Genre: Poetry

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a poetry collection published during the current year. The winner is also invited to read at the Poetry Society of Virginia’s annual Spring Poetry Festival, held at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, in April 2026. Self-published books are ineligible. Mattie Quesenberry Smith will judge. Submit three copies of a book no less than 50 pages in length that was published in 2025 with a $36 entry fee ($25 for current PSV members), which includes a one-year membership to the organization, by January 15, 2026. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,500, publication by Lit Fox Books, and 25 author copies will be given annually for a poetry collection. Kristina Marie Darling will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a poetry manuscript of at least 48 pages by January 15, 2026. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in Asheville Poetry Review is given annually for a single poem. The winner is also invited to give a reading at Malaprop’s Bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina. Ted Kooser will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three poems of any length with a $20 entry fee by January 15, 2026. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,008.15 and publication in Quarter After Eight is given annually for a prose poem, a short short story, a micro essay, or other work of short prose. Steven Dunn will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three pieces of no more than 500 words, each with a $15 entry fee, by November 30. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.