2025 Cave Canem Fellowship
Cave Canem
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
INFO: Cave Canem supports the work of Black poets through a suite of core programs, namely an annual retreat consisting of intensive poetry workshops and readings, hosted at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg. The retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity for Cave Canem Fellows to study with esteemed faculty, and to join an expansive community of peers. Fellows write from a range of poetic traditions: blues; confessional; experimental; dramatic; lyric; narrative; performance; political; etc.
Cave Canem Fellows receive an unparalleled opportunity to study with a world-class faculty and join a community of peers at the retreat, a week-long series of intensive poetry workshops, thought-provoking presentations, both public & private readings, and creative discourse.
Due to our generous community of institutional funders and individual donors, there is no submission fee for the Fellowship application and the retreat is free to all Fellows.
GUIDELINES:
Please read all guidelines carefully. All Applications are managed through the online submission platform, Submittable.
Applicants must submit a Cover Letter, and a six (6) page Writing Sample.
Cover letters must be typed into the corresponding box.
Writing samples must be submitted as a PDF attachment in the corresponding upload section.
Please direct any questions about the Submittable application to programs@ccpoets.org.
Writing samples that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered:
A PDF of six (6) pages of poems.
Poems must be in English
The poet’s name should not be included on any page of the poetry attachment.
Page breaks should be used to separate poems. Each poem should start on a new page and its title formatted in bold.
The document should be paginated. Place page numbers in the footers of each page (Example: Page 2 of 6)
Legible, 12-point font, serif should be used.
One application per candidate.
Please direct any formatting queries to programs@ccpoets.org.
The Cave Canem Fellowship includes:
Invitation to the Retreat
Access to Fellows & Faculty Fund
Access to exclusive scholarships for select writing residences
Archival training
Inclusion in public programming (readings, panels, multigenre collaborations, etc.)
Subscription to a bimonthly Cave Canem resource containing community news and exclusive offers
EXCLUSIONS: Applicants must confirm that they will be 21 years or older at the time of the 2025 Cave Canem Retreat, which will take place June 8-15, 2025. Current or former employees and members of the board of Cave Canem Foundation are ineligible to apply.
_____
Poetic Justice Institute Book Prize
Poetic Justice Institute
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
INFO: This contest is open to poets with or without previous book-length publication.
FEE: $28 ($25 reading fee + $3 online processing)
PRIZE: The winning book will be published by Fordham Press and the winner will receive $1,000, a virtual launch with Poetic Justice Institute, and a one-on-one publicity consultation.
JUDGE: Meg Day
GUIDELINES:
Manuscripts that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be read. Reading fees are non-refundable. We accept manuscripts ONLINE ONLY.
Manuscripts must be previously unpublished, original and in English (no translations)
Manuscripts must be formatted for 8 ½ x 11 letter sized paper; pages must be numbered
Suggested length: 50-100 pages (approximate)
Manuscripts should include a table of contents and list of acknowledgments (if applicable)
Manuscripts may include images or graphic elements
The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript; any ms. that includes the author’s information will be disqualified
The poet will be charged a non-refundable $28 fee ($25 reading fee + $3 online processing)
Manuscripts cannot be commented upon; no changes can be made after submission
Multiple entries are allowed, provided each submission complies with these guidelines (including paying a submission fee for each submission)
Notify us if another publisher accepts your manuscript after it is submitted via our online submissions manager or by contacting us at https://poetic-justice.org/contact
The PJI Prizes are not open to: students or employees of Fordham University; current or former students or friends of the prize judge or the series editor
Entries will be read anonymously
PJI complies with the CLMP code of ethics
JUDGING PROCESS: Manuscripts are read anonymously by a group of qualified poets/critics, selected by the series editor and final judge. If a reader recognizes a manuscript or knows its author, that manuscript is forwarded to a different reader or readers. Finalist submissions are read by the final judge and series editor over a period of weeks.
