The Spoon River Poetry Review Editor's Prize Contest is an annual competition that awards $1,000 and publication to a single poem. Submissions are open from December 1 to April 15 each year, with a $25 entry fee that includes a yearlong subscription to the journal. The contest is currently closed, with the next submission period scheduled to open on December 1, 2026.
The guidelines specify that up to three previously unpublished poems totaling no more than 10 pages may be submitted.
The contest is open to all poets, and simultaneous submissions are allowed. The winner is selected by a distinguished guest judge, who writes an introduction to the winning poem.
Recent judges have included G.C. Waldrep, Rachel Zucker, and Joshua Corey.
The contest is hosted by the Spoon River Poetry Review, a nonprofit poetry journal based at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, which has been in continuous publication since 1976. The journal publishes new poetry in English and in translation, includes a chapbook-length Illinois Poet showcase and interview, and features an article-length review essay.
The Spoon River Poetry Review Editor's Prize Contest is currently closed to submissions, with the next submission period scheduled to open on December 1, 2026.
Submissions: Up to three unpublished poems, maximum of ten pages total.
Prizes: Winner receives $1000 and an introduction to his or her winning poem written by a prominent outside judge. Two runners up receive $100 each, and three-five honorable mentions are selected.