Juniper Prize for Poetry
The Juniper Prize for Poetry is awarded annually for an original manuscript of poems. The University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winning manuscript, and the author receives a $1,500 award upon publication.
During even-numbered years (2012, 2014, 2016), the judges will consider only manuscripts by writers who already have published at least one full-length book of poetry.
During odd-numbered years (2011, 2013, 2015), the judges will consider only manuscripts by writers who have not previously published a book of poetry.
Competition guidelines
Submissions will only be accepted with a postmark between August 1 and September 30. The entry fee is $25, payable by check, and all manuscripts will be judged anonymously by a panel of distinguished poets. The competition is open to all writers in English, whether or not they are U.S. citizens.
1. Manuscripts must be paginated and be between 50 and 70 pages in typescript.
2. Each submission should have two cover pages—one listing the title of the manuscript and the author's name, address, phone number, and e-mail address; and a second page listing only the title. The author's name should not appear after the first cover page.
3. Include the following along with your manuscript:
a. Paginated contents page.
b. List of acknowledgments for poems in the manuscript that have been published or are slated for publication in literary journals and/or anthologies.
c. The following information about any previously published books: title, page count, publisher, and year of publication.
d. All manuscripts must be accompanied by a non-refundable $25 submission fee, check or money order payable in U. S. dollars. Please make checks payable to the University of Massachusetts Press. Please indicate "POETRY/your manuscript title" in the memo field on the check. Electronic submissions and payments are not accepted.
Send submissions to:
Juniper Prize for Poetry
University of Massachusetts Press
East Experiment Station
671 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
Manuscripts will not be returned. If you wish, you may also include a self-addressed, stamped post card for confirmation of receipt.
The Press assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged manuscripts, and we suggest that you retain a copy for your protection. The winner will be notified by the end of March and an announcement will be placed at the Press’s website in early April, with publication slated for the following Spring. No information about the winner will be released before the April announcement, and the Press will not be able to provide feedback on manuscripts submitted for the competition.
Ineligible submissions
1. Manuscripts by more than one author.
2. Entries of more than one manuscript within the same year (multiple submissions not allowed).
3. Translations.
4. Manuscripts from employees and students of the University of Massachusetts, and former Juniper Prize winners.
5. Chapbooks will not be accepted.
Submission Note: You may submit your manuscript to other publishers while it is being considered for this competition, but if it is accepted for publication elsewhere, please notify us immediately.
If you have questions about the competition, please contact competition coordinator, Karen Fisk.