2026 Rattle Poetry Prize

The Rattle Poetry Prize is an annual international poetry competition organized by Rattle, an American poetry magazine. The contest is open to poets of any nationality writing in English and awards $15,000 for a single poem. Entries are judged anonymously by the editors of Rattle.

Poets may submit up to four poems per entry. Poems may be any length, any style, or any subject, but must be written primarily in English and must be unpublished. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, provided Rattle is notified immediately if a poem is accepted elsewhere. Multiple entries are allowed, with each additional group of up to four poems requiring a separate entry fee.

The entry fee is $30, which includes a one-year subscription to Rattle magazine or a one-year extension for current subscribers.

Entries close on 15 July 2026. Winners will be announced on 15 September 2026, with the Readers’ Choice Award winner announced in February 2027.

Prizes:

• 1st place: $15,000 USD and publication in the Winter 2026 issue of Rattle.
• Ten finalists: $500 USD each and publication
• Readers’ Choice Award: $5,000 USD, selected by subscriber and entrant vote from among the finalists.

Additional poems submitted to the contest may also be offered standard publication.

Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.

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