Shadow and Sax Press is now accepting submissions for the Full-Length Poetry Book Contest, awarding publication to one outstanding poetry manuscript.
We invite poets to submit complete manuscripts of 70–90 pages that demonstrate cohesion, artistic ambition, and a confident, fully realized voice.
One manuscript will be selected for publication.
The Prize
The winning manuscript will receive:
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A publishing contract with Shadow and Sax Press
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10 complimentary author copies of the finished book
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Unlimited author copies available at 60% off the retail price, for personal sale or distribution
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Royalties on all sales to be split equally, with the author receiving 50% of net profits after production costs
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Collaborative design process for layout and cover
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This contest awards publication, not a monetary prize.
Timeline
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Submission deadline: October 1, 2026
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Winner announced: End of November 2026
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Publication: Spring 2027
Publication & Distribution
The winning manuscript will be professionally edited, designed, and published as a full-length poetry book. It will be available through Shadow and Sax’s online store and select independent retailers.
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As a small independent press, our focus is on thoughtful production, transparency, and long-term availability rather than mass-market scale.
Entry Fee
$25 CAD per submission
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Entry fees help cover the labour involved in reading and evaluating full-length manuscripts and support the production of the winning book.