Send manuscripts of 48 or more pages of poetry, no more than one poem per page, no smaller than 12 point type in an easily readable font. Poems may have appeared in journals and chapbooks, but not in full-length, single-author collections. Former students and close friends of the current year's judge may not enter the Idaho Prize. Simultaneous submissions are permissable, but entrants are asked to notify Lost Horse Press immediately if a manuscript becomes committed elsewhere.

Name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and title of work must appear on the cover letter only. Our goal is “blind” judging. Author’s name should not appear anywhere in manuscript except the cover letter. 

No restriction on content, style, or subject—we’re looking for the best manuscript.

All checks or money orders for entry fee—$25—should be made payable to Lost Horse Press. Submissions without a reading fee enclosed will not be considered. A $50 fee will be charged for returned checks.

Include SASE (number #10 business envelope) with sufficient postage for notification of finalists and winner. Manuscripts will be recycled. We are sorry but manuscripts cannot be returned.

If manuscripts arrive postage due, they will be returned.

Use white, lightweight paper. Quality paper won’t impress readers the way a quality manuscript will.

Print on one side only. Type—no handwriting should appear anywhere on the manuscript.

Entries submitted by e-mail or fax are not permitted and will be disqualified.

In addition to announcements in national publications, the winning book and author will be featured on the Lost Horse Press website, along with a list of the finalists.

Lost Horse Press adheres to the CLMP Code of Ethics: 

CLMP's community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines—defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.

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