The 2018 submission period for the Sillerman First Book Prize opened last month, and is set to remain open through December 1, 2018:
According to organizers:
The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry is awarded annually to an African poet who has not yet published a collection of poetry. The winner receives USD $1000 and book publication through the University of Nebraska Press and Amalion Press in Senegal.
The African Poetry Book Fund Editorial Board, including Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Phillippaa yaa de Villiers, Aracelis Girmay, and Bernardine Evaristo, will judge.
A winner will be announced in early January, with notifications sent shortly thereafter.
An “African writer” must have been born in Africa, be a national or resident of an African country, or have parents who are African.
Submissions can either be written originally in English or translated into it. In the case of translations, a percentage of the prize will be awarded to the translator.
For more on how to submit, visit the African Poetry Book Fund submittable.
