TWF 2026 Poetry Prize (June 1st - Aug. 31)

The Words Faire Press

Prize $250 + Publication & Featured Interview

We accept submissions of one to three previously unpublished verse or prose poems up to 1,000 words each.  Please do not include any identifying information on the file submission of your piece, only in your cover letter.

The Winning Poem and Runner-Ups will be published in ISSUE II of TWF 

ISSUE II (June 1st - Aug. 31st): Umwelt

A term coined by German philosopher Jakob von Uexküll, Umwelt describes the intrinsic perception of reality through the eyes of a singular creature, unable to be recreated in the mind of another as it belongs solely to the perceiver. Submissions speaking to the theme of this philosophical concept can be contradictory or conciliatory, and will consider subjective versus objective truths and metamodern understanding of our current reality.

TWF runs four prizes annually. All prizes have a $15 entry fee, which includes a complimentary journal issue (either print or digital) delivered to you. Submissions will be judged anonymously by the editorial staff and final guest judge. All entries are considered for publication, but the winner receives publication, three complimentary author copies, and a $250 honorarium.

2026 Poetry Prize Guest Judge: TBA

Please include the following with each submission:  

• A 100-150 word third-person bio, to be used as the contributor’s note should your work be accepted.
• Social media handles (Twitter and Instagram), if you’d like to be promoted online.
• An optional cover letter to introduce the work, yourself, provide some context to your submission; please note that this in no way impacts the likelihood of publication.
• Finally, we would appreciate knowing how you found the prize (social, ad listing, database search, reference, etc).  

The Words Faire is an independent publishing company based out of Dayton, Ohio. Made by creatives for creatives, our goal is to elevate breakout authors, artists and more who need to get their foot in the door of their chosen creative industry. We aim to provide a platform for those who want to reach an audience through our collection of curated worldwide creative excellence. 

TWF does not discriminate based on the background, education, or identity of those who send work to us. All work is evaluated solely on merit, without regard for any other consideration whatsoever. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to send in their work, and look for writing exploring the range of the human condition.  

Special Note on Entry Fees: Please purchase submission fee and complimentary publication for $15 via The Words Faire site. Then, complete your submission to the contest for no additional charge. You will need an active submission fee (identified during your submission with your name and/or piece title) to have your work considered for publication and to be eligible to receive the award and prize money.   

If you have any questions about the requirements or specifications of the contest review the guidelines on thewordsfaire.com, contact us at thewordsfaire@gmail.com or message us on Instagram HERE.