The Poetry Chapbook Prize 2026
The Headlight Review’s Annual Poetry Chapbook Prize of 2026 is accepting submissions through March 31st, 2026. Our first round finalists will be judged by Alafia Nichole Sessions and will have their poems featured in an upcoming issue. The winner of The Headlight Review’s 2026 Poetry Chapbook Prize Contest will receive publication (a perfectly bound book with a full color or black/white cover), an award of $500, and 25 copies of the book.
Finalist Announcement Coming in May 2026.
Seeking New Southern Writing!
We are pleased to open submissions our special double issue, “New Southern Writing.” We strive to highlight Southern literature and encourage works from emerging and experienced writers that explore the beauty and nuances of their relationship to the South, Southern identity, tradition, change, landscape, and people. A 'Southern writer’ encompasses the past and present, both within and outside the South, with an eye to the future.
The Headlight Review is deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity amongst the staff and its contributors. We value varying editorial experience levels and consider aspects of identity, including race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability status, a pivotal part of artistic work. We encourage submissions from marginalized and underrepresented communities and perspectives, including emergent creators of color and those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
