The Anhinga Prize for Poetry

2009 Contest Winner Announced

The Anhinga Prize for Poetry has been offered annually since 1983 for a manuscript of original poetry in English. The competition is open to writers in English from all regions. The winner receives $2000, and the winning manuscript will be published by Anhinga Press.

Contest manuscripts are screened by qualified readers appointed by the Press. The final selection is made by a poet of distinguished achievement, who remains anonymous until the winner is announced in mid-October. Past judges have included Naomi Shihab Nye, William Stafford, Charles Wright, Donald Hall, Marvin Bell, Joy Harjo, Robert Dana, Peter Meinke, and others.

Anhinga Press subscribes to the principles laid out in the Contest Code of Ethics adopted by the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses (CLMP):

CLMP's community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to:

1. conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors;
2. to provide clear and specific contest guidelines -- defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and
3. to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public.

This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.

Contest results are published in Poets & Writers, AWP Writer's Chronicle, and other writer's magazines as soon as a decision is made, and the winning book is usually published within six months of its selection.

To see a list of past winners of the Anhinga Prize, including links to more detailed information about each, see our Series page.

The award is open to poets trying to publish a first or second book of poetry. Previous publication of self-published books and chapbooks do not make a poet ineligible. Entries must be original poetry in English; however, a few translations in a manuscript are acceptable. Poems previously published in journals and anthologies should be accompanied by an acknowledgments page. Authors may submit multiple manuscripts if each one is accompanied by a separate reading fee. Previously submitted manuscripts and manuscripts under consideration by other publishers are also eligible. Should your manuscript be accepted by another press, please notify us as soon as possible. Once we have received a manuscript, we cannot accept alterations or additions to it. Please check your manuscript carefully before you mail it.

Contest Rules

(To be certain you have followed all guidelines, we suggest that you use this convenient checklist.)

• Each submission must be accompanied by a $25 reading fee. Make checks payable to Anhinga Press. (Important: If you have entered the contest before, note that the reading fee is different this year!)
• Do not put your name on your manuscript. Instead, make two title pages--one with the manuscript title, your name, address and phone number, and a second title page with only the manuscript's title.
• Manuscripts must be 48-80 pages, excluding front matter. They may be single- or double-spaced, and all pages must be numbered. Please do not staple or bind your manuscript.
• Include a self-addressed, stamped, #10 envelope for notification of contest results.
• Submissions will be accepted from February 15 until May 1 of each year . Manuscripts received prior to February 15 or postmarked after May 1 will be recycled and the entry fee returned.
• Manuscripts will not be returned. Please keep copies of your work.
• Please send manuscripts to:

Anhinga Prize for Poetry
Drawer W
P.O. Box 10595
Tallahassee, FL 32302

Entrants may purchase the winning book and any additional Anhinga Press titles at a 40% discount from the retail price. (With your order, please mention that you were a contest entrant.) For a current list of our titles, check here. For information on purchasing books, for queries and submissions, please contact us at the address or phone/fax number shown below.

Anhinga Press activities are sponsored in part by the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.