Poets & Writers Sponsored Prizes and Literary Awards
The literary landscape is enriched by awards that provide not only financial stability but also the professional visibility necessary for writers to thrive. Through a variety of sponsored prizes, Poets & Writers supports authors at every stage of their careers—from emerging voices seeking their first break to established poets of exceptional talent.
Key Facts
- The Jackson Poetry Prize offers a $100,000 award to established American poets.
- The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award provides emerging writers with professional networking opportunities in New York City.
- The Amy Award specifically supports women poets aged 30 and under in the NYC metropolitan area.
- The Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award honors those who contribute generously to the literary community.
The Jackson Poetry Prize
Established in 2006, the Jackson Poetry Prize is designed to grant American poets the two most precious resources in their craft: time and encouragement. To be eligible, a poet must have published at least two books of recognized literary merit. While the prize initially began with a $50,000 award, it has since grown to $100,000.
Unlike many literary honors, there is no application process for this prize. Nominees are identified by a group of anonymous poets selected by Poets & Writers, and the final recipient is chosen by a panel of esteemed poets.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Jackson Poetry Prize Recipients (2007–2025)
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Elizabeth Alexander |
| 2008 | Tony Hoagland |
| 2009 | Linda Gregg |
| 2010 | Harryette Mullen |
| 2011 | James Richardson |
| 2012 | Henri Cole |
| 2013 | Arthur Sze |
| 2014 | Claudia Rankine |
| 2015 | X. J. Kennedy |
| 2016 | Will Alexander |
| 2017 | Patricia Spears Jones |
| 2018 | John Yau |
| 2019 | Joy Harjo |
| 2020 | Ed Roberson |
| 2021 | Carl Phillips |
| 2022 | Sonia Sanchez |
| 2023 | Sandra Lim |
| 2024 | Fady Joudah |
| 2025 | Cyrus Cassells |
The Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
Launched in 1984, the Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award focuses on emerging writers—those at the beginning of their professional journey. The award provides two writers with an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, where Poets & Writers facilitates critical meetings with editors, agents, and prominent authors. The experience concludes with a public reading in Manhattan.
The selection process rotates by geography; each year, two writers from a specific state are invited to submit their manuscripts. To date, 76 writers from 30 states have received the award, with participation eventually expanding to 40 states and Washington DC. Notable recipients include Bryn Chancellor (2014), as well as Joan Dempsey and Brian Evans-Jones (2017), who were selected from Maine.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Amy Award
The Amy Award is a specialized honor dedicated to women poets aged 30 and under who reside on Long Island or within the New York City metropolitan area. Winners receive an honorarium and the opportunity to perform a reading in New York City.
The award was established by Edward Butscher and Paula Trachtman of East Hampton, New York, in memory of Paula's daughter, Amy Rothholz, who was both a poet and an actor.
Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award
While many awards focus on the work itself, the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award, established in 1996, recognizes the spirit of generosity. Presented at the annual Poets & Writers dinner, this award honors authors who have given back to other writers or the broader literary community.
Honorees are nominated by a committee consisting of the Poets & Writers Board of Directors, previous winners, and other prominent writers. The award is named in recognition of the extraordinary support provided by Barnes & Noble.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Jackson Poetry Prize?
There is no application process for the Jackson Poetry Prize. Nominees are identified by a group of anonymous poets selected by Poets & Writers, and the final winner is chosen by a panel of esteemed poets.
Who is eligible for the Amy Award?
The Amy Award is open to women poets who are 30 years old or younger and live in the New York City metropolitan area or on Long Island.
What does the Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award provide?
The award provides two emerging writers from a selected state with an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, professional meetings with agents and editors, and a public reading in Manhattan.
What is the purpose of the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award?
This award recognizes authors who have demonstrated exceptional generosity toward other writers or the wider literary community.
How much is the Jackson Poetry Prize award?
The prize currently offers an award of $100,000, having grown from its initial amount of $50,000.