Sillerman First Book Prizefor African Poets
All Information
The Sillerman First Book Prize supports African poets who are preparing their first full-length poetry collection. The winning manuscript receives a US$1,000 prize and publication through the University of Nebraska Press, giving an emerging poet both financial recognition and a route to book publication. It is particularly valuable for writers who have developed a substantial body of original poetry but have not yet published a full-length collection. The competition accepts manuscripts in English, including work translated into English from another language.
Requirements checklist
- 01
Be an African writer, defined by the programme as someone born in Africa, a national or resident of an African country, or someone with African parents.
- 02
Have no previously published full-length poetry collection, including qualifying self-published collections.
- 03
Submit a poetry manuscript of at least 50 pages.
- 04
Write the manuscript in English or submit poetry translated into English.
- 05
Remove the author's name and contact details from the manuscript so it can be judged anonymously.
- 06
Include a cover page showing only the manuscript title.
- 07
Submit electronically through the official submission portal.