Mississippi Review Poetry Prize (2027)
Overview
Mississippi Review, a literary journal with a long-standing commitment to contemporary poetry, is currently accepting submissions for its 2027 Contest Issue. The selected work will appear in the Summer 2027 issue, placing it within a publication that has historically featured both emerging and established voices. The contest is open to poets worldwide, though current and former employees and students of the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as those affiliated with Mississippi Review staff, are ineligible. The journal reads anonymously, ensuring that each submission is evaluated on its own merits. The entry fee is $16.00 per submission, and poets may submit multiple entries, each requiring a separate fee. Submissions should consist of 3–5 poems totaling no more than 10 pages, combined into a single document. Previously published work is not eligible. Simultaneous submissions are welcomed, provided the journal is notified immediately upon acceptance elsewhere. Translations and work primarily in a language other than English are not specified as eligible in the provided guidelines, and poets should consult the full guidelines for clarification. While no monetary prize is listed, the primary reward is publication in a respected literary journal. The contest issue is a curated space, and the editorial vision emphasizes anonymous evaluation, allowing the work to speak for itself. Poets are encouraged to present a cohesive yet varied selection that demonstrates range and control. The journal’s history suggests an appreciation for craft, originality, and voices that contribute meaningfully to the contemporary poetic landscape.