book awards

Four prizes of $15,000 each are given annually to U.S. writers for books of poetry, fiction, general nonfiction, and biography or autobiography (including memoir) published in the United States during the award year. For books published between January 1 and June 14, submit four copies of a poetry collection, biography, or autobiography, or six copies of a book of fiction or general nonfiction with a $75 entry fee by June 19. The deadline for books published during the second half of the year is October 1. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a book of poetry, fiction, or creative nonfiction by a current resident of Maryland who has lived in the state for at least three years. Books published within the past three years or scheduled for publication in 2020 are eligible. Publishers, institutions, or individuals may submit three copies of a book or manuscript by June 19. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of $2,000 is given annually for a poetry collection published in the previous year by a resident of upstate New York. The winner will also give a reading and teach a master class at Utica College in April 2021. Publishers or authors may submit two copies of a book of at least 48 pages published between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, and a curriculum vitae by August 31. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Journal of Experimental Fiction and JEF Books is given annually for an innovative novel. Submit a manuscript of any length with a $25 entry fee by July 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by University of Akron Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Philip Metres will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 48 to 90 pages with a $25 entry fee by June 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Bitter Oleander Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages with a $28 entry fee between May 1 and June 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by University of North Texas Press is given annually for a collection of short fiction. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 100 to 200 pages with a $25 entry fee between May 1 and June 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $15,000 and publication by University of Pittsburgh Press is given annually for a collection of short fiction. Writers who have published at least one previous book of fiction or a minimum of three short stories or novellas in nationally distributed magazines or literary journals are eligible. Submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages between May 1 and June 30. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,500 and publication by Barrow Street Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Dorianne Laux will judge. Submit a manuscript of 50 to 80 pages with a $25 entry fee ($28 for electronic submissions) by June 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $2,000, publication by Elixir Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a short story collection or a novel. Christy Stillwell will judge. Submit a manuscript of 120 to 500 pages with a $40 entry fee by May 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.