(2026) ☀️ SUMMER POETRY CONTEST
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Send us your best poem. (Please submit only one poem per entry)
One winner will receive a $300 cash prize, publication in the annual PHIL LIT PARAGON: Annual Poetry Anthology, a contributor copy, and promoted in our supported media outlets. 3 finalists will also be published in the anthology and paid a $25 honorarium. Shortlisted Poems will be considered for publication in the anthology (or in the Journal).
Eligibility:
- Open to all writers over 18yo.
- Simultaneous submissions are okay.
- Multiple submissions are accepted, but each submission must be a new entry.
- Please only submit one poem per submission.
Guidelines
- Submissions must be in English OR accompanied by a translation.
- Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but please WITHDRAW immediately if it is accepted elsewhere.
- We do not accept AI-generated writing.
- We do not accept work that has been previously published.
- New and emerging writers are encouraged to submit.
- Please refrain from submitting work that includes erotica, excessive gore, animal abuse, or hate speech. Such submissions will be immediately rejected.
Notifications
LONGLIST JUNE 5TH (Posted on Instagram, Website, and Substack)
SHORTLIST* JUNE 12-15TH (List published in summer issue; Instagram, website, substack)
FINALISTS JULY 1ST (Finalists notified via email; list posted on Instagram, website, Substack: & fall issue)
WINNER AUG. 1ST (Winner notified via email; list posted on Instagram, website, Substack: & fall issue)
*Shortlisted entries are notified via email when finalists are decided.