Poetry has long been a space for creative expression, but some poems defy convention, break boundaries, and refuse to fit neatly into traditional forms. The 2025 Misfit Poems Prize from Frontier Poetry is dedicated to recognizing these outliers—the bold, unconventional, and experimental works that challenge expectations. This contest invites emerging poets to submit their most daring, unexpected, and original pieces for a chance to win publication and cash prizes.

Eligibility Requirements for the Misfit Poems Prize

• Open to new and emerging poets who have published no more than one full-length poetry collection (forthcoming or previously published).
• Poets from all backgrounds and styles are welcome, with no restrictions on aesthetic or subject matter.
• Submissions are open internationally to poets writing in English. While multilingual elements are welcome, the poem should primarily be in English.
• Poets who have a personal relationship with the contest judge are not eligible to submit.
• AI-generated poetry will not be accepted.

How to earn your first $100 as a freelance writer 

Submission Requirements for the Misfit Poems Prize

• Poets may submit up to three poems per entry (maximum of five pages).
• Submissions must be unpublished and free from identifying information.
• A $20 reading fee applies per submission.
• Poets may submit multiple times, but each submission requires a separate fee.
• A brief cover letter should accompany the submission, including a short bio and any applicable content warnings.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but poets must notify Frontier Poetry if a poem is accepted elsewhere.
• A free submission window was available for marginalized poets (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, disabled) but has since reached capacity.

Prizes & Benefits

• First Place: $2,000 and publication.
• Second Place: $300 and publication.
• Third Place: $200 and publication.
• Winning poets will be featured in Frontier Poetry, gaining visibility among literary professionals and fellow poets.

• Poets seeking additional feedback may opt for an editorial critique:
  • $59: Two pages of detailed feedback from a professional editor.
  • $149: Three letters of feedback from three different editors.

Some advice from poets

This contest celebrates the unconventional, the experimental, and the daring. Poets should submit work that challenges the norms of poetry and offers fresh perspectives. Submissions close on May 4, 2025.

For more details, visit Frontier Poetry and explore past winners and featured poets.