Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry

The African Poetry Book Fund, in partnership with Brown University, promotes and advances the development and publication of the poetic arts through its book series, contests, workshops, and seminars and through its collaborations with publishers, festivals, booking agents, colleges,  universities, conferences and all other entities that share an interest in the poetic arts of Africa.

They are announcing the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poetry, which is awarded annually to an African poet who has not yet published a collection of poetry. 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.

The winner receives USD $1000 and book publication through the University of Nebraska Press. Submissions to the prize are free to make. The deadline for submissions is 1 December 2025

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Enquiries about submissions should be directed to The African Poetry Book Fund. Please always refer to their website for complete details and information. 

Please note, this call is run by The African Poetry Book Fund, not the Commonwealth Foundation.