African American

Four prizes of $500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a first novel, a book of fiction, and a book of nonfiction (including creative nonfiction) by African American writers published in the United States in the previous year. The awards honor books that depict the “cultural, historical, and sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.” Publishers may nominate books published in 2020 by December 31. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines and a list of jurors to whom books should be sent.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by a participating press is given annually for a first book of poetry by a Black poet of African descent. The University of Pittsburgh Press will publish the winning collection this year. Douglas Kearney will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 48 to 75 pages with a $20 entry fee by March 9. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Northwestern University Press is given biennially for a second book of poetry by a Black poet of African descent. Parneshia Jones and Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon will judge. Submit two copies of a manuscript of 50 to 75 pages with a $20 entry fee by April 17. Visit the website for complete guidelines.