first book awards

A prize of $2,500 and publication by Kent State University Press is given annually for a debut poetry collection. The winner is also invited to teach a weeklong writing workshop at Kent State University and give a reading with the judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 50 to 70 pages with a $30 entry fee by May 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $5,000 and publication by University of Pittsburgh Press is given annually for a debut poetry collection. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 100 pages with a $25 entry fee between March 1 and April 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Elixir Press is given annually for a first or second poetry collection. Kirun Kapur 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.

A prize of at least $3,000 is given annually for a first novel published during the previous year. The winner and two additional guest panelists (usually the winner’s agent and editor) will also receive lodging and travel expenses to attend the First Novelist Award Night at Virginia Commonwealth University in fall 2021. A committee of novelists and critics will judge. Submit one digital copy and five hard copies of a book published in 2020 by December 30. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $3,000 to $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 2020, one PDF copy of the book, and a brief author bio by February 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by BOA Editions is given annually for a first book of poetry by a U.S. resident. Aimee Nezhukumatathil will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 100 pages with a $25 entry fee by November 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

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 $3,000 and publication by American Poetry Review is given annually for a first poetry collection. The winning book is distributed by Copper Canyon Press through Consortium. Ada Limón will judge. Submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages with a $25 entry fee by October 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Five prizes of $1,000 each and publication by University of Massachusetts Press are given annually for a first poetry collection, a poetry collection, a short story collection, a novella or novel, and a book of creative nonfiction. The creative writing faculty at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst will judge. Submit a poetry manuscript of 50 to 70 pages or a story collection, novel, novella, 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.

A prize of $1,000 and publication by Persea Books is given annually for a first poetry collection by a woman who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The winner also receives a six-week, all-expenses paid residency at the Civitella Ranieri Center in Umbria, Italy. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of at least 40 pages with a $30 entry fee by October 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.