2025 - 2026 PJI Prize: BIPOC Writers
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PJI EDITOR'S PRIZE: SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 2025-2026
Contest is open to BIPOC writers, with or without previous book-length publication
Winning volume will be published by Fordham Press
Winning author will receive $1,000, a virtual launch with Poetic Justice Institute, and a one-on-one publicity consultation
Deadline: October 15, 2025 PJI Editor's Prize Judge: Elisabeth Frost
GUIDELINES Manuscripts that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be read. We accept manuscripts ONLINE ONLY.
- Manuscripts must be previously unpublished, original and in English (no translations)
- Manuscripts must be formatted for 8 ½ x 11 letter sized paper; pages must be numbered
- Suggested length: 50-100 pages (approximate)
- Manuscripts should include a table of contents and list of acknowledgments (if applicable)
- Manuscripts may include images or graphic elements
- The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript; any ms. that includes the author’s information will be disqualified
- There is no entry fee
- Manuscripts cannot be commented upon; no changes can be made after submission
- Multiple entries are allowed, provided each submission complies with these guidelines
- Notify us if another publisher accepts your manuscript after it is submitted via our online submissions manager or at: https://poetic-justice.org/contact
- The PJI Prizes are not open to: students or employees of Fordham University; current or former students or friends of the Prize judge or the series editor
- Entries will be read anonymously
- PJI complies with the CLMP code of ethics (see below)
JUDGING PROCESS Manuscripts are read anonymously by a group of qualified poets/critics, selected by the series editor. If a reader recognizes a manuscript or knows its author, that manuscript is forwarded to a different reader or readers. Finalist submissions are read by the series editor over a period of weeks.
RESULTS Results will be announced in Spring 2025. Please check Submittable or poetic-justice.org for notification of winners and finalists.
CLMP CONTEST CODE OF ETHICS CLMP's community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines—defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.
Questions? Contact us at: https://poetic-justice.org/contact