Poetry Box Chapbook Prize

Manuscript submissions

Before submitting, read several winning chapbooks from The Poetry Box to understand the press's aesthetic range—it favors work that is accessible yet layered, with a clear emotional or intellectual arc. Ensure your manuscript is a cohesive collection, not a miscellany; the prize rewards a unified project. Follow the guidelines precisely: typically 20–30 pages, no simultaneous submissions unless stated, and a modest reading fee. Proofread meticulously, as the press values clean copy. Include a brief, professional cover letter that situates your work without over-explaining. If you have prior publications, list them concisely. Finally, be patient: the press is small, and response times may be longer than larger contests.