About this opportunity
A first collection is often the hardest book a writer will ever place, because most publishers want a name before they want a poem. The Sillerman First Book Prize exists to remove that obstacle. It looks only at writers who have not yet published a book length poetry collection, and it answers a strong manuscript with two things at once: a cash award of USD $1,000 and a publishing contract with the University of Nebraska Press.
The contest is run by the African Poetry Book Fund, based at Brown University, and the judging panel has included Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Aracelis Girmay and Mahtem Shiferraw. Entries are read anonymously, so the poem carries the weight and the biography waits.
Submissions for the 2026 prize open on 15 September and close on 1 December 2026. The provider publishes no cut off time, so plan to submit well before the day itself. There is no entry fee, and winners are announced in June.
If you have self published a collection and sold it online, in stores or at readings, your manuscript still counts as a first book. Editing an anthology of other people's work does not disqualify you either. Translations into English are welcome, with a share of the prize going to the translator.
What you receive
- USD $1,000 cash prize to the winner
- Book publication through the University of Nebraska Press
- No entry fee required
- Read anonymously by an established judging panel
- Winners announced in June
- Eligible writers may submit more than one manuscript
Who can apply
- Open to African writers who have not yet published a book length poetry collection
- An African writer is someone born in Africa, a national or resident of an African country, or someone whose parents are African
- Self published books still count as a first book if they were sold online, in stores or at readings
- Writers who have edited and published an anthology of other writers work remain eligible
- Manuscripts must be at least 50 pages long
- Only poetry written in English is considered, and work translated into English is accepted
- Electronic submissions only, sent through Submittable
Who should not apply
- Past or present paid employees of the University of Nebraska Press, Akashic Books or Amalion Press
- Current faculty, students or employees at Brown University
- Current faculty, students or employees at the University of Nebraska
- Hard copy submissions, which are recycled unread
- Manuscripts that carry the author name on the pages
Documents to prepare
- A poetry manuscript of at least 50 pages with the author name removed from the pages
- A cover page listing only the title of the manuscript, with no name, address, phone number or email
- An optional acknowledgements page listing where individual poems were previously published
How to apply
- Read the full contest guidance on the African Poetry Book Fund page for the Sillerman Prize
- Prepare your manuscript of at least 50 pages with your name removed from the pages
- Add a cover page that lists only the title of the manuscript
- Open the Submittable page for the Sillerman First Book Prize for African Poets
- Upload your manuscript as an electronic submission before 1 December 2026
- Email apbf@brown.edu if you have a question about submission logistics
Selection process
- All entries are read anonymously by the Sillerman editorial team
- The panel has included Kwame Dawes, Chris Abani, Matthew Shenoda, John Keene, Gabeba Baderoon, Phillippa Yaa de Villiers, Aracelis Girmay and Mahtem Shiferraw
- Submissions are handled by the African Poetry Book Fund Coordinator
- The winner is announced in June
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Who can enter the Sillerman First Book Prize?
African writers who have not published a book length poetry collection. An African writer means someone born in Africa, a national or resident of an African country, or someone whose parents are African.
Does a self published book count against me?
No. A self published book still falls inside the first book idea if it was sold online, in stores or at readings. Editing an anthology of other writers work also leaves you eligible.
How much is the prize?
The winner receives USD $1,000 and book publication through the University of Nebraska Press.
When does the 2026 window close?
Submissions open on 15 September and close on 1 December 2026. The provider publishes no cut off time, so submit early rather than on the final day.
Can I submit poetry originally written in another language?
Only English submissions are considered, so a translated manuscript is accepted. A percentage of the prize goes to the translator.
Is there an entry fee?
No entry fee is required, and no application form is needed.
Can I send more than one manuscript?
Yes. Eligible writers may submit more than one manuscript.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
