Poetry publishing remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding paths in literary publishing. While the commercial market for poetry is modest compared to prose, hundreds of dedicated presses continue championing poetic voices, from emerging poets to established masters. The poetry landscape in 2026 includes prestigious university presses, innovative independent publishers, specialized poetry houses, and literary nonprofits committed to the art form.
For poets with completed manuscripts—typically 48-100 pages of cohesive work—this comprehensive guide presents over 105 poetry publishers currently accepting submissions through contests, open reading periods, and solicited manuscripts.
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Major University Press Poetry Publishers
1. University of Pittsburgh Press (Pitt Poetry Series)
Overview: One of the most prestigious poetry publishers, the Pitt Poetry Series has launched legendary careers and maintains exceptionally high literary standards.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Submission Method: Agnes Lynch Starrett Prize for debut poets; open reading period for established poets
Reading Fee: $25 for Starrett Prize
Prize: $5,000 plus publication
Timeline: 6-12 months for contest results
2. Yale University Press (Yale Series of Younger Poets)
Overview: America’s oldest annual literary prize (since 1919), the Yale Younger Poets competition seeks exceptional debut manuscripts.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Submission Method: Annual competition only (ages 40 and under)
Reading Fee: $25
Prize: $10,000 plus publication
Timeline: Results announced spring following fall submission
3. University of Wisconsin Press
Overview: Operating the prestigious Brittingham Prize and Felix Pollak Prize, Wisconsin Press publishes two poetry manuscripts annually with distinguished judges.
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Submission Method: Annual contests (September 1-15)
Reading Fee: $28 per entry
Prize: $5,000 plus publication (each prize)
Timeline: Winners announced spring
4. University of Iowa Press
Overview: Home to the Iowa Poetry Prize, closely associated with the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, maintaining exceptional literary reputation.
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Submission Method: Annual Iowa Poetry Prize
Reading Fee: $20
Prize: Publication plus standard royalties
Timeline: 8-12 months
5. University of Georgia Press
Overview: Contemporary Poetry Series publishing innovative, challenging poetry selected by competition.
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Submission Method: Annual competition
Reading Fee: $25
Prize: $2,500 plus publication
Timeline: Results within 12 months
6-20. Additional University Press Poetry Publishers
University of Massachusetts Press: Juniper Prize; $25 fee; $1,500 prize; 1-2% acceptance
University of North Texas Press: Rilke Prize; $25 fee; $1,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
University of Nebraska Press: Prairie Schooner Book Prize in Poetry; $30 fee; $3,000 prize; 1-2% acceptance
University of Utah Press: Poetry contest; $25 fee; publication; 2-4% acceptance
University of Arkansas Press: Miller Williams Poetry Prize; $30 fee; $5,000 prize; 1-2% acceptance
Northwestern University Press: Limited poetry; primarily solicited; less than 1% acceptance
LSU Press: Southern Messenger Poets series; competition; $25 fee; 2-3% acceptance
University of Akron Press: Akron Poetry Prize; $30 fee; $2,000 prize; 2-4% acceptance
Ohio State University Press: Poetry prize; $30 fee; $3,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
University of South Carolina Press: Poetry contest; $25 fee; publication; 2-4% acceptance
University of Tampa Press: Tampa Review Prize for Poetry; $30 fee; $2,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
Indiana University Press: Limited poetry; primarily solicited; 1-2% acceptance
University of Illinois Press: National Poetry Series; lottery submission; $30 fee; 1-2% acceptance
University of Michigan Press: Limited poetry; primarily solicited; less than 1% acceptance
Washington State University Press: Regional poetry; open submissions; 3-6% acceptance
Prestigious Independent Poetry Publishers
21. Graywolf Press
Overview: One of America’s most distinguished independent literary publishers, Graywolf publishes exceptional poetry with meticulous editorial care.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Submission Method: Primarily solicited; occasional open periods
Reading Fee: None during open periods
Timeline: 12-18 months if accepted
22. Coffee House Press
Overview: Nonprofit publisher championing innovative, diverse poetic voices with emphasis on formally inventive and culturally significant work.
