Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets

The African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) offers the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry, an annual contest for African poets who have not yet published a book-length collection. The winner receives USD $1,000 and book publication through the University of Nebraska Press. Submissions are accepted annually from 15 September to 1 December (deadline details are provided below). Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry

- Organizer/Funder: African Poetry Book Fund (APBF)

- Prize type: Annual poetry contest for first-time book-length collections

- Funding/award: USD $1,000 to the winner, plus book publication through the University of Nebraska Press

- Judging panel: Sillerman Editorial Team (includes Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Aracelis Girmay, and Mahtem Shiferraw)

- Winner announcement: June (year not specified in the source)

- Submission window: 15 September to 1 December (annual)

- Submission method: Electronic submissions ONLY via Submittable

- Entry fee: No entry fee required

About the Opportunity

The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry recognizes an African poet who has not yet published a collection of poetry. The contest supports the publication of a winning manuscript as a book through the University of Nebraska Press, alongside a cash prize. Funding and Benefits

- Cash prize: The winner receives USD $1,000.

- Publication benefit: The winner receives book publication through the University of Nebraska Press.

- Translator note (for translated work): Only poetry submissions in English can be considered; work translated from another language to English is accepted, but a percentage of the prize will be awarded to the translator. Who Is Eligible? The contest accepts “first book” submissions from African writers who have not published a book-length poetry collection. Eligible “first book” submissions include: - Manuscripts from writers who have not published a book-length poetry collection. - Self-published books are included in the “first book” concept if they were sold online, in stores, or at readings. - Writers who have edited and published an anthology or a similar collection of other writers’ work remain eligible. Definition of an “African writer” (as stated by APBF): - Born in Africa, or - A national or resident of an African country, or - Whose parents are African.

Language requirements:

- Only poetry submissions in English can be considered. - Translations into English are accepted, with the translator prize note described above.

Ineligible applicants:

- No past or present paid employees of the University of Nebraska Press, Akashic Books, or Amalion Press. - No current faculty, students, or employees at Brown University.

- Not specified in the source: whether other affiliations (e.g., contractors, volunteers) are eligible.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Poetry manuscripts intended for book-length publication. - Submissions must be written in English (or translated into English). Why This Opportunity Matters This prize is designed to help emerging African poets transition from manuscript to book publication. By combining a cash award with University of Nebraska Press publication, it offers a structured pathway for first-time book-length poetry submissions, including eligible translated works. How to Apply - Prepare your manuscript according to the contest requirements (see “Manuscript” details below). - Submit electronically only through Submittable (the source provides a submission link via “Click here to submit via Submittable”). - Ensure your submission meets confidentiality requirements: - The author’s name must not appear on the manuscript. - Include a cover page listing only the title of the manuscript (no author name, address, phone number, or email).

- Submit during the annual window: 15 September to 1 December.

- Deadline time and time zone are not specified in the source. Official submission method (from the source): Electronic submissions ONLY via Submittable. Contact for submission questions: [contact details removed]. Manuscript Requirements (Submission Details)

- Length: Poetry manuscripts should be at least 50 pages long.

- Anonymity: The author’s name should not appear on the manuscript; entries are read anonymously.

- Cover page: Include a cover page listing only the title of the manuscript.

- Optional acknowledgements: An acknowledgements page listing the publication history of individual poems may be included (if desired).

- Entry fee: No entry fee required.

- Multiple submissions: Eligible writers may submit more than one manuscript.

- Formatting guidance (not described as mandatory):

- Suggested font: Times New Roman or Arial, 12 point

- Suggested spacing: single-spaced

- Preference: one poem per page (a new poem does not begin on the same page another ends)

- Application forms: No application forms are necessary.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Do not include your name anywhere on the manuscript pages; anonymity is required.

- Use the cover page correctly: list only the title—do not include contact details on the cover page.

- Confirm language compliance: submissions must be in English (translations are accepted, but the translator prize note applies).

- Check length: ensure the manuscript is at least 50 pages.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry? It is an annual contest by the African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) awarding a first book-length poetry manuscript by an African poet, with cash and publication support. Who can apply? African writers who have not published a book-length poetry collection are eligible, including cases where self-published books were sold online, in stores, or at readings. Editing and publishing an anthology of other writers’ work does not disqualify applicants. What is the prize amount and what does the winner receive besides cash? The winner receives US