Jackson Poetry Prize
じゃくそんししょう
Annual award recognizing U.S. poets through a nomination process.
PoetryLiterary prizesUnited States
- Established
- 2006
- Organizer
- Poets & Writers, Inc.
- Category
- Poetry and Contemporary Poetry
- Selection Method
- Recommendation
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Announcement Period
- around April
- Status
- Active
Description
The Jackson Poetry Prize, established in 2006, honors American poets who possess outstanding talent and have published at least two critically acclaimed books. There is no open call for submissions; an anonymous group of poets selected by Poets & Writers nominates candidates, and a selection committee of renowned poets makes the final selection. The prize aims to provide the recipient with time and encouragement for writing. The prize money has increased stepwise from $50,000 at inception to $100,000 as of 2024.
Prize
- Main Prize
- Cash prize awarded to the winner. Aims to provide time and encouragement for writing.
- Cash Prize
- 100,000 USD
- Increased honor and visibility from winning
- Publicity and promotion by Poets & Writers
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomination (preliminary selection) | An anonymous group of poets selected by Poets & Writers nominates candidates | Unknown | Candidate list is usually not published and is selected internally |
| Final selection | Selection committee of renowned poets selects the final winner | Unknown | Winners announced on Poets & Writers' official website or press releases |
Nomination (preliminary selection)
Judges
An anonymous group of poets selected by Poets & Writers nominates candidates
Pass Rate
Unknown
Announcement
Candidate list is usually not published and is selected internally
Final selection
Judges
Selection committee of renowned poets selects the final winner
Pass Rate
Unknown
Announcement
Winners announced on Poets & Writers' official website or press releases
Criteria
- Outstanding poetic talent
- Having published at least two critically acclaimed works
- Comprehensive evaluation of literary value and achievements
- Must be an American poet
Application Tips
Dos
- Publish multiple poetry collections and build a body of work
- Regularly publish works to gain critical acclaim
- Participate in local and national readings or festivals to increase visibility
- Organize publication history and past awards (selection emphasizes achievements)
Don''ts
- Attempt direct submission (not open call)
- Try to gain attention through short-term promotional activities only
- Seek attention through actions contrary to evaluation criteria
From Judges
- Selection tends to emphasize the winner's 'body of work'
- Poetic maturity and technical excellence are highly valued
- Continuously publish works and accumulate evaluations from experts and readers
Related Awards
- Maureen Egen Writers Exchange Award
- Amy Award
- Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award