Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize 2026 — Northwestern University Press (First Book, Poets of Color)

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The winner receives $500, publication of the chapbook by Northwestern University Press (early 2028) and fifteen copies of the book; volumes in the Drinking Gourd series carry a short introduction by a senior writer. Judged by series editors Chris Abani and Susannah Young-ah Gottlieb. Run with Northwestern's Poetry and Poetics Colloquium.

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A first-book award for poets creating, giving voice to, and sharing experiences of people of color. Poets with US citizenship who have not previously published a book-length volume of poetry (chapbooks included). One entry per poet: a 25–35-page single-spaced manuscript with table of contents and acknowledgments, plus the entry form.

Dates & details

Programme dates

Chapbook published in early 2028

Results

Early 2027

Costs to the artist

Entry fee only; submission online