The Robert Dana Prize for Poetry

2011 Contest Winner Announced

The Robert Dana Prize for Poetry has been offered annually since 1983 for a manuscript of original poetry in English. The competition is open to writers from all regions. The winner will receive $2000, the winning manuscript will be published by Anhinga Press, and the winner will be offered a reading tour of Florida after the book comes out.

Contest manuscripts are screened by qualified readers appointed by the Press. Past judges include Donald Hall, Marvin Bell, Joy Harjo, Robert Dana, Diane Wakoski, Naomi Shihab Nye, Mark Jarman., Sheryl St. Germain, and Tony Hoagland. Past winners of the Prize include Judith Kitchen, Janet Holmes, Frank X. Gaspar, Julia Levine, Keith Ratzlaff, Ruth L. Schwartz, Deborah Landau and Rhett Iseman Trull.

Contest results are announced in November and published in Poets & Writers, The Writers' Chronicle, here at our Web site, and in other writer's magazines. The winning book is usually published within one year of its selection. It is our policy not to reveal our judge's name during the submission process. You may inquire after May 1st to satisfy your curiosity.

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:

1. to 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.

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

Contest Rules

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

The award is open to poets trying to publish a first or second book of poetry. Previous publication of self-published books, chapbooks, and individual poems 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 the 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.

• Each submission must be accompanied by a $25 reading fee. Make checks payable to Anhinga Press.
• 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.
• For notification of contest results, please stop back here at our Web site after November 1.
• 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 do not use a form of mail delivery which requires a signature by the addressee.
• Please send manuscripts to:

Robert Dana Prize for Poetry
P.O. Box 3665
Tallahassee, FL 32315

Entrants may purchase the winning book or any Anhinga Press title at a 40% discount from the retail price. With your order, please mention that you were a contest entrant. For information on purchasing books, for queries and submissions, please contact us via e-mail or by mail at the above address. Here at our Web site you can see samples of poems by Anhinga authors, contest guidelines (this page!), our catalog and other items.

Anhinga Press books are distributed by SPD and are available on our website, at most good independent bookstores, and on line from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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