Green Linden Press has named its annual prize after an essay in Anne Carson's Plainwater, a gesture that signals the press's investment in work that troubles the boundaries of genre, form, and mode while remaining grounded in lyrical expression. The Wishing Jewel Prize is not merely a contest but a dual mechanism: a competition for the most innovative manuscript and an open reading period through which every eligible submission is considered for publication. This structure reflects a rare editorial ethic—one that treats the contest not as a gatekeeping exercise but as a sustained inquiry into what poems and books can be. The press welcomes simultaneous submissions, multiple submissions, co-authored manuscripts, and manuscripts in translation, indicating a broad and generous conception of authorship and literary practice. The award carries a $1,000 prize and publication, with all finalists also considered for publication. There is no entry fee, a policy that aligns with the press's apparent commitment to accessibility and artistic merit rather than financial barriers. Manuscripts must be unpublished and at least 48 pages, with identifying information removed to ensure an equitable reading process. The press explicitly states that it is not interested in submissions generated, in full or in part, by artificial intelligence, invoking Mahmoud Darwish's belief that poetry changes the poet—a criterion that places human transformation at the center of its curatorial vision. While the prize seeks work that challenges expectations, the press notes that all manuscripts are considered for publication, even those that do not aim to push the envelope. This dual focus suggests a curatorial sensibility that values innovation without dismissing traditional craft. The deadline is December 1, 2026, and the absence of a fee, combined with the openness to translation and collaboration, positions the Wishing Jewel Prize as a significant opportunity for poets and writers whose work resists easy categorization.