Open Call: Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets

The Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets recognises emerging African poets who have not yet published a full-length poetry collection. The annual prize offers writers the opportunity to bring their first poetry manuscript to publication through the University of Nebraska Press.

The prize celebrates new voices in African poetry, providing both financial recognition and a publishing opportunity for writers developing their first full-length collection.

Prize

The winning poet will receive USD 1,000 and publication of their poetry collection by the University of Nebraska Press.

Where a winning manuscript includes poetry translated from another language into English, a portion of the prize will be awarded to the translator.

Eligibility

The prize is open to African poets who:

• Were born in Africa, are nationals or residents of an African country, or have African parents.

• Have not previously published a full-length poetry collection, including self-published collections sold online, in stores or at readings.

Poets who have edited and published anthologies or collections of other writers’ work remain eligible.

Manuscripts must be written in English. Poetry translated into English from another language is also accepted.

Submission requirements

Applicants must submit a full-length poetry manuscript of at least 50 pages.

Manuscripts must be submitted anonymously, with the author's name and contact details excluded.

The cover page should contain only the manuscript title.

Submissions are accepted electronically through Submittable.

Application information

Deadline: 1 December 2026

For more information and to submit, click here.