Submit to the James Welch Prize for Indigenous Writers
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Eligibility
The prize is open to emerging poets who are community-recognized members of tribal nations within the United States and its trust territories (including American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Chamorros, and American Samoans). Only poets who have not published more than one book-length literary work in any genre are eligible; however, previous publication is not a requirement. Eligible contestants must be community-recognized members of their tribal nation. Formal tribal enrollment is not the only way of acknowledging belonging, and this prize aims to recognize all Native writers who are in community. Previous first place winners of this prize are not eligible, but previous finalists are welcome to submit work.
How to submit
Between December 15 and February 15, each entrant may submit up to three poems in a single document. Please submit only once.
There is no submission fee for this prize. Please read our guidelines before you submit.
Submissions must include a cover letter with tribal affiliation(s) and a short biography. However, please do not include any personal information (name, mailing address, etc.) on the poems themselves. All entries will be screened by a team of poets from the board and advisory committee of In-Na-Po (Indigenous Nations Poets). All identifying information will be removed from the submissions before each round of judging, and entries will be read blind at each stage of the judging process.
Entries must be previously unpublished. We accept simultaneous submissions. You may withdraw your submission at any time via Submittable.
All entrants will receive a complimentary copy of the issue that includes the winning poems.