Young Poets Anthology

The theme is hope

For 1455 books’ first annual Youth Poetry Anthology, we are accepting submissions on the theme of HOPE. What does it mean to envision a better world? What does Hope mean, in today’s world? What does Hope look like? Where do you find Hope? What can we do, as writers, or human beings, to inspire more Hope? What are the forces creating barriers to Hope? How do we extract Hope from the dark corners or create it from nothing? Emily Dickinson wrote that “Hope” is the thing with feathers. What do you say? We believe poetry has the power to illuminate unimagined possibilities and are excited to feature the best young writers from around the world.  

This is more than a call for submissions —
it’s an invitation to shape the future of poetry.

Being published in the Young Poets Anthology means more than seeing your poem on the page — it’s about joining a movement of young writers whose words will inspire, challenge, and connect readers across the world. This is your chance to leave a mark, to take your craft seriously, and to be part of a book that celebrates the next generation of literary voices.

Key Details

• Submission fee: Free

• Eligibility: Writers under 21

• One poem: Send us your best one
• Publication: Spring 2026, in print through 1455 books
• Deadline: January 30, 2026 (Closed)

Your words can change the world

We know sending your work out into the world can feel intimidating—especially for new writers. That’s why we’ve created 1455 books: to make the path to publication transparent, fair, and welcoming. We believe in nurturing authentic voices and helping young poets gain real experience in a supportive, mission-driven environment.

When your poem is selected for the Young Poets Anthology, you retain full ownership of your work. 1455 books only requests permission to publish your poem in the anthology and share it for related promotions or readings—your words will always remain yours to use, share, or publish elsewhere.

At 1455 books, you’ll find a community that values courage over credentials, accessibility over exclusivity, and creativity over competition. Here’s what you can count on when you submit your work:
 

• Mission-driven publishing — 1455 books removes barriers for young poets with completely free submission.
• Professional experience — selected poets receive professional design and publishing support.
• Meaningful visibility — be featured across 1455’s website and social media community online.
• Purpose beyond publication — every book sold supports future opportunities for emerging voices.

Watch the 2022 Young Poet Winners Reading

The winning poets took the virtual stage during 1455’s 2022 StoryFest, captivating 1,000+ attendees with courage, originality, and heart.

Read the Young Poets Edition of Movable Type

Before the anthology, 1455 celebrated young writers through its ezine Movable Type, where they featured contest winners poems.

Watch the 2023 Young Poet Winners Reading

1455 continued to uplift emerging writers in 2023, inviting the next generation of poets to showcasing their winning work.