The WriteLight Group’s National Poetry Month Chapbook Contest 2026

Celebrate National Poetry Month with The WriteLight Group! Submit your poetry chapbook manuscript for a chance to win a professional publication package valued at $1,800.

SUBMIT YOUR CHAPBOOK MANUSCRIPT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATION!

Submissions Open March 15 – April 30, 2026

Entry Fee: $10

Winner, 2nd Place, and 3rd Place Announced Shortly After

Enter Below

Prizes

FIRST PLACE: Professional Publication Package ($1,800 value)

The winning manuscript will receive:

  • Professional book cover design of the author’s choice

  • Print publication through KDP or IngramSpark

  • eBook publication through NOOK or Kindle

  • Your choice of a second publication format

The package also includes:

  • Personalized author support

  • Creation and setup of any necessary publishing accounts

  • Professional book formatting

  • KDP ISBN for print books (eBook ISBN available upon request)

  • PDF proofs for review before publication

  • Final book files

  • Print-on-demand and online distribution

  • Pricing guidance

  • Five final author copies (print version only)

  • All rights, copyrights, and royalties remain with the author

SECOND PLACE: 75% off any WriteLight package

This discount may be applied toward:

  • Traditional publishing guidance

  • Self-publishing packages

  • Author website design

  • Marketing services

THIRD PLACE: 50% off any WriteLight package

This discount may be applied toward the same packages listed above.

 

Eligibility

  • The contest is open to writers age 18 and older.

  • Entrants must be residents of the United States.

  • Only one submission per writer is permitted.

Submission Guidelines

  • Poetry only. All poetic forms are welcome, including free verse, prose poetry, and experimental forms.

  • Manuscripts must be 20–40 pages in length.

  • Manuscripts should include:

    • A title page

    • A table of contents (if applicable)

    • An acknowledgments page if appropriate

  • Pages should be numbered.

  • Use a clear, easy-to-read font such as Calibri or Times New Roman.

  • Standard formatting is recommended (12 pt font).

  • Manuscripts should be submitted as one complete document.

Submissions that do not follow these guidelines may be returned unread.

How to Submit

1) Use the submission button below to remit the $10 entry fee.

Pay Entry Fee & Start Your Submission

2) After payment, you will receive a Google Form submission link from info@writelightgroup.com.

3) Upload your manuscript through the form.

If you experience any issues, please contact info@writelightgroup.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I choose my chapbook cover design?

Yes! The winner can choose the color scheme, fonts, and one stock image, graphic, or pattern for their cover.

Can I submit multiple manuscripts?

No. Only one submission per writer is permitted.

Can previously published poems be included?

Yes, as long as you retain the rights to those poems.

What happens if my manuscript doesn’t follow the guidelines?

Submissions that do not meet the contest guidelines may be returned unread.

What is your policy on original content?

All submissions must be the original work of the author. Any manuscript found to contain plagiarized material will be disqualified.

Is the submission fee refundable?

No. The $10 entry fee is non-refundable.

Why is there an entry fee for the chapbook contest?

The fee supports the behind the scenes work of running the contest, including administration, judging, and submission infrastructure, and helps fund the professional production of the winning chapbook.

Can prizes be redeemed for cash?

No. Prize packages and discounts cannot be redeemed for cash and cannot be combined with other promotions.

Will I receive feedback on my submission?

Due to the volume of entries, individual editorial feedback cannot be provided for contest submissions.

I have another question.

Feel free to reach out to us here or email info@writelightgroup.com if you have any more questions or need further details.

Additional Terms

  • By entering the contest, writers confirm that all submitted work is their own and that they hold the rights to the material.

  • The WriteLight Group reserves the right to decline publication if a manuscript requires extensive revision beyond standard formatting and proofreading.

  • The WriteLight Group reserves the right to not award a prize if submissions do not meet contest standards.

  • All contest decisions made by The WriteLight Group are final.

  • By entering the contest, writers grant The WriteLight Group permission to announce winners and finalists.

We look forward to discovering the voice that will become this year’s winning chapbook!

The WriteLight Group