North Coast Voices 2026

Poetry and Images of the Great Lakes Region

What is it that makes a region unique? That’s the question we want to answer.

For this annual anthology, we define America’s North Coast as the states adjacent to the Great Lakes. We want to hear the poetic stories of those who have lived, worked, vacationed or just passed through.

We want to see images as well, whether it’s photographs, paintings, pen and ink: What does the region convey from a visual artist’s point of view?

Guidelines (poetry):

• Submission period opens May 1 and ends June 30.
• Include a cover letter with the author’s name, contact information, and a list of the titles entered. Please let us know which of these entries have not been previously published.
• No names should appear on the entry file and no bio on the cover letter. Poems will be judged blindly.
• Maximum length per poem is 60 lines.
• No AI generated work.
• Previously published will be considered but will not be eligible for prize money.
• Simultaneous submissions are allowed. Please withdraw if accepted elsewhere.
• Submissions will be processed through Submittable (Link below).
• All contributors will receive one free copy.
• We will award prizes for the best poems that have NOT been previously published. To be considered for these awards, authors must identify whether their work as previously unpublished in their cover letter. Award amounts: $150/$75/$50 for First through Third
• Place, Honorable Mentions receive $25/each.
• Entry fee: $5 for up to three poems. Multiple entries are permitted, but each entry will cost $5/3 poems. Payments are handled by Submittable and they accept credit/debit cards or ACH payments.

Guidelines (images):

• Submission period opens May 1 and ends June 30.
• Include a cover letter with the author’s name, contact information, and a list of the images entered. We realize not all artists and photographers title their work, but we need it for the sake of judging, so help us out here.
• No AI generated photos or artwork.
• No images for which the artist/photographer has already received an award or payment.
• All entries should be presented in jpg or pdf format and emailed to editormsr@outlook.com
• No names should appear on image and no bio on the cover letter. Images will be judged blindly.
• All contributors will receive one contributor copy.
• Prizes will be $150 (cover)/$75/$50 for Second and Third Place, Honorable Mentions receive $25/each.
• Entry fee: $5 for up to three images. Multiple entries are permitted, but it’s $5/3 items.
• Payments can be made by check, Venmo, Zelle, or credit/debit card (the latter will need to be invoiced).
• Please wait for confirmation of payment receipt to email entries.

Questions regarding this anthology should be directed to EditorMSR@Outlook.com