The Colorado Prize for Poetry

The Colorado Prize for Poetry is an international poetry book manuscript contest established in 1995. The contest is open to all themes and genres. Manuscripts must be at least 48 pages and no more than 100 pages. They may be composed of any number of poems.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old.

Individual poems may have been published before in journals, anthologies, or chapbooks, but the collection itself should be unpublished. Collections that combine new work with previously published material from the author’s other books are not eligible. Additionally, no pieces included in the manuscript should have appeared in any of the author’s previously published books. Poems from a chapbook may be included, but not the entire chapbook.

Victoria Chang will judge the 2026 edition of the prize.

THe prize winner receives a $2,500 honorarium and publication of his or her book by the Center for Literary Publishing.

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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If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.

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