Love Stories in Verse
A Valentine Week Poetry Contest by Zorba Books
This Valentine Week, Zorba Books invites poets and writers to express love through verse —
simple, honest, and heartfelt. Publish your poem on our DIY platform, share it with readers, and
let the most-loved poem win.
Writing & Submission Guidelines
- Category: Poetry only
- Theme: Love (romantic, emotional, personal, nostalgic, or any form of love)
- Language: English or Hindi
- Word Limit: Minimum 80 words, Maximum 250 words
- Original work only (plagiarism will lead to disqualification)
- Zorba Books reserves the right to reject entries that are offensive or inappropriate
- Post on Free Publishing | Poet & Author Spotlight
Who Can Participate
- Open to all writers
- Free entry (no registration or submission fee)
- Poems can be written in English or Hindi
- Unlimited entries allowed
How to Submit:
- Publish your poem on Zorba Books’ DIY Publishing platform under the Poetry category
- Add the official contest hashtag at the end of your poem (mandatory): LoveStoriesInVerse
● Entries without this hashtag will not be considered
● Do not edit the poem after publishing during the contest period
● Avoid offensive content, promotions, or unrelated hashtags
Winner Selection
- Winners will be decided based on the highest number of views on their published poem
- Only views recorded on the Zorba Books website till 12th February 2026 will be counted
- Any unfair attempt to increase views may lead to disqualification
- In case of a tie, the Zorba Books editorial team will take the final decision
Contest Timeline
- Submissions Open: 2nd February 2026
- Submissions Close: 12th February 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
- Winners Announced: 13th February 2026
Prizes to be Announced
BENEFITS
- The 2 entries with the maximum views will win exciting Amazon Vouchers!
- Social Media Shout Out with photo and a link to the winning blog.
- Exposure for your writing
- Certificate of Winning
EVERY ENTRY
- Free entry
- Your very own blog page
- Chance to be featured on Zorba Books website and gain exposure
- Your poem will remain published on the Zorba Books website
- Free visibility to readers across India
- ONLY for one entry per author for the competition will be enttertained*
- Can be converted to a book at any time with DIY Free Publishing
*Subject to terms and conditions
Writing Guide
- Select a topic, keeping the competition requirements in mind. Start writing.
- Write in a language that you are most comfortable with.
- Write as simply as possible – avoid difficult words.
- Write honestly. Publish freely.
- Let your verses tell a love story that readers remember.
Winners’ of 15th August 2025 Writing Contest
| Rank | Blog Title | Winners | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highest Views | False Patriotism | Ilamdeep Kaur |
| 2 | Highest Views | Voices of Freedom | Muskan Dahiya |
Help
If you have any questions on the writing challenge, send us your query through the Contacts Us form.
Hello Zorba Books
Greetings from Muskan,
First of all thank you so much for such a fantastic email.
I have already posted my poem for the contest.
Regards
Muskan Dahiya 🙏🏻
The closing date and date of result seems to be in conflict. What is the number of words needed.
The closing date for the Dusshera Contest was 24th October. 25th October results will be announced
Please note I have 2 stories to submit for the contest. How shall I send them.
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If you would like to enter the stories in the contest all details available here https://www.zorbabooks.com/writers-challenge/
For any other help connect over phone on 0124-4259579
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Here’s my entry, theme: A Rogue Nation and India’s Fury – https://www.zorbabooks.com/spotlight/aakanksha-jain/poem/who-is-to-blame/
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I am extremely disheartened. I find this notice about the Summer Contest posted some 4 weeks ago while I got the email about the contest only yesterday! There was no mention of the word limit in my email while here it has been clearly stated to be 1000.
ZorbaBooks has always dealt with me fairly. If some people do not want me to have anything to do with the publishing house, why don’t they tell me so? I’ll withdraw, with a saddened heart though as our association dates back quite far.
Whatever, I am not withdrawing my story. I am neither rewriting it. If some people are trying to give me the impression of being greedy, prize-crazy, there is not much I can do.
I wish Zorba all Success & Happiness. Best wishes.
Dear Sir,
These contests are meant to uplift. Pl do take it in good spirits. This contest was only posted on 3rd June. Not 4 weeks ago. We appreciate and value your participation.
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Hello
Zorba books…first I would like to thank you for all these competitions…it really boosts my confidence…
This is a great platform for all the young poets and writers…
I just wanted to know that do you provide certificates (digital) for the winners of each competition…
This platform is great !!…
Regards
Ilam
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