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Submission Method: Open submission periods announced annually
Reading Fee: None
Timeline: 8-16 months
23. Copper Canyon Press
Overview: Dedicated exclusively to poetry for 50+ years, Copper Canyon publishes established and emerging poets with beautiful production.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Submission Method: Primarily solicited; Hayden Carruth Award for emerging poets
Reading Fee: $30 for contest
Prize: $3,000 plus publication
Timeline: 10-18 months
24. Wave Books
Overview: Independent nonprofit publishing innovative contemporary poetry with distinctive aesthetic and commitment to poetic experimentation.
Acceptance Rate: Less than 1%
Submission Method: Primarily solicited; occasional contests
Reading Fee: Varies by opportunity
Timeline: 12-18 months
25. Milkweed Editions
Overview: Nonprofit publisher with distinguished poetry list seeking work addressing environmental and social themes alongside literary innovation.
Acceptance Rate: 1-2%
Submission Method: Open reading periods announced on website
Reading Fee: None
Timeline: 10-16 months
26-40. Additional Independent Poetry Presses
Sarabande Books: Kathryn A. Morton Prize; $30 fee; $2,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
Alice James Books: Multiple contests; $25-30 fees; prizes vary; 2-4% acceptance
BOA Editions: Multiple contests; $25 fee; $1,500 prize; 2-4% acceptance
Tupelo Press: Multiple contests; $30 fee; prizes $1,000-$3,000; 2-4% acceptance
Omnidawn Publishing: Poetry contests; $27 fee; publication; 2-3% acceptance
Persea Books: Lexi Rudnitsky Prize; $30 fee; $1,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
Four Way Books: Levis Prize, Stahlecker Prize; $30 fee; $2,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
Beacon Press: Limited poetry; primarily solicited; less than 1% acceptance
Dzanc Books: Poetry contests; $27 fee; publication; 3-5% acceptance
Autumn House Press: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; $2,500 prize; 3-5% acceptance
Black Lawrence Press: Poetry contests; $27 fee; publication; 3-6% acceptance
Saturnalia Books: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; publication; 2-4% acceptance
Barrow Street Press: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; $1,000 prize; 3-5% acceptance
The Center for Literary Publishing: Colorado Prize for Poetry; $30 fee; $2,000 prize; 2-3% acceptance
Conduit Books & Ephemera: Poetry contest; $20 fee; publication; 3-6% acceptance
Regional & Specialized Poetry Publishers
41. Hub City Press
Overview: Southern nonprofit publisher with strong regional poetry list seeking voices connected to the American South.
Acceptance Rate: 4-7%
Submission Method: C. Michael Curtis Short Story Book Prize occasionally includes poetry; limited reading periods
Reading Fee: Varies
Timeline: 6-14 months
42. Red Hen Press
Overview: Los Angeles-based nonprofit publishing poetry addressing contemporary social issues with literary merit.
Acceptance Rate: 3-5%
Submission Method: Poetry contests and limited open submissions
Reading Fee: $25-30 for contests
Timeline: 8-16 months
43. Texas Tech University Press
Overview: Walt McDonald First-Book Prize in Poetry for poets who have not published a book-length collection.
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Submission Method: Annual contest
Reading Fee: $25
Prize: $1,000 plus publication
Timeline: Results announced spring
44. University of New Mexico Press
Overview: West End Press Chapbook competition and occasional full-length poetry.
Acceptance Rate: 3-6%
Submission Method: Chapbook contest
Reading Fee: $20
Timeline: 6-12 months
45. Cleveland State University Poetry Center
Overview: Operating multiple poetry prizes for different career stages with commitment to diverse voices.
