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Zócalo Public Square Poetry Prize

A project of Zócalo Public Square

We list other projects with similar titles. Please check that you report any submissions under the correct listing.

About

Since 2012, the Zócalo Public Square Poetry Prize has recognized the U.S. writer of a poem that best evokes a connection to place.

We are on the lookout for that rare combination of creativity and clarity, excellence and evocation. The prize interprets “place” in many ways: A location may possess historical, cultural, political, or personal importance, and may be literal, imaginary, or metaphorical.

No Fees! This contest does not charge mandatory fees.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States
Established in 2012

Publication Medium & Contest Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication
Awarded 1 x per year

AI Policy

Unknown AI policy

Statistics Synopsis

Slower
Zócalo Public Square Poetry Prize's overall average response time is slower than most contests.

Poetry Temp Closed

Dates:

Will be open to submissions from 23 November 2026 12:00 AM PST (in 76 days) through 31 January 2027.

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience.

Genres:

General

Lengths:

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:

Place/Regions: General, See guidelines.

Winner's Prize:

Professional payment (US$50 or more per poem) Professional payment. Details: USD $1,000 winner's prize.

Submissions:

Method: Email.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.
Multiple entries: Unknown.
Media: Text.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

Zócalo Public Square 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:
Accuracy
We have received 7 reports from 7 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information.
Days Reported
61 min | 272.4 mean avg | 206.0 median | 678 max days (218.5 std dev)

Other Information

Most recent response reported was received on 31 Aug 2026.
Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 01 Jul 2026.
Date compiled: 07 Sep 2026 19:22 UTC (less than a minute ago).
View report of recent responses from this project

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Before Submitting

We 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.

Dates

Last Updated: 21 Aug 2026

We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year.

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