Sundress Publications: Full-Length Poetry Collections
Overview
Sundress Publications, a longstanding independent literary press, presents its annual poetry broadside contest as a focused opportunity for poets to see their work realized in a tangible, artisanal format. The contest is open for submissions from September 1 to November 30, 2026, with a $10 fee per submission. Notably, from September 1 through 14, the first submission is free for all writers, though only the first set of poems submitted during this period will be accepted without payment. This structure reflects the press's commitment to accessibility while sustaining the contest's operations. The winning poet will have their poem letterpress-printed as an 8.5” x 11” broadside, complete with custom art, and made available for sale in Sundress Publications' online store. This prize is not a monetary award but a distinctive publication artifact that bridges literary and visual traditions. The broadside format demands poems that are concise and resonant, as each poem must not exceed 28 lines (including stanza breaks but excluding the title). Poets may submit up to three poems per submission slot, all within a single Word or PDF document. Submissions are accepted via a Google Form, and all poems must be stripped of identifying information to ensure fair, anonymous judging. The contest's curatorial vision emphasizes the poem as a material object, inviting poets whose work thrives in a compact, visually integrated presentation. Sundress Publications seeks submissions that demonstrate craft, clarity, and a keen awareness of lineation and form, suitable for the broadside medium.