After a successful year of the 2025 Silent River Poetry Prize, River Paw Press is pleased to announce the Call for Submissions for the Silent River Poetry Prize™ 2026.
We warmly invite poets to submit their chapbook manuscripts for consideration. We offer a total prize value of $500, which includes a cash honorarium as well as publication by River Paw Press—a commitment to bringing important poetic voices, both new and established, into the literary world.
Submissions are accepted via Duotrope or directly through the River Paw Press website. The submission deadline is April 30, 2026. Full submission guidelines, eligibility details, and terms and conditions can be found on submission page.
“The Silent River Poetry Prize™ is established to discover and recognize outstanding works of poetry by writers and poets residing in the USA. The prize is offered in the Poetry Chapbook category and is open to all poets, including previously published authors.“
While we are open to poetry on any theme, we have a particular inclination toward literature that arises from deeply lived experiences; work that dares to be vulnerable, yet uplifts, reassures, and offers profound insights into the aesthetics of life, appealing to a wide range of readers. If you believe in the power of words to reflect, inspire, enlighten, and reveal the beauty and meaning of our existence, you have found the right venue to submit your work.
You may also explore our 2025 Prize Press Release on the website to learn more about last year’s award and winning work.
