Black Lawrence Press invites submissions to the Black River Chapbook Competition, an annual contest dedicated to the chapbook form. The press has established itself as a vital independent publisher of poetry, fiction, and hybrid texts, and this competition reflects its commitment to supporting writers at various stages of their careers. The competition is open to a wide range of genres and approaches, with explicit encouragement for collaborative collections and hybrid/multi-genre work. This openness signals a curatorial interest in boundary-pushing manuscripts that may not fit neatly into traditional categories. The competition requires a fee of $30.00 USD per entry, and the deadline for submissions is October 31, 2026. While the prize is not specified in the provided information, the primary benefit for selected writers is publication by Black Lawrence Press, a respected independent press known for its curated list. The competition does not restrict submissions by career stage, making it accessible to emerging, mid-career, and established writers alike. The press's catalog suggests an aesthetic appreciation for lyrical, voice-driven work, as well as texts that experiment with form and collaboration. In the broader landscape of chapbook contests, Black Lawrence Press distinguishes itself through its willingness to consider collaborative and hybrid manuscripts. This positions the competition as particularly suited to writers working at the intersections of genres—poetry and prose, text and image, or multiple authors in dialogue. The press's editorial vision emphasizes literary quality and innovation, and the competition serves as a gateway for manuscripts that might otherwise struggle to find a home in a market that often favors full-length collections. Writers should approach this opportunity with an understanding of the press's existing catalog and a clear sense of how their work contributes to contemporary literary conversations.