X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize A project of Texas Review Press (see other related projects). About Established in 1998, The X. J. Kennedy Prize seeks to publish one full-length collection of poetry per year. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $28 (above average for contests). Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 1998 Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Slower X. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingX. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveX. J. Kennedy Poetry Prize's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Open Fee-based Dates:Open to poetry submissions through 30 September 2026* (approx. 21 days from now).12Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poetry Collection: 50 - 100 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:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + Unknown royalties Provides free copy/copies Professional advance. Unknown royalties. Provides free copy/copies. Details: USD $10,000 advance and "standard" royalties. See their site for more details.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.* We do not know the time and/or timezone, so we cannot be more precise. Submit early to avoid disappointment. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @texasreviewpressX (Twitter) @txreviewpress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope X. J. Kennedy 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 39 reports from 39 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 59 min | 156.7 mean avg | 147.0 median | 228 max days (36.1 std dev) Responses 87.18 % 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: 87.18 % (159.9 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 70.6 % form, 29.4 % unspecified | 2.6 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 12.82 % (118.2 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 9 responses are pending (1 min | 36.0 mean avg | 33.0 median | 70 max days waiting | 320.3 std dev) from 9 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $28.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 24 Feb 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Sep 2025. Date compiled: 09 Sep 2026 18:26 UTC (6 hours, 34 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 ProjectsClay Reynolds Novella Prize Charges fees for all submissionsGeorge Garrett Fiction Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Robert Phillips Poetry Chapbook Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Sabine Series in LiteratureTexas Review PressThe TRP Southern Poetry Breakthrough Series DNQVersoFrontera SeriesThe World We See: Women Poets on Neurodivergence CLOSED Charges fees for some submissions 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: 21 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. 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