THE FIRST SIGNAL — NYC POETRY CALL 2026
Underground Books and The New York Browning Society announces its annual open‑age citywide poetry competition
Underground Books is sending out a call.
Last year, this contest brought us Harry Miller — a poet we met off the street whose work lit up the room and changed the trajectory of our season. This year, we’re opening the line again, searching for the next voice strong enough to break through the noise.
THE FIRST SIGNAL is the theme for 2026. We want the poem that begins something. The poem that interrupts something. The poem that awakens something. The poem that feels like a transmission.
This contest is open to all ages, all boroughs, and all styles. If you live in New York City and you have a poem that feels like a first signal — send it.
PRIZE
- $50
- Publication of your first book of poetry with Underground Books
- A featured reading with the New York Browning Society
- Citywide recognition during National Poetry Month
One poet will be chosen. One signal will rise above the rest.
TIMELINE
- Contest Opens: March 4, 2026
- Deadline: April 1st, 2026
- Winners Announced: April 8th, 2026 (National Poetry Month)
- Featured Reading: April 15th meeting of the New York Browning Society
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
- One poem, any length
- Must be a NYC resident
- Submit as a PDF or Word doc
- Include your name, age, and borough
- Send to: undergroundbooksnyc@gmail.com
- Subject line: THE FIRST SIGNAL — [Your Name]
WHY WE DO THIS
Underground Books exists to find the voices that haven’t been found yet. The Browning Society exists to keep the flame of poetry alive in New York. This contest is where those missions meet.
Send us your first signal. Let the city hear you.
The New York Browning Society 