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 about the award

The winning manuscript will be published by Wayfarer Books in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. The winning author will receive a traditional royalty contract and the opportunity to join our award-winning literary press.

All entries will be considered for publication, and finalists and honorable mentions may also receive publication offers if our budget allows.

    HOMEBOUND POETRY PRIZE 2025 Results

    Winner(s) / Tie

    Council of Thunder by Geneva Toland
    Here We Were Happy by Cooper Young

    Finalist

    Wild Mother by Marianne Sundquist

    Honorable Mentions

    Endangered Relations by Dee Horne
    Notes from a Boat by Frederic Stott
    The Sweetest Decline by Vincent Rendoni
    Stone Math by Mike Bove
    My Own Natural History by Celia Meade
    Lex, Your Poetry’s Grotesque by Alexis Rhodes

     

    *The Winner(s) will be extended contracts for publication. 

    Thank you to all who submitted work. 

    Submission

    guidelines

    > 2025 Prize Deadline August 25, 2025 / Results to be posted November 11, 2025.

    Previously unpublished full-length poetry collections.

    Manuscripts must be 48-75 pages (excluding front and back matter).

    A limited number of previously published poems is allowed, but the poet must hold full rights.

    Open to global authors; including those with non-documented status.

    Manuscripts must be in English.

    Multiple entries are allowed, but each must be submitted separately with its own entry fee.

    Employees and current authors of Wayfarer Books and its divisions are not eligible.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Past Winners

    For over a decade, the Homebound Poetry Prize has recognized exceptional voices in contemporary poetry. Each winning collection represents a bold, lyrical exploration of language, identity, and the human experience. Explore past winners—a testament to the power of poetry to challenge, illuminate, and endure.

    Find More Winners in our store

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    Judging & Selection Process

    The editorial team at Wayfarer Books will judge the contest. This is not a blind competition.
    The winning poet will receive a royalty contract and publication in multiple formats (print, ebook, audiobook).
    Finalists and honorable mentions may also be considered for publication.

     

    Why Submit to the Homebound Poetry Prize?

    Join an award-winning independent press dedicated to bold, literary voices.
    Your book published in multiple formats with professional editorial support.
    Visibility & distribution through major retailers.

    Send Your Work

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