THE ANHINGA PRIZE FOR POETRY

Judge: Kaveh Bassiri

The Anhinga Prize for Poetry began in 1983. The competition is open to all U. S. poets for a manuscript of original poetry in English. The winner receives $1000, 25 author copies, and a 50% discount on books. We will also offer an online reading for the winner.

A percentage of all submission fees will be donated to Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

A limited number of waivers (10) for a reduced fee ($5 fee) are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email info@anhinga.org to apply — include a narrative explaining your situation and why you want to publish with Anhinga Press. 

All manuscripts are screened carefully by paid-readers. Our reading team is diverse in aesthetic. Five out of six current readers are published poets and all have advanced degrees and/or experience in publishing and writing. If you are interested in being a reader for the Prize, contact Kristine Snodgrass.

Entrants do not need previous publications nor degrees in poetry and writing to submit.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

  • February 15 to May 31

  • Submit via our Submittable page ONLY

  • Reading fee for each manuscript is $28

  • Manuscripts must be 48-100 pages, excluding front matter. They may be single- or double-spaced.

  • Do not put your name on your manuscript. Submittable will add your name to your file.

  • Finalists and winner are announced on this website, in social media, and in Poets & Writers.

  • Past judges include Ching-in Chen, Joy Harjo, Evie Shockley, Allison Joseph, Diane Wakoski, Naomi Shihab Nye, Major Jackson, and Brian Turner.

  • Past winners of the Prize include: Joaquin Zihuatanejo, Hauntie, Elizabeth A.I. Powell, Robin Beth Schaer, Frank X. Gaspar, Julia Levine, and Erika Meitner.

 

ADDITIONAL CONTEST INFORMATION

Poems previously published in journals and anthologies should be accompanied by an acknowledgments page. Authors may submit multiple manuscripts; each will require a reading fee. Previously submitted manuscripts and manuscripts under consideration by other publishers are also eligible. Please notify us as soon as possible if your manuscript is accepted by another press. No significant changes may be made to manuscript after acceptance of prize.

Entrants will be notified via Submittable and our website and social media. Additionally, contest winner will be announced in Poets & Writers. The winning book is published about one year after its selection.

For more info, contact Kristine Snodgrass at info@anhinga.org.