The Charles Simic Poetry Prize
The Charles Simic Poetry Prize is awarded annually to a single poem of exceptional vision and quality. It is judged by a poet of note each year.
The 2026 judge is Lily Brown
- One winner receives $1000 and publication in the spring issue.
- One Editor's Choice receives $200, a piece of memorabilia signed by Charles Simic, and publication in the spring issue.
- Five finalists receive $20 payment and publication in the spring issue.
The Charles Simic Poetry Prize is open for submissions from September 15 to October 15.
- Please submit a single, previously unpublished poem in any style and any length. Absolutely no AI use during any stage of the process.
- Submissions are read blind; please do not include any identifying material in your submission file.
- Submission cap is 200.
- Submission fee is $20.00. Fees are used to pay contributors, web fees, and organization member fees. The editorial staff is unpaid and the journal does not turn a profit.
- 25 of the 200 submissions are free and first come, first served. We ask that these free submissions be reserved for poets in financial need.