The Luminous Life: Our Twentieth Annual Look at Debut Poets
Ten debut poets who published in 2024 generously share the inspiration, advice, and writers block remedies that have sustained them through their literary journeys.
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Genre: Poetry
Edna Meudt Poetry Book Award
Arts Literature Laboratory
Entry Fee:
$30
Deadline:
January 31, 2025
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a poetry collection by a writer who is a resident of Wisconsin (or who has previously resided in Wisconsin for at least five years) published in the previous year. The winner will also receive a five-day stay at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Submit a copy of a book of at least 48 pages published in 2024 with a $30 entry fee ($20 for Arts + Literature Laboratory members) by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Nimrod Literary Awards
Nimrod International Journal
Entry Fee:
$25
Deadline:
January 31, 2025
Two prizes of $2,000 and publication in Nimrod International Journal are given annually for a poem or group of poems and a work of fiction. A runner-up in each category receives $1,000 and publication. The winners and runners-up are also invited to participate in a virtual awards ceremony in the fall. Submit 3 to 10 pages of poetry or a story or novel excerpt of up to 7,500 words with a $25 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Nimrod International Journal, by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
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Philip Roth Residencies
Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts
Entry Fee:
$0
Deadline:
February 1, 2025
Two residencies of up to four months at the Stadler Center for Poetry & Literary Arts at Bucknell University, which include a stipend of $5,000 each, are given annually to writers working on a first or second book in any literary genre, including poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, hybrid work, and graphic novels. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 20 pages, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation by February 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
What’s Left Out: The Poems That Haunt a Collection From the Outside
Every poetry collection has its “maybes” and “almosts,” the poems that didn’t make it to publication. A debut poet considers the poems that haunt a book from the outside.
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Award Series
Association of Writers & Writing Programs
Entry Fee:
$30
Deadline:
February 28, 2025
Three prizes of $5,500 each and publication by a participating press are given annually for a poetry collection, a short story collection, and a novel. A prize of $2,500 and publication by a participating press is also given annually for an essay collection or a memoir. For the Donald Hall Prize for Poetry, submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages. For the Grace Paley Prize for Short Fiction, submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages. For the James Alan McPherson Prize for the Novel, submit a manuscript of 60,000 to 110,000 words. For the Sue William Silverman Prize for Creative Nonfiction, submit a manuscript of 150 to 300 pages. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript with a $30 entry fee ($20 for AWP members) by February 28. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
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First/Second Poetry Book Contest
Omnidawn Publishing
Entry Fee:
$30
Deadline:
February 16, 2025
A prize of $3,000, publication by Omnidawn Publishing, and 20 author copies is given annually for a first or second poetry collection. Daniela Naomi Molnar will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 40 to 90 pages with a $30 entry fee by February 16. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Writing Prizes
swamp pink
Entry Fee:
$20
Deadline:
January 31, 2025
Three prizes of $2,000 each and publication in swamp pink are given annually for a single poem, a short story, and an essay. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three poems or a story or essay of up to 25 pages with a $20 entry fee by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Reflection: Twenty Years of Debut Poets
Since 2005, Poets & Writers Magazine has highlighted emerging poets in an annual feature on first poetry books. In celebration, we gathered a list of the 222 poets and their debut collections that have graced our pages.
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Harold Morton Landon Translation Award
Academy of American Poets
Entry Fee:
$0
Deadline:
February 15, 2025
A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a poetry collection translated from any language into English and published in the United States during the previous year. Collaborations by up to two translators are accepted. Roger Sedarat will judge. Using only the online submission system, publishers may submit a digital copy of a book of at least 48 pages published in 2024 by February 15. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.
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