Michigan State University

The winner will receive $1,000 and publication within two years of selection under the Wheelbarrow Books imprint. Submission periods for first books of poetry and those by previously published poets alternate every year. 2025 will be for first books.

Manuscripts are eligible for the Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize (First Book Category) if the author has not yet published a full-length collection of original poetry in English (of 48 pages or more with a press run of at least 500 copies). Chapbooks of less than 48 pages and self-published collections are not considered full-length collections for this purpose.

Translations are not eligible.

Current faculty, staff, and students of Michigan State University are not eligible to submit their work.

Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize

Please read contest details carefully before submitting.

Manuscripts must be in English and a minimum 64 pages, typed in a 12-point font.

Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize

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