Susan Atefat Editors' Prize for Poetry

Each year, Peach honors a writer whose work exemplifies clarity, depth, and imaginative reach through the Susan Atefat Editors’ Prize.

Named in honor of the Iranian-American writer and editor Susan Atefat (1970–2004), this prize celebrates work of uncommon vision and craft. A cross-genre artist and distinguished editor, Atefat wrote a body of work, most notably her National Poetry Series collection That Kind of Sleep, that stands as a benchmark of literary excellence: courageous, lyrical, and rooted in a profound exploration of family, heritage, and the diasporic experience.

While not a themed prize, the award is given in her spirit to recognize a writer whose work embodies the same clarity, depth, and imaginative reach that defined Atefat’s own. We seek submissions that reveal mastery of language, integrity of feeling, and a voice both personal and enduring.

The Susan Atefat Editors’ Prize alternates genres by issue year: poetry in odd-numbered years (for example, 2027 and 2029) and prose in even-numbered years (for example, 2028 and 2030). Submissions for each prize are read during the preceding fall.

Submit up to four poems, with each poem beginning on a new page. Poetry may be single-spaced in a single .doc, .docx, or .pdf file. Omit all identifying information from the manuscript.

All entries are read after the deadline. Finalists and the winner will be notified by January 14, 2027. Please include a brief cover letter stating any relevant information pertaining to your submission. While Peach does not consider simultaneous submissions, if you need to reach us regarding a previously submitted manuscript, please contact managingeditor.peach@gcsu.edu.

The winner, selected by the Peach editors, receives $4,000, the full payment for the winning work, and publication in Peach.