The Cardinal Poetry Prize A project of Wesleyan University Press (see other related projects). This listing may be deactivated on: 16 Sep 2026. Learn about this process. About The Cardinal Poetry Prize was conceived by John Murillo, poet and Associate Professor of English at Wesleyan University, as a unique opportunity for serious poets who have taken their time and decided not to rush publication, for the studious, rigorous, midnight oil burning, patient ones who are finally satisfied that they have something worthy of readers. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to those ages 40 and older who have not published a poetry book or not have published a new original poetry collection within the last 10 years. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2023 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded biennially (every other year) AI Policy AI use may be permitted in some circumstances (see their site for details) Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed The Cardinal Poetry Prize's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingThe Cardinal Poetry Prize's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveThe Cardinal Poetry Prize's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poetry Collection: 48 - 64 pages.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro advance (US$200-1999) + Unknown royalties Semi-pro advance. Unknown royalties. Details: USD $1,000 prize.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Unknown.Multiple entries: Unknown.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 FacebookInstagram @weslpressX (Twitter) @weslpress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) For the Editor(s): Request Interview Link to Duotrope The Cardinal Poetry 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 31 reports from 30 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 10 min | 80.6 mean avg | 77.0 median | 101 max days (19.8 std dev) Responses 87.10 % 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: 87.10 % (83.0 avg. days per rejection) | 44.4 % personal, 25.9 % form, 29.6 % unspecified | 3.2 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 12.90 % (40.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $25.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 31 May 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 28 Feb 2026. Date compiled: 16 Sep 2026 20:41 UTC (47 minutes 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 ProjectsBest American Experimental Writing CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsParis Press DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsSpiraling CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsWesleyan University Press 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: 19 Aug 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