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A prize of $1,500, publication by New American Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Rick Barot will judge. Writers of any citizenship working anywhere in the world are eligible. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages with a $25 entry fee by January 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Slippery Elm are given annually for a single poem and a short story or essay. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three poems of any length or up to 5,000 words of prose with a $15 entry fee, which includes the latest issue of Slippery Elm, by February 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Three prizes of $1,000 each and a five-day stay at Shake Rag Alley Center for the Arts in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, are given annually for a poetry collection, a book of fiction, and a book of creative nonfiction published in the previous year. Writers who are residents of Wisconsin or who have previously resided in Wisconsin for at least five years are eligible. For the Edna Meudt Poetry Book Award, submit an application form and two copies of a book of at least 48 pages published in 2025 with a $30 entry fee ($20 for Arts + Literature Laboratory members) by January 15. For the Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award and the Norbert Blei/August Derleth Nonfiction Book Award, submit an application form and two copies of a book of any length published in 2025 with a $30 entry fee ($20 for Arts + Literature Laboratory members) by January 15. All poetry and prose books must be received by January 20. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Two prizes of $2,000 each 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 are also invited to participate in a virtual awards ceremony in the fall. Submit three to eight pages of poetry or a story or novel excerpt of up to 5,000 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.
A prize of $6,000 and publication by Southern Indiana Review Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Carl Phillips will judge. Submit 40 to 120 pages of poetry (no more than one poem per page) with a $35 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Southern Indiana Review, by February 2. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
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.
A prize of $2,000 and publication by Passager Books is given biennially for a first book of poems by a writer who is 70 years old or older. Submit a manuscript of 50 to 65 pages with a $25 entry fee by January 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
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.
Three prizes of $1,500 each are given annually for a poetry collection, a book of fiction, and a book of creative nonfiction published during the previous year. Authors or publishers may submit three copies of a book published in 2025 (poetry collections must be at least 42 pages in length) by January 31. The entry fee is $25 for poetry and $30 for fiction and creative nonfiction. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.
Nine fellowships of $1,500 each and participation in a virtual five-month mentorship program, which includes one-on-one mentorship with an established writer; introductions to editors, agents, and publishers; a professional headshot; and a one-year PEN America membership, are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers “from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the publishing world.” Fellows also participate in workshops on editing, marketing, and building a professional platform. Writers who have not yet published a book and who do not hold an advanced degree in creative writing are eligible. Using only the online submission system, submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages of poetry or 15 pages of prose, a series of personal statements, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least one reference with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
