January, 2027
Event Details
The Colorado Prize for Poetry is an international poetry book manuscript contest hosted by the Center for Literary Publishing at Colorado State University. The prize was established in 1995 and
Event Details
The Colorado Prize for Poetry is an international poetry book manuscript contest hosted by the Center for Literary Publishing at Colorado State University. The prize was established in 1995 and runs annually. Theme and style are open.
Entrants submit a poetry manuscript of 48 to 100 pages. Individual poems may have been published previously, but the manuscript as a whole must be unpublished, including self-published work. Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Entrants must be at least 18 years old. Holders of certain US visas (B1/WB, B2/WT, H-1B and F-1) cannot receive the honorarium and should not enter.
Submissions open on 1 October 2026 and can be made online through Submittable or by post. The entry fee is $25 by post or $28 online, and includes a one-year subscription to Colorado Review. Multiple manuscripts may be entered, each with its own fee. A limited number of fee waivers are available for writers experiencing financial hardship.
The winner receives a $2,500 honorarium and publication of their book by the Center for Literary Publishing, with distribution by the University Press of Colorado in autumn 2027. The honorarium is an advance against royalties.
The final judge is Juliana Spahr, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. The winner will be announced by May 2027.
Is this event legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any opportunity, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work. Check the organizer’s website and carefully read the terms and conditions!
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