RESULTS: Results will be announced in Spring 2025. Please check Submittable or poetic-justice.org for notification of winners and finalists.
Questions? Contact us at: https://poetic-justice.org/contact
_____
PJI EDITOR'S PRIZE for a BIPOC author
Poetic Justice Institute
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
INFO: This contest is open to BIPOC writers, with or without previous book-length publication
FEE: $0
PRIZE: The winning volume will be published by Fordham Press and the winning author will receive $1,000, a virtual launch with Poetic Justice Institute, and a one-on-one publicity consultation.
JUDGE: Elisabeth Frost
GUIDELINES:
Manuscripts that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be read. We accept manuscripts ONLINE ONLY.
Manuscripts must be previously unpublished, original and in English (no translations)
Manuscripts must be formatted for 8 ½ x 11 letter sized paper; pages must be numbered
Suggested length: 50-100 pages (approximate)
Manuscripts should include a table of contents and list of acknowledgments (if applicable)
Manuscripts may include images or graphic elements
The poet’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript; any ms. that includes the author’s information will be disqualified
There is no entry fee
Manuscripts cannot be commented upon; no changes can be made after submission
Multiple entries are allowed, provided each submission complies with these guidelines
Notify us if another publisher accepts your manuscript after it is submitted via our online submissions manager or at: https://poetic-justice.org/contact
The PJI Prizes are not open to: students or employees of Fordham University; current or former students or friends of the Prize judge or the series editor
Entries will be read anonymously
PJI complies with the CLMP code of ethics (see below)
JUDGING PROCESS: Manuscripts are read anonymously by a group of qualified poets/critics, selected by the series editor. If a reader recognizes a manuscript or knows its author, that manuscript is forwarded to a different reader or readers. Finalist submissions are read by the series editor over a period of weeks.
RESULTS: Results will be announced in Spring 2025. Please check Submittable or poetic-justice.org for notification of winners and finalists.
Questions? Contact us at: https://poetic-justice.org/contact
_____
2025 RESIDENCIES
Vermont Studio Center
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $25
INFO: Vermont Studio Center invites applications for 2025. Nestled in the Green Mountains, VSC hosts an inclusive, global community of artists and writers. Enjoy private studios and lodging, fresh - local meals, and a vibrant Visiting Artists & Writers Program.
VSC’s residency program welcomes artists and writers working across all mediums and genres for two, three, and four week sessions.
Residents enjoy well-lit, private studios within a short walk to residency housing, dining hall, and local amenities. Studio spaces range from 170 - 300 square feet. Accommodations include a private room and shared common areas. The campus features include a print shop, digital lab, and metal, wood, ceramic facility. Studios are open 24 hours a day.
A VSC residency provides artists and writers the time and space to focus on their creative practice in an inclusive, international community within a small Vermont village. Residents can explore swimming holes, hiking and biking trails, as well as the rural charm of neighboring towns, while expanding their creative potential and building a solid network of friends and mentors.
PROGRAMMING
During each session, Visiting Artists and Visiting Writers are invited to join us for presentations, craft talks, one-on-one manuscript consultations, and individual studio visits. Residents can also enjoy open studio nights, resident presentations, and exhibition openings. All scheduled activities are optional. Residents are encouraged to unplug, completely immerse themselves in their work, and work at their own pace.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION
VSC is committed to community building both locally and on campus. Every resident has the opportunity to participate in our Community Contribution Program for 3 hours per week, by assisting in one of these areas: Kitchen, School Arts Program, Visual Arts, and the Writing Program. No prior experience is necessary.
_____
ART OMI: WRITERS RESIDENCY
Art Omi
DEADLINE: October 15, 2024 at 11:59pm EST
INFO: Art Omi, a not-for-profit arts center with a 120-acre sculpture and architecture park and gallery, offers residency programs for international artists, writers, translators, musicians, architects and dancers. Art Omi believes that exposure to internationally diverse creative voices fosters acceptance and respect, raises awareness, inspires innovation, and ignites change. By forming community with creative expression as its common denominator, Art Omi creates a sanctuary for the artistic community and the public to affirm the transformative quality of art.
