Cave Canem Prize 2027
The Cave Canem Prize 2027 is currently open for submission. 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 our partner publishers, Graywolf Press; University of Pittsburgh Press; or University of Georgia Press. Jericho Brown (CC Fellow, 2000) will judge the 2027 Cave Canem Prize.
Applications for the 2027 Cave Canem Prize will be open April 1-30, 2026.
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The Cave Canem Prize 2027
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 our partner publishers, Graywolf Press; University of Pittsburgh Press; or University of Georgia Press.
Applications for the 2027 Cave Canem Prize will be open April 1-30, 2026.
Award for the Cave Canem Prize 2027
Winner receives $10,000; publication through one of our partner presses; 15 copies of the book; and a featured reading with the selected judge, presented by Cave Canem.
Eligibility for the Cave Canem Prize 2027
All unpublished, original collections of poems written in English by Black poets who have not had a full-length book of poetry published by a professional press.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. Submissions must be paginated with a font size of 11 or 12, and 60 – 75 pages in length, inclusive of title page and table of contents.
Black authors of chapbooks and self-published books with a maximum print run of 500 copies are also eligible to apply.
Please 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).
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Exclusions
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.
If any of the selected authors fall under the above exclusions, they will be disqualified and a replacement chosen. As the poetry community is small and the contest is judged without knowledge of the submitter’s identity, acquaintance with the judge or participation in a workshop taught by the judge are not disqualifying criteria.
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