North Coast Voices

Poetry and Images of the Great Lakes Region

Volume II is due out in January, 2027
Reading for Volume III will begin March 1, 2027

We’ve moved up the reading period in order to set future release dates in November

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 March 1 and ends May 1.
• Include a cover letter with the author’s name, contact information, and a list of the titles entered. While we will consider previously published, authors MUST identify an item if it has been and “NEW” work will be given preference over previously published when it comes to a final cut down.
• No names should appear on the entry file and no bio on the cover letter. Poems will be judged blindly.
• WORD file submissions only–no PDFs–12pt Times New Roman (or other Serif font) preferred.
• Submittable will only allow you to select a single file to enter, so place all of your entries in ONE file.
• Maximum length per poem is 60 lines. Maximum width 4.5 inches.
• 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. Unless stated otherwise, we will assume work has NOT been previously published. It’s important that authors inform us if a piece has been previously published.
• 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 March 1 and ends May 1.
• All image entries should be presented in jpg or pdf format and emailed as attachments to editormsr@outlook.com
• Include a cover letter with the author’s name, physical address, and a list of the images (even if you are just numbering them). We realize not all artists and photographers title their work, but we need it for the sake of selection, so help us out here.
• No AI generated images.
• No images for which the artist/photographer has already received an award or payment.
• Artwork selected for cover will receive $100 honorarium.
• All contributors will receive one contributor copy.
• Send no more than 3 images, please.

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