---
title: The Charles Simic Poetry Prize
description: >-
  Annual poetry prize for a single unpublished poem; winner receives $1000,
  Editor's Choice $200, five finalists $20 each.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/5e8c3dcf-b55f-4fc2-ba71-421c48324258'
type: program
status: open
createdAt: '2026-09-29'
updatedAt: '2026-10-11'
programType: Prize/award
organization: Hole In The Head Review
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/hole-in-the-head-review'
deadline: '2026-10-30'
entryFee: 20 USD
location: 'Portland, ME, United States'
isOnline: true
compensationRange: >-
  $1000 to the winner, $200 plus signed memorabilia to the Editor's Choice, $20
  to each of five finalists
disciplines:
  - poetry
---

# The Charles Simic Poetry Prize

**Hosted by:** Hole In The Head Review

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Portland, ME, United States | **Deadline:** October 30, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $20

## About This Program

### 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- Please submit a single, previously unpublished poem in any style and any length.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.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Disciplines:** poetry
- **Note:** Former students of the year's judge may not submit.

### Additional Requirements

- A single, previously unpublished poem in any style and any length
- No identifying material in the submission file (read blind)
- One submission per poet

## Compensation & Benefits

$1000 to the winner, $200 plus signed memorabilia to the Editor's Choice, $20 to each of five finalists

**Includes:** Prize

## Timeline

- **Opens:** September 15, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 30, 2026

## Contact

**Contact:** Mike Bove

**Email:** editor@holeintheheadreview.com

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://theholeintheheadreview.submittable.com/submit/366787/the-2026-charles-simic-poetry-prize