Submissions must come from African writers born in Africa, residents in African countries, or writers whose parents are African.
By Hope Ibiale
The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry is currently open for submissions for the 2024 edition, with a submission timeline between September 15 and December 1, 2023.
The prestigious poetry prize, funded and administered by philanthropists, Laura and Robert F.X. Sillerman, is awarded annually to an African poet who is yet to publish a collection of poetry. The prize winner will receive $1000 and a book publication through the University of Nebraska Press and Amalion in Senegal.
The panel of judges for this year includes Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Bernardine Evaristo, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, and Aracelis Girmay. A winner will be announced in January, 2024.
(Read also: Nigerian Poet, Abu Bakr Sadiq, Wins the 2023 Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry)
Submissions must come from African writers born in Africa, residents in African countries, or writers whose parents are African. Only poetry submissions in English can be considered. Works translated from another language to English are accepted, but a percentage of the prize money will be given to the translator. No past or present employees of the University of Nebraska Press, Akashic Books, or Amalion Press and students or employees at the University of Nebraska are eligible for the prize.
The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry was founded in 2013, and has since become an avenue for aspiring poets to make their mark in the literary community.
Eligible writers can submit their entries here.
Further details on eligibility and entry guidelines are available here.