Empyrean's Spring '26 Poetry Writing Contest
We’re excited to announce that Empyrean's Spring '26 Poetry Writing Contest is now open for entries.
All of Empyrean's contests are run in partnership with Kada's Bookstore, and is for English-language poets who are currently residing in the United States.
The theme for this issue is Faith & Belief.
The theme of Faith & Belief invites writers to explore the profound and often personal realms of conviction, trust, and spiritual understanding. This theme encourages reflection on the ways in which faith shapes identity, influences decisions, and offers solace in times of uncertainty. It also opens the door to examining the complexities, doubts, and conflicts that can arise within the realm of belief, highlighting the diverse ways individuals and communities find meaning and purpose through their convictions.
Writers are encouraged to engage with the theme in a variety of approaches, such as personal memoirs of moments when faith was tested or reaffirmed, fictional narratives that delve into characters' spiritual journeys, or poetic reflections on the nature of belief. Other possibilities include essays examining societal implications of shared faith, allegorical stories illustrating the power of trust, or experimental pieces that challenge traditional notions of spirituality.
The Poetry Contest only accepts entries of poetry portfolios (3 – 10 poems per portfolio), as opposed to single-poem entries.
We look forward to reading your submissions.
All of Empyrean's contests are run in partnership with Kada's Bookstore, and is for English-language poets who are currently residing in the United States.
The theme for this issue is Faith & Belief.
The theme of Faith & Belief invites writers to explore the profound and often personal realms of conviction, trust, and spiritual understanding. This theme encourages reflection on the ways in which faith shapes identity, influences decisions, and offers solace in times of uncertainty. It also opens the door to examining the complexities, doubts, and conflicts that can arise within the realm of belief, highlighting the diverse ways individuals and communities find meaning and purpose through their convictions.
Writers are encouraged to engage with the theme in a variety of approaches, such as personal memoirs of moments when faith was tested or reaffirmed, fictional narratives that delve into characters' spiritual journeys, or poetic reflections on the nature of belief. Other possibilities include essays examining societal implications of shared faith, allegorical stories illustrating the power of trust, or experimental pieces that challenge traditional notions of spirituality.
The Poetry Contest only accepts entries of poetry portfolios (3 – 10 poems per portfolio), as opposed to single-poem entries.
- The first place winning poet will get 2 free copies of the print magazine, exclusive featured placement in magazine and acknowledgement on the website, will be recognized as a special addition to the magazine on the author's and credit pages and front cover, and will be featured as a author spotlight on the back cover of the print magazine along with the short story winner.
- The second place winning poet will get 2 free copies of the print magazine, exclusive featured placement in magazine and acknowledgement on the website, and will be recognized as a special addition to the magazine on the author's pages.
- The third place winning poet will get 2 free copies of the print magazine, and featured placement in magazine and website.
We look forward to reading your submissions.
Terms of Entry
- Empyrean's Poetry Writing Contest is open to all writers, published and unpublished, who are currently residents of the United States.
- Poets may submit up to 2 entries each, written in English.
- Entries must be in the form of portfolios; a portfolio must contain 3 – 10 poems. Each individual poem must start on a new page, beginning with a title underlined. One or all the poems may be chosen to win. Portfolios that are not between 3 and 10 poems will not be eligible.
- Please include a cover letter on the first page of your submission, which lists the titles of the poems in your submission, your name, your mailing address, and your email address. Entries must be sent in the following formats only: .doc or .docx.
- Submissions should be revised and edited final drafts.
- Entrants must pay the entry fee of $12 in order to be eligible.
- Entry fees and submissions must be made in the following manner: pay for an entry via Empyrean’s online store; you will receive an email receipt once payment has been made; submit using the form on Empyrean’s website and include the order reference number.
- Only submissions received and paid for by 11:59 p.m. (MST) on 15 February 2026 will be considered. Entries that are not paid for, incomplete, are corrupted or submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
- The entry must be the entrant’s own original creation and must not infringe upon the right or copyright of any person or entity.
- Shortlisted entrants will be notified by email when they have made the list. Unsuccessful entrants will not be contacted.
- The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the judging process.
- Empyrean does accept simultaneous submissions, provided that you notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere. We also ask that, once you have acknowledged our acceptance, you withdraw the work from consideration elsewhere or forfeit the prize.
- Empyrean will have the exclusive right to publish the winning and shortlisted portfolios for six months from first publication in The Empyrean Literary Magazine. After six months, the rights will revert to the author. Should the poems be published elsewhere, we ask that the appropriate credit is acknowledge in print that Empyrean published it first.
Only submissions which meet all Terms and Conditions will be considered.
By entering this competition, each entrant agrees to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
How to Enter
Entries cost $13 each. Up to 4 submissions will be accepted from a single writer. To enter, purchase a ‘Contest Entry Ticket’ from our online store. Then fill out the submission form and enter the order reference number (either the transaction ID and an invoice ID number works), along with your submission as a word.doc, in the form below. Only entries with valid order reference numbers will be considered.
The theme for this issue is Faith & Belief.
Faith and Belief serve as profound metaphors that illuminate the enduring human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection beyond the tangible world. We invite writers to explore the inner landscapes of conviction, hope, and the unseen forces that shape our understanding of existence. This theme encompasses the steadfast devotion of individuals to their ideals, the unwavering trust in something greater than oneself, and the spiritual journeys that challenge and transform belief systems. Through the lens of faith and belief, we can delve into the tension between doubt and certainty, the resilience of hope amidst uncertainty, and the transformative power of conviction. Ultimately, this theme encourages reflection on how belief can both anchor us in times of chaos and propel us toward growth, revealing the profound depths of the human spirit's yearning for connection and transcendence.
Faith and Belief serve as profound metaphors that illuminate the enduring human quest for meaning, purpose, and connection beyond the tangible world. We invite writers to explore the inner landscapes of conviction, hope, and the unseen forces that shape our understanding of existence. This theme encompasses the steadfast devotion of individuals to their ideals, the unwavering trust in something greater than oneself, and the spiritual journeys that challenge and transform belief systems. Through the lens of faith and belief, we can delve into the tension between doubt and certainty, the resilience of hope amidst uncertainty, and the transformative power of conviction. Ultimately, this theme encourages reflection on how belief can both anchor us in times of chaos and propel us toward growth, revealing the profound depths of the human spirit's yearning for connection and transcendence.