Sponsored Prizes
Poets & Writers, Inc. is the primary source of information, support, and guidance for creative writers. Founded in 1970, it is the nation's largest nonprofit literary organization serving poets, fiction writers, and creative nonfiction writers. Our national office is located in New York City. Our California branch office is based in Los Angeles.
"Poets & Writers Magazine is "a delight for writers and readers alike."
– Library Journal
Prizes Sponsored by Poets & Writers
Jackson Poetry Prize
In April 2006, Poets & Writers established a new, major award for poets. The Jackson Poetry Prize will honor an American poet of exceptional talent who has published at least one book of recognized literary merit but has not yet received major national acclaim. After the Lannan Foundation's Literary Fellowships, the Jackson Poetry Prize of $50,000 will be the largest award for an early to mid-career poet. The prize is designed to provide what all poets need—time and the encouragement to write.
There is no application process for the Jackson Poetry Prize—nominees will be identified by a group of poets selected by Poets & Writers who will remain anonymous; final selection will be made by a panel of esteemed poets.
The Jackson Poetry Prize is made possible by a significant gift from the Liana Foundation.
Read more about the inaugural Jackson Poetry Prize winner, Elizabeth Alexander.
| Watch Elizabeth Alexander's acceptance remarks and readings (QuickTime format). | |
| Opening remarks (13MB .mov) | Ars Poetica 1,002: Rally (11MB .mov) |
| Teacher (13MB .mov) | Translator (7MB .mov) |
| Autumn Passage (5MB .mov) | Ars Poetica 100: I Believe (5MB .mov) |
The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
Initiated in 1984, the Writers Exchange Award provides two emerging writers
with an all-expenses-paid trip to New York where P&W arranges meetings
with agents, editors, and prominent authors. The winners' visit culminates
in a public reading in Manhattan.
Each year, two writers from one state are invited to submit
manuscripts to Poets & Writers. To date, 74
writers from 29 states have
received the Writers Exchange Award. Many of the winners have gone on to
get their books published, receive other awards, and secure teaching positions.
In 2007, a special grant enabled P&W to offer the Writers Exchange to
two writers from California. Two writers from Missouri also received the
Writers Exchange Award this year.
Writers who live in Washington, D.C. are invited to apply
for the 2008 Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award.
Read the guidelines and apply for the 2008 Award.
Read more about this year's Missouri Writers Exchange winners.
Read more about this year's California Writers Exchange winners.
The Amy Award
The Amy Award is presented to women poets age 30 and under living in the New York City metropolitan area or on Long Island. Winners receive an honorarium and a reading in New York City. The award was established by Paula Trachtman and Edward Butscher of East Hampton, New York in memory of Ms. Trachtman's daughter, Amy Rothholz, an actor and poet. Contestants are required to submit three lyric poems of up to 50 lines each, a brief biography, and a SASE. The deadline for submission to the annual contest is June 1. Winners are announced by September 1 of each year.
Read about this year's winners.
Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award
Established in 1996, the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award, which is presented at P&W's annual dinner, recognizes authors who have given generously to other writers or to the broader literary community. Honorees are nominated by a committee composed of past winners, other prominent writers, and the Board of Directors of Poets & Writers. Title of the award has been given to Barnes & Noble in appreciation of their extraordinary support of Poets & Writers.
For comprehensive information on grants, awards, and contests sponsored by other organizations please visit Grants & Awards.
