Cave Canem Prize 2026 for Black Poets ($10,000 prize) Deadline: 8May, 2025

Applications are open for the Cave Canem Prize 2026. The Cave Canem Prize supports the work of Black poets to overcome the obstacle of publishing their first book of poems. Awarded to one poet annually, the Prize recipient receives a monetary award, as well as having their manuscript published by one of their partner publishers, Graywolf Press; University of Pittsburgh Press; or University of Georgia Press.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Cave Canem Prize, which was launched in 1999. To commemorate this historic milestone, Cave Canem has increased the monetary award to $10,000.

Prizes

• Winner receives $10,000;
• publication through Graywolf Press in Fall 2025;
• 15 copies of the book; and
• A featured reading with the selected judge, presented by Cave Canem.

Eligibility

• Open to all unpublished, original collections of poems written in English by Black poets who have not had a full-length book of poetry published by a professional press. Cave Canem defines Black poets as any poet who identifies as a member of the African Diaspora.
• Black authors of chapbooks and self-published books with a maximum print run of 500 copies are also eligible to apply.
• Current or former students, colleagues, employees, family members and close friends of the judge; current or former employees and members of the board of Cave Canem Foundation or Graywolf Press; and authors who have published a book or have a book under contract with Graywolf Press are ineligible.

Note that in the event that an applicant has submitted the same manuscript to other competitions and receives an award, they must disclose this information to Cave Canem. By applying, the Cave Canem Prize Winner agrees to be present in the continental United States at her or his own expense shortly after the book is published in order to participate in promotional reading(s).

Application

Submissions for the 2026 Cave Canem Prize open now until May 8, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit Cave Canem Prize.