Manuscript Submissions

It's almost time for our open reading period for manuscripts of poetry and poetry in translation! We're looking for your best work. Whether you're submitting the first full-length book you've ever written or your twelfth, you are eligible.   

There will be a $5 submission/reading fee this year. Then, after you submit your manuscript, we will send you a coupon code to take $5 off of any regularly priced book from our website.  

The Song Cave strongly encourages submissions from people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins or ancestries, socioeconomic statuses, races, formerly incarcerated statuses, religions, and sexualities.  

Our reading period will begin at noon (Eastern Time) on June 15th, 2026, and will stay open until we reach capacity (400 manuscripts). We imagine we will fill up pretty quickly! We will then announce our results in October, and will publish the selected manuscripts in 2027/2028.   

Please submit your poetry manuscript (a minimum of 48 pages) as a PDF. Simultaneous submissions are acceptable. All translated manuscripts must include the completed English translation. Please notify us immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere. No revisions will be considered during the reading period once a manuscript has been submitted. Only one manuscript can be submitted by each author.

*We will post a link to our submittable portal here on June 15th, when we open!*

We look forward to reading your work!  

 - Alan & Ben, The Song Cave