Free poetry contests open in November 2026

Poetry contests and book prizes with no entry fee that are open now or open later this month.

14 calls · updated Nov 14

1. Lore Lorn
   Open until Nov 20Monster of the Month: Lussi · Fee: Free
2. Polyphony Lit
   Open until Nov 30Latin & Heritage Contest 2026 · Fee: Free · Pays: Publication and editing course scholarship for winner and two finalists
3. University of North Texas Press
   Open until Nov 30Rilke Prize · Fee: Free · Pays: $10,000 prize
4. Massachusetts Center for the Book
   Open until Dec 15Massachusetts Book Awards · Fee: Free · Pays: Award and State House recognition
5. Poetry Society of America
   Open until Dec 15Four Quartets Prize · Fee: Free · Pays: $20,000 prize
6. Black Caucus of the American Library Association
   Open until Dec 31Literary Awards · Fee: Free · Pays: $1,000 prize
7. South Florida Poetry Journal (SoFloPoJo)
   Open until Dec 31Maureen Seaton Poetry Prize 2027 · Fee: Free · Pays: $500 prize
8. New Literary Project
   Open until Jan 29, 2027Jack Hazard Fellowships · Fee: Free · Pays: $5,000 prize
9. Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts
   Open until Feb 1, 2027Philip Roth Residencies · Fee: Free · Pays: $5,000 stipend plus lodging
10. Black Caucus of the American Library Association
    Open until Feb 28, 2027Self-Publishing Literary Awards · Fee: Free · Pays: $2,500 prize plus recognition at the ALA conference and award seal
11. Dogwood
    Open year-roundPoetry — Incarcerated Writers · Fee: Free · Pays: $1,000 prize
12. Nina Riggs Poetry Foundation
    Open year-roundNina Riggs Poetry Award · Fee: Free · Pays: At least $1,000 per winner
13. Prairie Heritage, Inc.
    Open year-roundJan Garton Prairie Heritage Book Award · Fee: Free · Pays: $1,000 prize and sponsored book signing
14. Wax Poetry and Art
    Open year-roundArbutus Poetry Contest · Fee: Free · Pays: Online publication; Editor's Choice prize of $10 CAD

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