Eligibility

 

The book of poetry submitted must be the work of a single author, at least 64 pages long, and published in 2023 by an established press. It is expected that the book will contain both new and previously published poems.

 

Manuscripts, videos, CDs, chapbooks, and self-published books are not eligible, nor are books that have already won an award. However, books that have won a pre-publication award by the publishing press remain eligible. Also, the book may be under consideration for another award the result of which will have no bearing on its eligibility for the PSV Award.

 

Books by poets who are members of the PSV Board of Directors, or who have close ties to the final judge (friends, family, students) are not eligible.

 

Submission Period

 

Please send three copies of the submitted book to Sofia Starnes between October 15, 2023 and January 15, 2024 (postmark dates) at the following postal address:

 

Sofia M. Starnes

4951 Burnley Drive

Williamsburg, VA 23188

 

Final judge: Lisa Russ Spaar, professor of English and Interim Director of Creative Writing at the University of Virginia. Spaar is the author of numerous books of poetry, most recently Paradise Close (Persea Book, 2022). Her poem, “Temple Gaudete”, published in Image, won a 2016 Pushcart Prize. Among her many awards is the Horace W. Goldsmith NEH Distinguished Teaching Professorship at the University of Virginia, 2016-2018. For more information, visit https://english.as.virginia.edu/people/profile/lrs9e. 

 

Award

 

The winner will receive a $1,000 monetary award and an invitation to read at the annual Spring Poetry Festival of the Poetry Society of Virginia.

 

Fees

 

$25 for members of the PSV; $36 for non-members (includes one-year membership to PSV). Payment may be made preferably using  PayPal, through the PSV website. SEE BELOW FOR LINKS. However, a check made out to the Poetry Society of Virginia, may be sent in with your submission.

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The downloadable entry form below must accompany the submission.

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You may also email Sofia Starnes, at smstarnes@cox.net to request an entry form or for further information.

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