The Canadian editor-in-chief of an annual anthology by Chinese poets is seeking submissions from across the globe. Cathy Xinman, whose poems appear regularly in the Toronto Spark, issued the call for The Best Poems of the Year by Chinese Poets & Writers of the World 2026. Poets must file submissions in Chinese or English to cnawpress@gmail.com by September 30.
“We want the world to know what Chinese writers and poets are doing,” Xinman tells the Toronto Spark. “We want to bridge different cultures through poetry so communities can understand each other and build peace and harmony.”
In February, Canadian North America Writers Press Inc. published the inaugural 2025 edition in Chinese, followed by an English-language edition in July. Both feature poems by Chinese writers living in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. The Chinese edition ranked as Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in the “Diversity and Multicultural” category.
“This volume seeks to document the current landscape of global Chinese-language poetry, bringing together and presenting the complexity and creative vitality of contemporary Chinese-language writing,” Xinman writes on the Amazon website. “What it aims to establish are the annual rings and historical markers of poetic literature: it is not only a collection of poems, but an evolving ‘literary archive of its time’.”
The Chinese edition has been integrated into major international academic, educational, and library networks, including ProQuest, Kortext, and Overdrive. ProQuest, for example, is utilized by more than 26,000 libraries in more than 150 countries.
Editor cites criteria for publication
Submissions can be made in Chinese or English. Short poems must be between 10 and 30 lines, using concise language and profound imagery. Medium-to-long poems can run from 31 to 60 lines, with compelling narrative tension and a complete structure. Prose poetry can run up to 500 words and it must possess genuine poetic quality.
Traditional-style verse poetry, however, will not be accepted.
“As an increasing number of Chinese poets venture from their home bases onto the global stage—transitioning from a Chinese-language mindset to multilingual expression—this ‘Annual Selection’ represents more than just the quality of the works; it embodies the diversity of literary pathways and the expansion of cultural identity,” Xinman states in the call for submissions. “Particularly within the international arena, authors who create poetry across various languages and platforms are emerging as the vanguard of a ‘global Chinese poetry network’.”
Xinman evaluates submissions under five criteria: originality, linguistic expressiveness, uniqueness of imagery, thematic depth, and overall artistic value. According to the call for submissions, excellent poetry should possess depth of meaning.
“It explores profound themes that evoke deep contemplation,” Xinman notes. “It is multi-layered, offers various interpretations, and prompts the reader to think critically about the content.”
Defining excellent poetry
In addition, Xinman maintains that excellent poetry includes meticulous crafting of language, with the poet employing “precise word choices, sophisticated literary devices (such as metaphor, symbolism, and irony), and innovative structures”.
“Rhythm, meter, and sound are carefully arranged to create a harmonious and impactful effect,” she emphasizes. “The structure is clear and logically organized, with careful attention paid to sentence patterns, rhetorical devices, and the progression of rhythm.”
In addition, the call for submissions highlights the importance of emotional resonance, intellectual and artistic innovation, complexity in thought and expression, and lasting literary value.
“Outstanding works should possess literary qualities that transcend time and place, offering readers enduring aesthetic experiences and room for reflection through sincere and creative expression.”
To submit work to The Best Poems of the Year by Chinese Poets & Writers of the World 2026, email cnawpress@gmail.com. Cathy Xinman’s English-language collection is entitled Where You Love Yourself. Find it on Amazon. The Toronto Spark is on Bluesky @torontospark.bsky.social.