Acceptance Rate: 2-4%
Submission Method: Multiple annual contests
Reading Fee: $25-30
Prizes: $1,000-$3,000 depending on prize
Timeline: Winners announced spring/summer
46-60. Regional Poetry Publishers
University of Nevada Press: Poetry prize; $30 fee; 2-4% acceptance
University of Oklahoma Press: Limited poetry; regional focus; 3-6% acceptance
Moon City Press (Missouri State): Poetry Prize; $25 fee; 3-5% acceptance
Lost Horse Press: Idaho Prize for Poetry; $25 fee; 3-6% acceptance
Ashland Poetry Press: Snyder Prize; $30 fee; 3-5% acceptance
Miami University Press: Poetry contests; $25 fee; 3-6% acceptance
University of North Dakota Press: North Dakota Institute for Regional Studies; 4-8% acceptance
White Pine Press: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; 3-5% acceptance
New Rivers Press: Minnesota Voices Project; $25 fee; 4-7% acceptance
Stephen F. Austin State University Press: Texas poetry; regional; 4-8% acceptance
University of Alaska Press: Alaska poetry focus; 4-8% acceptance
University of Montana Press: Limited poetry; regional focus; 3-6% acceptance
Trinity University Press: Texas Poets Laureate Series; invitation; less than 1% acceptance
West Virginia University Press: Appalachian poetry; 4-8% acceptance
Anhinga Press: Robert Dana Prize; $30 fee; 3-5% acceptance
Small & Micro Press Poetry Publishers
61-90. Small Press Poetry Publishers
Bull City Press: Frost Place Chapbook Competition; $15 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Ghost Road Press: Poetry contest; $25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Nightboat Books: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; 2-4% acceptance
Fence Books: Multiple contests; $30 fee; 2-4% acceptance
Noemi Press: Poetry contests; $25 fee; 4-7% acceptance
Action Books: Notre Dame Review Book Prize; $15 fee; 3-6% acceptance
Ahsahta Press: Sawtooth Poetry Prize; $30 fee; 3-5% acceptance
Rose Metal Press: Chapbook contests; $20 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Concrete Wolf Press: Poetry Prize; $25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Accents Publishing: Contests periodically; $20-25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Elixir Press: Antivenom Poetry Award; $25 fee; 4-7% acceptance
Finishing Line Press: Open Chapbook Competition; $25 fee; 15-25% acceptance
Etruscan Press: Poetry Prize; $30 fee; 3-6% acceptance
Main Street Rag: Poetry Book Award; $30 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Salmon Poetry (Ireland): International submissions; $30 fee; 4-8% acceptance
CavanKerry Press: Poetry contests; $30 fee; 3-6% acceptance
Sheila-Na-Gig Editions: Midwest poetry; $25 fee; 6-12% acceptance
YesYes Books: Poetry contests; $25 fee; 4-8% acceptance
Brooklyn Arts Press: Poetry manuscripts; $25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
MoonPath Press: Pacific Northwest poetry; $25 fee; 6-12% acceptance
BOAAT Press: Contests and open submissions; $20-25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Platypus Press: Limited poetry; chapbooks focus; 8-15% acceptance
Tiger Bark Press: Chapbooks; $20 fee; 8-15% acceptance
Sundress Publications: Chapbook contests; $20 fee; 8-15% acceptance
ELJ Editions: Innovative poetry; $25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Sibling Rivalry Press: LGBTQ+ poetry; contests; $25 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Argos Books: Experimental poetry; limited submissions; 3-6% acceptance
Letter Machine Editions: Innovative poetry; contests; $25 fee; 4-8% acceptance
Futurepoem Books: Experimental poetry; limited; 2-4% acceptance
Ugly Duckling Presse: Innovative poetry; primarily solicited; 1-3% acceptance
Genre & Identity-Focused Poetry Publishers
91-105. Specialized Poetry Publishers
Write Bloody Publishing: Performance poetry; spoken word; $25 fee; 6-12% acceptance
Feminist Press: Feminist poetry; limited; primarily solicited; 2-4% acceptance
Apogee Press: Social justice poetry; contests; $25 fee; 4-8% acceptance
Two Sylvias Press: Women’s poetry; Wilder Prize; $30 fee; 5-10% acceptance
Arte Público Press: Latino/Latina poetry; $30 fee; 4-8% acceptance
University of Arizona Press: Camino del Sol; Latinx poetry; 3-6% acceptance
Kaya Press: Asian American poetry; limited; 3-6% acceptance
Tía Chucha Press: Chicano/Latino poetry; contests; 5-10% acceptance
Akashic Books: Urban poetry; occasional; 3-6% acceptance
TriQuarterly Books: Poetry occasionally; primarily prose; 2-4% acceptance
Persea Books: Poetry in Translation series; $30 fee; 3-6% acceptance
Zephyr Press: Translation focus; limited original poetry; 2-4% acceptance
New Directions: Experimental/international poetry; primarily solicited; less than 1% acceptance
Bloodaxe Books (UK): British and international poetry; primarily solicited; 1-3% acceptance
Carcanet Press (UK): British poetry; primarily solicited; 1-3% acceptance
Additional Notable Mentions: University presses at Penn State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Missouri occasionally publish poetry through contests or solicitation.
