Wesleyan University Press publishes poetry books, and scholarly books on music, dance and culture. To submit to one of our series, please use the appropriate submission form. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to read your work!
- Author must be aged 40 or older by December 31, 2026.
- Author must not have published a poetry book or not have published a new original poetry collection within the last 10 years. (Books published prior to June 1, 2016 will not disqualify an applicant. “Poetry book” is understood to be a collection of the author’s work totaling more than 40 pages, and does not include self-published works, books published by vanity presses, anthologies, or books of fiction or non-fiction.)
- Manuscripts must be primarily in English.
- Manuscript must be the sole creation of the author.
- Translations will not be considered.
- Submission length: 48–64 pages, using an 8 1/2 x 11 inch page, 1 inch margins and 12 point font.
- $25 entry fee. Inquire with oegger@wesleyan.edu if you wish to request the fee be waived due to financial limits/hardship.
Further information at: https://www.weslpress.org/the-cardinal-poetry-prize/
About the Prize
The Cardinal Poetry Prize was conceived by poet John Murillo as a unique opportunity for serious poets who have taken their time and decided not to rush publication, for the studious, rigorous, midnight oil burning, patient ones who are finally satisfied that they have something worthy of readers. The winner will be selected by the guest judge, former US poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, following an initial screening process conducted by coeditors Murillo and Suzanna Tamminen (Director and Editor-in-Chief of Wesleyan University Press), and Oliver Egger (Consulting Editor.)