Tags: first book awards

Juniper Prizes

University of Massachusetts Press
Entry Fee: 
$30
Deadline: 
September 30, 2024
Five prizes of $1,000 each and publication by University of Massachusetts Press are given annually for a debut poetry collection, a poetry collection by an author who has previously published a book, a short story collection, a novel, and a book of creative nonfiction. The creative writing faculty at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a poetry manuscript of 50 to 70 pages, a story collection or novel of 150 to 350 pages, or a memoir, book of narrative nonfiction, biography, or essay collection of 150 to 300 pages with a $30 entry fee by September 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
novel | novella | short stories | book awards | first book awards

Emerging Poets Contest

Boulevard
Entry Fee: 
$18
Deadline: 
June 1, 2024
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Boulevard is given annually for a group of poems by a poet who has not published a poetry collection with a nationally distributed press. The editors will judge. Submit three poems of any length with an $18 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Boulevard, by June 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
first book awards

Antivenom Poetry Award

Elixir Press
Entry Fee: 
$30
Deadline: 
March 31, 2024
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Elixir Press is given annually for a first or second poetry collection. Kathleen Winter will judge. Submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages with a $30 entry fee by March 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
first book awards | second book awards

Levis Reading Prize

Virginia Commonwealth University
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
January 15, 2024
A prize of $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to give a reading at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond is given annually for a first or second book of poetry published during the previous year. Publishers or writers may submit three copies of a book of at least 48 pages published in 2023, one PDF copy of the book, a cover letter, and a brief author bio by January 15. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
first book awards | second book awards

Literary Awards

Black Caucus of the American Library Association
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
December 31, 2023
Four prizes of $1,000 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 current year. The awards honor books that depict the “cultural, historical, or sociopolitical aspects of the Black Diaspora.” Publishers may nominate books published in 2023 by December 31. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for a list of jurors to whom books should be sent and complete guidelines.
Tags: 
novel | African American | book awards | first book awards

A. Poulin Jr. Poetry Prize

BOA Editions
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
November 30, 2023
A prize of $1,000 and publication by BOA Editions is given annually for a first book of poetry by a U.S. resident. Matthew Shenoda will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 100 pages with a $25 entry fee by November 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
first book awards

Cabell First Novelist Award

Virginia Commonwealth University
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
December 30, 2023
A prize of at least $3,000 is given annually for a debut novel published during the current year. The winner will also receive lodging and travel expenses to attend the First Novelist Award event night at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in fall 2024. A committee of VCU faculty and MFA candidates will judge. Agents, editors, and authors may submit one digital copy and five hard copies of a book published in 2023 by December 30. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
first book awards

Poetry Prize

Perugia Press
Entry Fee: 
$30
Deadline: 
November 15, 2021
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Perugia Press is given annually for a first or second poetry collection by a writer who identifies as a woman. Submit a manuscript of 45 to 85 pages with a $30 entry fee by November 15. Fee waivers and reductions are available. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
women | first book awards | second book awards
Subscribe to first book awards