Submission Info
The Jack McCarthy Book Prize Contest is coming, April 1, 2025- April 30, 2025
Why Publish a Poetry Book?
Publishing a full-length poetry collection is a transformative milestone that opens doors you didn't even know existed. A published book establishes you in the literary world, creating opportunities for:
- Featured readings at prestigious venues and festivals
- Applications to competitive writing residencies and fellowships
- Teaching positions and workshop leadership
- Grant and award eligibility
- Building a dedicated readership and connecting with poetry lovers worldwide
- Creating a lasting artistic legacy
- Joining a community of accomplished writers who support each other
Most importantly, your words will find their way into the hands of readers who need them, creating those magical moments of connection that only poetry can provide.
What is the Jack McCarthy Book Prize?
The Jack McCarthy Book Prize is our annual manuscript contest seeking bold new voices in contemporary poetry. We're looking for work that moves people, changes lives, and deserves a beautiful home on paper. If your poems keep people awake at night (in the best way), we want to read them. Do you write well and read well out loud? We are the press for you.
Ready to Submit?
Submit your work at: writebloodypublishing.submittable.com
What's the Timeline for 2025?
- April 1st-April 30th: Submissions open (12:01 am Pacific time April 1st and will close at 11:59 pm Pacific time on April 30th). No extensions will be granted.
- May 17th: First-round finalists announced on Instagram (@writebloodypublishing) and writebloody.com
- June 17th: Top 20 finalists submit 20-poem manuscript
- July 15th: Winners announced (1-8 poets will be selected)
- 2026: Selected manuscripts published
What do winners receive?
Winners receive:
- Full publication of their manuscript with professional editing, design, and distribution
- 50% royalty rate on net sales after first 500 books sold
- Marketing and publicity campaign
- Initial print run with industry-standard distribution
- Featured spot on our catalog and website
- Access to wholesale pricing for author copies (you keep 100% of sales at readings)
-Annual royalty payouts
-International distribution through IPG
What are the submission guidelines?
- Initial submission: 5 poems, can be published in chapbooks, magazines or anthologies, no previously published poems from full length collections. (please include acknowledgments)
- If selected as finalist: submit 20-poem manuscript
- Final manuscript length: 40-50 poems
- Work must be previously unpublished as a complete collection
- Simultaneous submissions are welcome (just let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere before signing contract)
- All styles and subjects welcome, well crafted poems for the page do best What are the author commitments?
If selected, authors agree to:
- Perform at least 20 shows following book launch (can be local to your area)
- Maintain an active, professional website at least 3 months before publication
- Engage with our marketing team for promotional opportunities
- Be awesome and easy to work with (we're a small, passionate team)
How are manuscripts judged?
Manuscripts are read blind by our editorial team and a rotating panel of established poets. We're looking for:
- Strong, distinctive voice
- Technical skill and mastery of craft
- a moment to be moved, range of emotion
- Work that feels necessary and creative
- Manuscripts that hang together as a complete collection
How do I stay updated?
- Follow us on Instagram: @writebloodypublishing
- Check our website: writebloody.com
- Sign up for our newsletter
- No extensions will be granted for any deadlines
Questions?
Email us at writebloody@gmail.com / We try to respond within 48 hours.
Who was Jack McCarthy?
Jack McCarthy was a beloved Boston poet who embodied everything we value: artistic excellence, authenticity, and the ability to connect deeply with audiences. He was warm and he loved people and we understood his heart the minute he started to read his work. This prize honors his legacy of making poetry accessible, powerful, and necessary.
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"Poetry Ain't Dead"