Art Omi: Writers hosts authors and translators for two weeks to one month throughout the spring and fall. The program’s strong international emphasis provides exposure for global literary voices and reflects the spirit of cultural exchange that is essential to Art Omi’s mission.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Each applicant is required to provide 4 (four) separate items in total:
A cover letter, which provides the following details: country of birth, country of residency, the language in which you write, your preferred residency dates. Please note we have two sessions per year: Spring (March 27 - May 28) and Fall (September 4 - November 5). Additionally, please let us know how you heard about Art Omi: Writers, why you want to come to Art Omi: Writers and what you expect to get from the experience.
A brief (2 pages, maximum) statement about your work history, referencing publications, performances and writing credits. This can be submitted in CV format.
A writing sample, no more than 25 pages. The work sample does not have to be published or related to your current project and can be a combination of multiple samples.
A one page description of the work to be undertaken while at Art Omi: Writers.
Your writing sample does NOT have to be an English translation; please submit your writing sample in your mother tongue. All other documentation must be submitted in English.
Your cover letter should be provided in the designated Cover Letter field. Items 2-4 should each be provided as separately uploaded files.
Alumni of the program are eligible to reapply after 5 years.
RESIDENCY DATES:
Spring:
Thursday, March 27–Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Thursday, May 8–Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Autumn:
Thursday, September 4–Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Thursday, October 9–Wednesday, November 5, 2025
DECISION NOTIFICATION: January, 2025
_____
THE GRAYBEAL-GOWEN PRIZE FOR VIRGINIA POETS
Shenandoah Lit
SUBMISSION PERIOD: October 15 - 31, 2024 (or until they reach 500 submissions)
INFO: For the Graybeal-Gowen Prize for Virginia Poets, poets living in or born in Virginia, as well as those with long-term residency in the past, are eligible. Submit as many as three poems, each no longer than fifty lines, along with brief biographical note, which should confirm the basis for eligibility as a Virginian.
2024 JUDGE: Tim Seibles.
PRIZE: One poem will be selected to receive the $1000 prize and will be published in Shenandoah.
All submissions will be considered for publication. No Washington and Lee staff, faculty, or their families are eligible.
The Graybeal-Gowen Prize was established to honor the memory of WLU graduate and lover of poetry, Howerton Gowen.
shenandoahliterary.org/submissions/
_____
Writers Mentorship Program
Latinx in Publishing
DEADLINE: October 16, 2024
INFO: The Latinx in Publishing Writers Mentorship Program offers the opportunity for unpublished and unagented writers who identify as Latinx (mentees) to strengthen their craft, gain knowledge about the traditional publishing industry, and expand their professional connections through work with experienced Latinx authors (mentors).
WMP 2025 WILL ACCEPT MENTEES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
Adult Non-Fiction
Adult Horror Fiction
Adult Romance Fiction
Poetry
Young Adult Fiction
ABOUT THE WRITING MENTORSHIP PROGRAM:
The next cycle of the program runs from February 2025 through October 2025.
Mentees must complete an application, state which mentor they are applying to work with, and submit 20-30 pages of sample writing for their writing project in the appropriate genre/category. If you are applying in the picture book author-illustrator or graphic novel categories, please include a link to illustration samples along with your writing sample.
Your application should be tailored to the mentor you would like to work with, meaning that your writing sample should be in the genre that mentor works in. You may submit applications for up to 3 different mentors, but in that case, each application form will likely require a different writing sample.
Participants will be notified of Latinx in Publishing’s admission decisions in December 2024, and mentors and mentees will be formally connected in January 2025.
Mentors and mentees will connect for a minimum of one hour per month over the course of ten months.
