Sunday Submissions: Etel Adnan Poetry Series Seeking Manuscripts

Etel Adnan Poetry Series judges Fady Joudan and Hayan Charara are still seeking entrants for this year’s Etel Adnan Poetry Prize:

The prize, co-sponsored by the University of Arkansas Press and the Radius of Arab-American Writers, is for “a first or second book of poetry, in English, by a writer of Arab heritage.”

Over email, both judges clarified there is no requirement that poets reside in the US or have US citizenship. This prize is for Arab poets, working in English, living anywhere in the world.

The prize grants $1,000, but also expert edting, publication, a preface by either Joudah or Charara, with a promise of publicity. “We believe this offers the poet the best possible opportunity to connect with his or her audience via the printed word.”

The prize is named for world-renowned poet, novelist, playwright, essayist, and visual artist Etel Adnan, who was recently named a “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” by the French government. Its first annual prize went to  Lebanese-American writer and illustrator Jess Rizkallah. Her poetry collection, the magic my body becomes, is set to be published this fall by the University of Arkansas Press.

To be eligible, manuscripts must be between forty-eight and ninety pages and written originally in English. The deadline is April 15, and there is a reading fee of $25. Interested poets can apply online.