Submission Guidelines
Nightboat Books invites submissions to the 2012 Nightboat Poetry Prize.
The winning poet receives $1,000, a standard royalty contract, and 25 free copies of the published book.
Finalists are considered for future publication.JUDGE: KAZIM ALI
Please carefully follow the submission instructions. Thanks!
DEADLINE: Postmark date between September 1, 2012 and October 15, 2012.
Complete Guidelines:
ELIGIBILITY: Any poet writing in English is eligible who: 1. does not have a close personal or professional relationship to the judge; 2. is not a current or recent (within the past five years) student of the judge; and 3. is not affiliated with Nightboat Books. Previous book publication is not a consideration for eligibility. Poems published in print or on-line periodicals, anthologies, or chapbooks may be included, but the manuscript itself must be unpublished. Original work only; translations are ineligible.
FORMAT: 48 to 90 pages (suggested length, manuscripts may be longer or shorter), paginated, no more than one poem per page, double-sided preferred. The manuscript must be typed (clear photocopies are acceptable) and bound only by a spring clip. Include two title pages (one with book title, name, address, telephone and email; one with book title only), table of contents, and acknowledgments page. The author’s name should not appear anywhere in the manuscript except on the first title page.
NOTIFICATION: Enclose a standard business-size SASE for winner notification. We will not return manuscripts. Please do not send your only copy. Send a self-addressed, stamped postcard for notification of manuscript receipt (optional). Nightboat Books cannot answer questions regarding submissions during the reading period.
SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS: Simultaneous submissions are acceptable. Please notify Nightboat Books immediately if your manuscript is accepted elsewhere.
MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS: Submission of more than one manuscript is acceptable. Each manuscript must be submitted separately, each with a separate entry fee and SASE.
INTERNATIONAL SUBMISSIONS: We accept International Submissions. (Please remember to include your email address and entry fee payable in US dollars.)
REVISIONS: The winner will have the opportunity to revise the manuscript before publication. No revisions will be considered during the reading period.
ENTRY FEE: A $25 entry fee in the form of a check or money order payable to Nightboat Books must accompany all submissions. In the event that the judge does not find an entry suitable for publication, reading fees will be returned to all entrants. Entrants to this year’s competition may receive a complimentary copy of the winning book. Please enclose a 9×12 self-addressed, stamped envelope with $3.00 in postage if you would like to receive the book.
DEADLINE: October 15, 2012 Postmark. Winner will be announced by April 1, 2013. Winning collection to be published Spring 2014.
SEND YOUR HARDCOPY SUBMISSION, ALONG WITH THE REQUIRED ENTRY FEE, BY FIRST-CLASS MAIL TO:
Nightboat Poetry Prize
153 West Lorain Street
Oberlin, OH 44074Fed Ex or UPS submissions cannot be accepted. No online or fax submissions.
MORE INFO: Email questions/comments to info AT nightboat.org, but please do not send your manuscript to this email address.
Thanks and Good Luck! We look very forward to receiving your work.
Council of Literary Magazines & Presses Contest Code of Ethics
CLMP’s community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines—defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.