Poetry Publishing Success Strategies
Poetry publishers evaluate manuscripts on literary merit, originality, cohesion, and voice. Success requires understanding poetry publishing’s unique landscape:
Manuscript Preparation: Full-length manuscripts typically range 48-100 pages. Chapbooks run 20-30 pages. Ensure strong opening and closing poems. Middle sections should demonstrate range while maintaining cohesion. Remove weak poems ruthlessly.
Manuscript Ordering: Sequence matters enormously. Thematic progression, tonal variation, and narrative arc (even in non-narrative collections) create reader experience. Consider multiple orderings before finalizing.
Contest Strategy: Most poetry books emerge from contests. Budget $300-500 annually for contest fees. Target 10-15 contests matching your aesthetic. Research judges—their own work indicates aesthetic preferences.
Open Submission Periods: Some presses accept manuscripts during limited windows without fees. Monitor Poets & Writers, NewPages, and publisher websites for announcements.
Platform Considerations: Unlike prose, poetry publishers care little about social media following. Publication credits in respected journals matter enormously. Build your CV through journal publication before submitting book manuscripts.
Journal Publications: Most successful poetry book manuscripts contain poems previously published in literary journals. Aim for 50-75% journal publication before book submission. Credits in The Paris Review, Poetry, The Kenyon Review, and similar prestigious journals strengthen manuscripts.
Previous Book Publications: First book contests typically restrict eligibility to poets without previous full-length collections. Second book contests exist but are fewer. Established poets often submit through agents or editor relationships.
Reading Contemporary Poetry: Familiarize yourself with poetry from your target publishers. Each press has distinct aesthetic. Don’t submit experimental poetry to traditional presses or vice versa.
Professional Presentation: Follow submission guidelines precisely. Include cover letter mentioning relevant publications and awards. No fancy formatting—clean, readable 12-point standard font.
Understanding Acceptance Rates: Poetry publishing is extraordinarily competitive. University press contests often receive 1,000+ submissions for one publication slot. Rejection is universal. The best poets face hundreds of rejections.
Building Relationships: Attend poetry conferences (AWP, Split This Rock), participate in writing workshops, and engage poetry communities. Relationships with established poets can lead to manuscript recommendations.
Be Patient: Poetry manuscripts take months or years to find homes. Continue writing, submitting to journals, and entering contests while waiting. Most successful poets have multiple manuscripts in circulation simultaneously.
Cost Awareness: Reading fees ($20-30 per contest) add up quickly. Budget accordingly. Some poets question ethics of fee-based contests, but they’re standard in poetry publishing and fund press operations.
The poetry market values innovation, diverse voices, formal experimentation, and engagement with contemporary issues. Publishers actively seek poets of color, LGBTQ+ poets, working-class voices, and perspectives underrepresented in literary canon.
Research each press thoroughly. Read their recent publications. Understand their aesthetic. Target presses whose published poets you admire. Strategic targeting dramatically improves success rates even in this competitive landscape.
Note: Publisher information is current as of January 2026. Poetry publishing operates on annual cycles with contest deadlines typically September-March. Always verify current submission windows, fees, and guidelines on publisher websites.
