made by Isabella.
Raffin Award
This award goes to an outstanding book of poetry published in French during the selection year. Winner of this award will be picked by two established French-speaking poets from the Canadian literary community. They will discuss the poetry collections that resonated with them that year, share with each other favourite poets, and come up with a winner. Prize is a gift card to a local independent bookstore that also ships across Canada.