The program will close in November 2025. If the mentor and mentee would like to continue their mentor relationship after that point, it is entirely at their discretion.
Please be aware that the Latinx in Publishing Writers Mentorship Program is a volunteer-run initiative. Latinx in Publishing will not be held responsible for mediating any relations between mentors and mentees once the program ends.
QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A MENTEE:
Must identify as Latinx (does not include individuals of Spanish origin)
Must be unagented and unpublished
Must have an active interest in writing books and a project in mind to work on during the mentorship
Must be located in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and be at least 18 years of age
Must be available to dedicate at least one hour per month for a minimum of ten months for a meeting with their mentor
Must be available to attend mandatory program events that are scheduled with notice, about once a month or once every two months.
latinxinpublishing.com/mentorship
_____
Moondancer Fellowship For Environmental + Nature Writers
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow
DEADLINE: October 21, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $35
INFO: The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to offer the 2024 Moondancer Fellowship for authors who express their passion for the natural world and concern for the environment through their writing. This fellowship is open to poets, fiction writers, playwrights, screenwriters, essayists, memoirists, and columnists. Prior publication is not a requirement. The successful applicant will demonstrate insight, honesty, literary merit, and the likelihood of publication or production.
The fellowship winner will receive a two-week residency at WCDH to focus completely on their writing. Each writer’s suite has a bedroom, private bathroom, separate writing space, and wireless internet. We provide uninterrupted writing time, a European-style gourmet dinner prepared five nights a week and served in our community dining room, the camaraderie of other professional writers when desired, and a community kitchen stocked with the basics for other meals.
Fellowship applications must be accompanied by a writing sample and a non-refundable $35 application fee. Only one writing project may be proposed per application. Writers proposing more than one project must submit a separate application and fee for each one.
The winner will be announced no later than November 20, 2024. Residency must be completed by December 31, 2025.
_____
Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award
Red Hen Press
DEADLINE: October 31, 2024
ENTRY FEE: $25
INFO: Established in 1998, in honor of the poet Benjamin Saltman (1927–1999), this award is for a previously unpublished original collection of poetry. The awarded collection is selected through an annual competition that is open to all poets.
AWARD DETAILS:
$3000
Book publication by Red Hen Press
Final Judge: Jason Schneiderman
Name on cover sheet only, 48 page minimum, 96 page maximum. Entries will be accepted via Submittable only.
GUIDELINES:
The award is open to all writers with the following exceptions:
Authors who have had a full-length work published by Red Hen Press, or a full-length work currently under consideration by Red Hen Press
Employees, interns, or contractors of Red Hen Press
Relatives of employees or members of the executive board of directors
Relatives or individuals having a personal or professional relationship with any of the final judges where they have taken any part whatsoever in shaping the manuscript, or where, for whatever reason, selecting a particular manuscript might have the appearance of impropriety
PROCEDURES + ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
To be certain that every manuscript finalist receives the fairest evaluation, all manuscripts shall be submitted to the judges without any identifying material.
Bios, acknowledgments, and other identifying material shall be removed from judged manuscripts until the conclusion of the competition.
Red Hen Press is committed to maintaining the utmost integrity of our awards. Judges shall recuse themselves from considering any manuscript where they recognize the work. In the event of refusal, a manuscript score previously assigned by the managing editor of the press will be substituted.
redhen.org/awards/benjamin-saltman-poetry-award
_____
The Helena Whitehill Book Award (FOR POETRY + CREATIVE NON-FICTION)
Tupelo Press
DEADLINE: October 31, 2024
INFO: The Helena Whitehill Book Award is a prestigious INTERNATIONAL prize for adult writers. This year we are beyond thrilled to announce it will be judged by the inimitable Ilya Kaminski, a decorated poet who in 2019 was named among “12 Artists who changed the world” by the BBC.
