Poetry Submissions Open Now: 2026 Deadlines and Fees

Several major poetry venues opened their 2026 reading periods this week. If you are looking for poetry submissions open now, this guide covers four active calls with deadlines from August through October, including reading fees, fee waivers for BIPOC writers, and simultaneous-submission policies.

Poetry submission windows open in 2026

Here are the four venues currently accepting poetry submissions, with their exact deadlines and key details.

The Worcester Review (Volume 46)

The Worcester Review is open for poetry submissions through August 15, 2026. This annual journal from the Worcester County Poetry Association publishes a mix of established and emerging poets. The reading fee is $3, and they offer fee waivers for BIPOC writers. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but you must notify them immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.

Alice James Award

The Alice James Award, run by Alice James Books, is open through October 16, 2026. This prize awards $2,000 and publication for a full-length poetry manuscript. The reading fee is $30, with a $15 fee for BIPOC writers. Simultaneous submissions are permitted, but the press asks that you withdraw your manuscript if it is accepted elsewhere.

Lightscatter Press Prize

The Lightscatter Press Prize runs from July 15 to September 15, 2026. This prize selects one poetry collection for publication, with a $1,000 advance and 25 copies. The reading fee is $25, and fee waivers are available for BIPOC and low-income writers. Simultaneous submissions are accepted, but you must withdraw promptly upon acceptance.

The Kenyon Review

The Kenyon Review opens its poetry submissions window from September 1 to September 30, 2026. This prestigious magazine charges a $5 reading fee, with free submissions for subscribers. They do not offer fee waivers specifically for BIPOC writers, but they do have a general waiver request process. Simultaneous submissions are allowed, and you can update your submission status online.

Reading fees and fee waivers for BIPOC writers

Reading fees are standard across most literary venues, but many now offer waivers or reduced fees to support underrepresented voices. The Worcester Review and Lightscatter Press both provide full fee waivers for BIPOC writers. The Alice James Award reduces the fee from $30 to $15 for BIPOC applicants. The Kenyon Review does not have a dedicated BIPOC waiver, but you can request a fee waiver through their general process, which is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

If you are a BIPOC poet, applying to venues with explicit waivers can save you money while still getting your work considered. Always check the submission guidelines before paying, as some venues require you to email for a waiver code first.

Simultaneous submission policies

All four venues allow simultaneous submissions, which means you can send the same poem or manuscript to multiple places at once. However, each has a different expectation for notifying them of acceptance elsewhere. The Worcester Review asks for immediate notification, while Alice James and Lightscatter require you to withdraw your submission entirely. The Kenyon Review lets you update your status online without a formal withdrawal.

When submitting simultaneously, keep a spreadsheet of where each poem has been sent and track acceptances. This prevents accidental duplicate publications, which can damage your reputation with editors.

How to prepare your poetry submission

Before you submit, read the guidelines carefully. Most venues require a cover letter, a bio, and the manuscript formatted in a specific way. For full-length manuscripts, like the Alice James Award and Lightscatter Press Prize, you typically need 48 to 100 pages of poetry. For journal submissions, like The Worcester Review and The Kenyon Review, you usually submit 3 to 5 poems in a single document.

Polish your work and have a trusted reader review it. Check for typos, consistent formatting, and a strong opening poem. Many editors read the first page first, so make your opening lines compelling.

Also, note that some venues have a rolling review process, meaning they may respond before the deadline. Others wait until the window closes. Be patient and do not query until the stated response time has passed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the deadline for The Worcester Review?

The Worcester Review accepts poetry submissions through August 15, 2026, for Volume 46.

Does the Alice James Award charge a reading fee?

Yes, the Alice James Award charges a $30 reading fee, but BIPOC writers pay a reduced fee of $15.

Can I submit the same poems to multiple contests?

Yes, all four venues listed allow simultaneous submissions, but you must follow their specific notification or withdrawal policies.

Are there fee waivers for low-income poets?

Lightscatter Press offers fee waivers for low-income writers. The Kenyon Review has a general waiver request process, while The Worcester Review and Alice James Award focus waivers on BIPOC writers.

When does The Kenyon Review open for poetry?

The Kenyon Review opens its poetry submissions window on September 1 and closes on September 30, 2026.

For more writing resources and submission tips, explore our Paper trail section. You can also check the Xiaod8 home page for the latest news and guides.