THE ANHINGA PRIZE FOR POETRY 2025, JUDGED BY DIAMOND FORDE IS CLOSED.
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN FALL 2025.
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. NEW FOR 2025! $500 STIPEND FOR BOOK-RELATED TRAVEL
All manuscripts are screened carefully by paid readers and Anhinga Board members/directors. Our reading team is diverse in aesthetic and style. Five of six current readers are published poets, and all have advanced degrees and/or experience in publishing and writing. The top ten finalists will be sent to the judge.
We assume you submit because you want to be published by the Press. We recommend you familiarize yourself with the Press by purchasing and reading our books.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (2025)
February 15 to May 31, 2025
Submit via our Submittable page ONLY
Reading and administration 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, Kaveh Bassiri 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. Acceptance of prize must be within 24 hours of notification of winning. After acceptance, poets must withdraw manuscripts under consideration by other presses.
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.