Genre: Poetry

James Welch Prize for Indigenous Poets

Poetry Northwest
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
January 31, 2025
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Poetry Northwest are given annually for a single poem by an Indigenous poet. The winners also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to read with the judge at Poets House in New York City in the fall. Writers who have published no more than one full-length book and who are community-recognized members of tribal nations within the United States and its territories are eligible. A Native poet of national prominence will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three poems of no more than three pages each, a cover letter specifying any tribal affiliations and ties, and a brief bio by January 31. All entries are considered for publication. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Levis Reading Prize

Virginia Commonwealth University
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
January 15, 2025
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 2024, 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

Open Chapbook Competition

Finishing Line Press
Entry Fee: 
$20
Deadline: 
February 15, 2025
A prize of $1,500 and publication by Finishing Line Press is given annually for a poetry chapbook. Saba Syed Razvi will judge. Submit a manuscript of 16 to 34 pages, a brief bio, and a cover letter with a $20 entry fee by February 15. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
Tags: 
chapbooks

Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award

Poets & Writers, Inc.
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 1, 2025
Two prizes of $500 each are given annually to a poet and a fiction writer residing in the United States. Each winner also receives a monthlong residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program in Wyoming and will meet with writers, editors, publishers, and agents virtually or in person in New York City. The 2025 contest is open to residents of North or South Dakota. Poets and fiction writers who have published no more than one full-length book in the genre in which they are applying are eligible. Submit 7 to 10 pages of poetry or up to 25 pages of fiction via e-mail by March 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award

Broadside Lotus Press
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 15, 2025
A prize of $500 and publication by Broadside Lotus Press is given annually for a poetry collection by an African American poet. Submit two copies of a manuscript of approximately 60 to 90 pages by March 15. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Furious Flower Poetry Prize

Furious Flower Poetry Center
Entry Fee: 
$15
Deadline: 
February 15, 2025
A prize of $1,500 and publication in Obsidian, the literary journal of Illinois State University, is given annually for a group of poems that explore Black themes. The winner also receives a $500 honorarium to give a reading at James Madison University. Poets who have published no more than one poetry collection are eligible. Aracelis Girmay will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to three poems totaling no more than six pages with a $15 entry fee by February 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Raz-Shumaker Book Prizes

Prairie Schooner
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
March 15, 2025
Two prizes of $3,000 each and publication by University of Nebraska Press are given annually for a poetry collection and a story collection. Submit a poetry manuscript of at least 50 pages or a fiction manuscript of at least 150 pages with a $25 entry fee by March 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Morse Code Poetry Contest

High Frequency Press
Entry Fee: 
$35
Deadline: 
February 3, 2025
A prize of $1,500, publication by High Frequency Press, and 25 author copies will be given annually for a poetry collection. The winner will also have 15 poems published for digital download through the press’s website. Shanna McNair and Scott Wolven will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of up to 90 pages with a $35 entry fee by February 3. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Terry J. Cox Poetry Award

Regal House Publishing
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
January 31, 2025
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Regal House Publishing is given annually for a poetry collection. The editors will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 100 pages with a $25 entry fee by January 31. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

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