African Poetry Book Prize

   

The submissions are open now through December 1st. Here's the submissions information—if you wouldn't mind posting? The below text has links included to the Submittable account where writers can submit their manuscripts:

Every year Prairie Schooner's sister organization, the African Poetry Book Fund, publishes the first book of an African poet. The inaugural Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets was awarded to Clifton Gachagua of Kenya for his book Madman at Kilifi. The 2014 prize went to Somalian-American poet Ladan Osman's The Kitchen Dweller's Testimony. The 2015 winner was Ethiopian-American Mahtem Shiferraw, whose book Fuchsia is due out this coming spring from University of Nebraska Press and Amalion Press in Senegal. This trio of books represents the exciting range of new and dynamic African voices that are being heard thanks to the work of the African Poetry Book Fund.

 The Sillerman Prize is again open for submissions through December 1st, so if you’re eligible, please send your manuscript (and if you know any other writers who are, please spread the word). The winner receives USD $1,000 and publication through University of Nebraska Press. The contest is judged by the African Poetry Book Fund Editorial Board, including Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, and Bernardine Evaristo. Only poetry submissions in English can be considered. Translated work is acceptable, but a percentage of the prize will be awarded to the translator. Manuscripts should be at least 50 pages, and eligible writers may submit more than one manuscript. Finally, no entry fee is required to submit to the contest. Click here for more details.