Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Open calls (if any) are below, but in the meantime, here's what's upcoming:

  • CLOSED! Litmosphere Journal—Fall 2026 opened July 1 and closed when we reached 300 entries. We'll reopen on January 1. You can read past issues and find submission guidelines at litmosphere.charlottelit.org.
  • CLOSED FOR NOW: Poetry Chapbooks—Open Call: Charlotte Lit Press welcomes submissions of poetry chapbook manuscripts of 18-36 pages from writers of all backgrounds to be considered for publication in our chapbook series. Open again spring 2027. Check back here or visit charlottelit.org/press/submissions. 

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$20.00

Charlotte Lit’s Poetry Chapbook Lab is a year-long low-residency program designed to help you produce a cohesive, well-crafted chapbook manuscript of 12-20 poems (approximately 28 pages). The program combines monthly online workshopping with quarterly weekend intensives and one-to-one mentorship by one of four award-winning poet faculty members. Before you apply, please read the detailed information here. Attending an information session is also required for us to review your application.

Application Notes

  1. Applications are for the upcoming program year, which runs from January to December 2027.
  2. Applications are open October 15–November 15, 2026. 
  3. The cohort is limited to 16 members; admission is competitive.
  4. Strong candidates will be avid readers of contemporary poetry, have previous craft class and workshopping experience, and have created a body of work that includes both finished and in-progress poems. 
  5. We welcome applications from poets of all backgrounds and cultural communities throughout the U.S.
  6. Judging is not blind; you should include your name on all documents.
  7. A $20 reading fee will be collected with your application. Fee waivers for writers with limited ability to pay can be requested from the address below.

Required for your application

  1. Answer four sets of questions about you, your writing, and this project. [Preview the questions here.]
  2. Upload a document in .DOC, .DOCX, or .PDF format containing:
  • An artist statement: tell us a little about why you write, who your influences are, and what you value in poems — maximum 300 words.
  • A work sample of 5-7 poems, which can be previously published or unpublished, formatted in Times New Roman, with each poem beginning on a new page

Questions?   If you have questions about this application or Charlotte Lit's Chapbook Lab, please first visit this page. If you still need assistance, email us at editor@charlottelit.org.

Charlotte Lit