Genre: Poetry

Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication by Fordham University Press are given annually for poetry collections. The winners also receive a one-on-one publicity consultation and a virtual book launch. All writers are eligible for the Poetic Justice Institute Prize; the Poetic Justice Institute Editor’s Prize is given for a poetry collection by a BIPOC writer. Eligible writers may enter both contests. Victoria Chang will judge the Poetic Justice Institute Prize, and Elisabeth Frost will judge the Poetic Justice Institute Editor’s Prize. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 50 to 120 pages with a $28 entry fee (there is no entry fee for the Editor’s Prize) by October 15. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 is given annually for a book of poetry by an African poet published in the previous year. Writers who were born in Africa, who are nationals or residents of an African country, or whose parents are African are eligible. Phillippa Yaa de Villiers will judge. Publishers may submit four copies (or unbound proofs) of a poetry collection of at least 48 pages published in 2024 by October 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Three grants of $500 each are given annually in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction to “elevate, encourage, and inspire the voices of Black writers in Georgia.” Grantees also receive a scholarship to attend and present a reading at the Red Clay Writers Conference, held in March 2026 at Kennesaw State University in Marietta, Georgia. Black writers who have been residents of Georgia for at least one year (or who are full-time students at a Georgia college or university at the time of application and on the date of the award) and who have published no more than one book are eligible to apply. Submit a poetry or prose writing sample of up to 10 pages and an artist’s statement of no more than 500 words discussing your work and goals as a writer by October 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for an application and complete guidelines.

A prize of $1,000 and publication in North American Review is given annually for a single poem. Danez Smith will judge. Submit up to five poems of any length with a $23 entry fee, which includes an issue of North American Review, by November 1. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.