PRIZE: The Helena Whitehill Book Award includes a cash award of $1,000 in addition to publication by Tupelo Press, a book launch, national and international distribution by the University of Chicago Press, a one-week residence at Gentle House on the Olympic Peninsula, and unlike our other prizes, open to submissions of poetry, chapbook or full length, no page limit, and also open to creative non-fiction, no page limit. Manuscripts are judged anonymously and all finalists will be considered for publication. Please read the complete guidelines before submitting your manuscript.
Sally Whitehill writes: “My mother, Helena Whitehill, loved words, and in particular, poetry. She believed creative expression should and could be for everybody, and passed this belief on to me and to my sisters. In Tupelo Press and Jeffrey Levine, I am excited to find partners who share this doctrine. The anonymous nature of the submission process for the Helena Whitehill Book Award is one way we have put this belief into action. I can think of no better way to honor my mother than to support this prize and other writers.”
tupelopress.org/helena-whitehill-book-award/
_____
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: SPRING ISSUE 10.1
Foglifter
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
INFO: Foglifter is now open for submissions for our Spring Issue 10.1.
GUEST EDITOR: This issue's guest poetry editor is Mandy Shunnarah (they/them), an Appalachian and Palestinian-American writer who calls Columbus, Ohio, home. Their first book, Midwest Shreds: Skating Through America’s Heartland, was released in July 2024 from Belt Publishing, and their poetry collection, We Had Mansions, is forthcoming from Diode Editions in 2025. Find them on Instagram @offthebeatenshelf, Twitter @fixedbaroque, and their website, mandyshunnarah.com.
GUIDELINES:
Submit 3 to 5 poems (max 5 pages).
Each new poem must start on its own separate page.
Include all poems in a single Word document (and put the titles of your poems, separated by commas, in the title field).
For grant purposes, we cannot consider submissions that do not include a completed demographic survey with their submission.
Foglifter aims to reflect the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ literary community in our award-winning journal. Fill out our anonymized Demographics Survey to be considered for publication—then take a screenshot of the thank-you screen at the end and attach it along with your submission.
foglifter.submittable.com/submit
_____
Mesa Refuge Residency
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
APPLICATION FEE: $50
INFO: Mesa Refuge welcomes a diverse community of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers, activists and artists whose ideas are “on the edge,” taking on the pressing issues of our time including (but not limited to): nature, environment and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more.
We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio and documentary film. Occasionally we accept poetry, fiction (Young Adult/Adult Literary), screenwriting and playwriting, photojournalism, personal memoirs (as a vehicle to tell a larger story) and graphic narrative. We tend not to accept academic writing. The potential impact and distribution of your project is also important.
We aim to support a diverse community of writers and welcome applicants that represent a broad spectrum of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, religion or ability. Please see our DEI statement for more information about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
As a small nonprofit, our application fee of $50 helps underwrite the cost of application review. However, we do not want the application fee to be a barrier to apply. To request a fee waiver, please email us directly here.
GUIDELINES: The questions on our application are mostly short answer. We require one writing sample (max 2,000 words or 10 pages), a current resume, headshot photo and two references (we do not require letters of recommendation). Applicants will be contacted approximately 10 weeks after the application deadline.
Our residencies are two weeks long and there is no residency fee. Additional residency expenses like travel, transportation and food are your responsibility. Our facility accommodates three residents at a time.
When you click the button, below, you will be transferred to our application on Submittable. Our residency application will be available on June 1, 2024.
For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions page, or contact us at info@mesarefuge.org.
mesarefuge.org/residencies/application/
_____
2025 Marvin Bell Memorial Poetry Prize
December Mag
DEADLINE: November 1, 2024
ENTRY FEE: $20 (per entry)
INFO: The entry period for the 2025 Marvin Bell Memorial Poetry Prize is open
This year’s judge is Maggie Smith. For more information about Ms. Smith click here.
PRIZE:
1st Prize: $1,500 and publication
Honorable Mention: $500 and publication
All finalists will be published in the Spring/Summer 2024 Awards issue. Finalists will be paid at regular contributor rates ($10/page with a $40 minimum and $200 maximum.)
