Hurt & Healing Prize A project of Frontier Poetry (see other related projects). About As poets, we begin our journey by bearing witness. Poetry is the language of observation and we often see signs and symbols in the world that others overlook. But we can’t always stay on the sidelines—sometimes life throws us into the world before we’re ready, which can lead to undue harm. We all feel pain, but the question then becomes: What can we do with it?The quote above is from Olivia Benson, protagonist of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, played by Mariska Hargitay. The link between this television show and our poetry contest might not be obvious, but Hargitay not only bears witness in her twenty-five year run as Detective Olivia Benson, she commits to protect the most vulnerable among us and fosters a space for healing as well. Her dedication is admirable, and we at Frontier are making the same promise. Let’s not forget that the word “poem” comes from the Greek word for “create.” It’s not just about seeing or believing, it’s about what you make from what you’ve seen and what you’ve learned. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for some submissions. They charge fees, except for historically marginalized groups. The fee is USD $20 (average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to poets with no more than one full-length published work forthcoming at the time of submission. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Electronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis FasterHurt & Healing Prize's overall average response time is faster than most contests. More ChallengingHurt & Healing Prize's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveHurt & Healing Prize's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poem: No line limits known; Up to 3 pieces.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics including... Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: USD $3,000 first place prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookX (Twitter) @FrontierPoetry For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Hurt & Healing Prize Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 43 reports from 42 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 20 min | 46.5 mean avg | 48.0 median | 108 max days (45.3 std dev) Responses 100 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 100.00 % (45.4 avg. days per rejection) | 25.6 % personal, 48.8 % form, 25.6 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals - Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $20.00. (72.1 % of reports specified whether they paid a fee; of those, 96.8 % paid fees.) Most submissions are acknowledged within one day. Most recent response reported was received on 10 May 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 09 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 17 Sep 2026 23:56 UTC (less than a minute ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsThe Antioch-Frontier Fellowship Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsBreakthrough Chapbook Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsFamily & Home Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier PoetryFrontier Poetry Award for New Poets CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Debut Chapbook Prize Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Devotion & Divination Prize NEW! Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Ekphrastic Poetry Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Epistolary Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Industry Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Misfit Poems Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Nature & Place Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Ode on a Grecian Vacation Challenge CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Open Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Portrait Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Poetry Themed Contests DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsFrontier Summer Poetry Award BELIEVED DEFUNCT Charges fees for all submissionsGlobal Poetry Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsMyths & Fables Prize Charges fees for all submissionsTypes of Burns Series CLOSED Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 09 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only