Genre: Poetry

Maya Angelou Book Award

Kansas City Public Library
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
April 1, 2026
A prize of $10,000 is given in alternating years for a poetry collection or a book of fiction by an author whose work “demonstrates a commitment to social justice.” This year the award will be given to a work of fiction. The winner agrees to participate in a two-week reading tour at partnering educational institutions in Missouri. Publishers may submit a digital copy or five print copies (or unbound galleys) of a novel or short story collection published between January 1, 2025, and November 30, 2026, by April 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Pattis Family Foundation Creative Arts Book Award

Interlochen Center for the Arts
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
May 1, 2026
A prize of $25,000 and a two- to three-day residency at Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan, is given annually for a book of fiction or nonfiction published in the previous two years “that centers on the creative process of an artist or the arts—broadly defined—as its theme.” The winner will also participate in an event cohosted by the National Writers Series in Traverse City, Michigan, in April 2027. Using only the online submission system, submit a book of any length published in 2024 or 2025 by May 1. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for the required entry form and complete guidelines.

Editor’s Prizes

Florida Review
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
April 15, 2026
Three prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Florida Review are given annually for a poem or group of poems, a short story, and an essay. The editors will judge. Submit up to five poems of any length or up to 30 pages of prose with a $25 entry fee, which includes a subscription to Florida Review, by April 15. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Lascaux Prize in Poetry

Lascaux Review
Entry Fee: 
$15
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
A prize of $1,000 and publication in Lascaux Review is given annually for a single poem. Previously published and unpublished poems are accepted. Using only the online submission system, submit up to five poems of any length with a $15 entry fee by March 31. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Prime Number Magazine Awards

Press 53
Entry Fee: 
$15
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
Two prizes of $1,000 each and publication in Prime Number Magazine are given annually for a poem and a short story. Using only the online submission system, submit a poem of up to three pages or a short story of up to 5,300 words with a $15 entry fee by March 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Levis Prize in Poetry

Four Way Books
Entry Fee: 
$30
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
A prize of $1,000 and publication by Four Way Books is given annually for a poetry collection. The winner is also invited to participate in a reading either virtually or in person in New York City, as public health guidelines allow. Dana Levin will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 48 to 80 pages with a $30 entry fee by March 31. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Award

Laura Boss Poetry Foundation
Entry Fee: 
$25
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
A prize of $5,000, publication by New York Quarterly Books, and 25 author copies is given annually for a collection of narrative poetry. The winner is also invited to give a reading in Paterson, New Jersey, in partnership with the Poetry Center at Passaic County Community College. Marge Piercy will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit up to 10 pages from a manuscript with a $25 entry fee by March 31. Financial assistance is available upon request. Semi-finalists will be notified by June 1 and asked to submit full manuscripts of 70 to 90 pages by June 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Poetry Prize

Saturnalia Books
Entry Fee: 
$35
Deadline: 
April 1, 2026
A prize of $1,500, publication by Saturnalia Books, and 20 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Mark Bibbins will judge. All entries are also considered for the Alma Book Awards, which offer two prizes of $1,000 each and publication. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of at least 48 pages with a $35 entry fee by April 1. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Writing Fellowships

A Public Space
Entry Fee: 
$0
Deadline: 
March 31, 2026
Three six-month fellowships of $1,000 each are given annually to emerging poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers who “embrace risk in their work” and have not published a full-length book. The fellows will work with the editors to prepare a piece for publication in A Public Space, receive complimentary access to all A Public Space master classes during the fellowship year, and will have the opportunity to meet with publishing professionals and participate in a public reading. For fellowships from June 1 to November 30, using only the online submission system, submit a résumé, a group of poems totaling no more than 15 pages or a short story or essay of up to 6,000 words with a cover letter and a brief written statement by March 31. There is no application fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Poetry Prize

Marsh Hawk Press
Entry Fee: 
$30
Deadline: 
April 30, 2026
A prize of $2,000 and publication by Marsh Hawk Press is given annually for a poetry collection. Denise Duhamel will judge. Using only the online submission system, submit a manuscript of 48 to 84 pages with a $30 entry fee by April 30. Visit the website for complete guidelines.
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