GUIDELINES:
You may enter as many times as you like, but each entry should include no more than three poems. Name and address on cover letter only. No identifying information on poems or in file name. $20 fee per entry includes a copy of the Awards issue. Each submission is carefully considered for publication. Please submit previously unpublished work only. Any size print run or online publication (including blogs and/or social networking) disqualifies an entry.
AUTHOR NAME OR OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION SHOULD NOT APPEAR IN YOUR TITLE OR ANYWHERE ON YOUR UPLOADED OR HARD COPY DOCUMENT. ENTRIES THAT IDENTIFY THE SUBMITTER/AUTHOR IN ANY WAY WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED WITHOUT A REFUND.
december does not accept simultaneous submissions. We respond as quickly as possible. (Contest submissions may not be responded to until after the close of the contest when all submissions have been considered.)
december also accepts submissions through the U.S. mail. If submitting by mail, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) with sufficient postage, your $20.00 entry fee (check or cash — NO MONEY ORDERS), and indicate if you would like your manuscript returned.
december assumes no responsibility for delayed, lost, or damaged manuscripts.
Address postal submissions and correspondence to:
december
P.O. Box 16130
St. Louis, MO 63105
decembermag.org/2025-marvin-bell-memorial-poetry-prize
_____
2025 Derricotte/Eady Prize
Cave Canem
DEADLINE: November 6, 2024
INFO: The Derricotte/Eady Prize, named after Cave Canem co-founders Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady, spotlights chapbook-length manuscripts.
Awarded to one poet annually, the Derricotte/Eady Prize recipient receives a monetary prize, the publication of their manuscript through O, Miami Books, a residency at The Writer’s Room at The Betsy Hotel-South Beach, and a featured reading at the O, Miami Festival in April.
Cave Canem is honored to partner with O, Miami to produce the annual Derricotte/Eady Prize in collaboration with The Writer’s Room at The Betsy Hotel-South Beach.
AWARD: Winner receives $1,000; publication of their manuscript through O, Miami Books; 10 copies of the chapbook; a residency at The Writer’s Room at The Betsy Hotel-South Beach; and a featured reading at the O, Miami Festival in April.
ELIGIBILITY: All unpublished, original collections of poems written in English. Please note that this is not a first-book award. Cave Canem defines Black poets as any poet who identifies as a member of the African Diaspora.
Please note that in the event that an applicant has submitted the same manuscript to other book awards and received an award, they must disclose this information to Cave Canem.
EXCLUSIONS: Current or former students, colleagues, employees, family members and close friends of the judge; current or former employees and members of the board of Cave Canem Foundation; O, Miami; and authors who have published a book or have a book under contract with Jai-Alai Books are ineligible.
GUIDELINES:
Submit manuscripts online via Submittable. Hard-copy submissions will not be considered
One manuscript per poet is allowed
Include a title page with the title only and a table of contents. The author’s name should not appear on any pages within the uploaded document
The manuscript must be paginated, with a font size of 11 or 12, and 25-30 pages in length, inclusive of the title page and table of contents. A poem may be multiple pages, but no more than one poem per page is permitted
Manuscripts not adhering to submission guidelines will not be considered
Include a cover letter with a brief author’s bio and a list of acknowledgments of previously published poems. DO NOT include this information within the document of the manuscript
Post-submission revisions or corrections are not permitted
The cover letter should include the author’s brief bio (500 words, maximum) and a list of acknowledgments of previously published poems.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: Brandon D. Johnson is the author of Love’s Skin, Man Burns Ant, The Strangers Between, and co-author of The Black Rooster Social Inn: This Is The Place. He is published in several print and online journals and anthologies. Brandon is also a photographer. Born in Gary, Indiana, he received a BA from Wabash College and his JD from Antioch School of Law. He lives with his wife and children in Washington, DC.