The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry is now open for submissions, offering an annual opportunity for African poets who have yet to publish a full-length poetry collection. The winner will receive $1,000 and publication through the University of Nebraska Press as part of the African Poetry Book Fund. Submissions opened on September 15 and will remain open until December 1, with the winner expected to be announced in June.

The prize is judged by the Sillerman Editorial Team, comprising Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Aracelis Girmay, and Mahtem Shiferraw. Eligibility is limited to poets who have not previously published a book-length poetry collection, including self-published collections sold online, in bookstores, or at readings. African writers are defined as those born in Africa, nationals or residents of an African country, or writers with African parents. Submissions must be in English, although translated work is eligible with a portion of the prize awarded to the translator.

There is no entry fee, and poets may submit more than one manuscript. Each manuscript must contain at least 50 pages and be submitted anonymously, with only the title appearing on the manuscript itself; an optional acknowledgements page may list previous publications. The organizers recommend 12-point Times New Roman or Arial, single spacing, and one poem per page, though there are no strict formatting requirements. Submissions are accepted electronically through Submittable, giving emerging African poets an opportunity to move from individual poems and magazine appearances toward their first full-length collection.

Click the link below to submit:

https://africanpoetrybookfund.submittable.com/submit

Author