The Charles Simic Poetry Prize

In memory of Charles Simic, 1938 -2023; beloved poet, friend, mentor.

The Charles Simic Poetry Prize is awarded annually to a single poem of exceptional vision and quality. It is judged by a different poet of note each year.

One winner receives $1000 and publication in the spring issue.
One Editor's Choice receives $200, a piece of memorabilia signed by Charles Simic, and publication in the spring issue.
Three finalists receive regular payment and publication in the spring issue.

The Charles Simic Poetry Prize is open for submissions annually from November 1 to December 1. For details, please read the full guidelines on our Submittable page.

2025 Charles Simic Poetry Prize, Judged by Bill Schulz

Bill Schulz is the Founder and former Editor of Hole in the Head Review. He is the author of the collections Dog or Wolf and Another Psalm. He holds masters degrees from the poetry workshop at The University of New Hampshire and theology from The Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley, CA.