If you are the type to write poems or participate in slam poetry events, Amazon has some news that might appeal to you. Amazon Publishing announced a call for submissions for the Little A Poetry Contest, dedicated to the discovery of emerging poets. The contest will be judged by the acclaimed poets Cornelius Eady, Jericho Brown and Kimiko Hahn. The winner will receive $5,000 in prize money and a publishing contract featuring a $2,000 advance with Little A, Amazon Publishing’s literary imprint.
Today through December 20, 2015, poets who have published no more than one book of poetry can submit their full-length collections for consideration to LittleAPoetry@amazon.com. The judges will select a winner based on the quality of writing, strength and originality of content, and creativity of language. The winner will be announced in the spring of 2016 and Little A expects to publish the winner’s manuscript in paperback and eBook in the spring of 2017. Little A Editor and Pushcart Prize-winning poet Morgan Parker will edit the winner’s book.
“As part of Little A’s commitment to the discovery of new literary talent, we’re expanding to become a home for emerging poets and their work,” said David Blum, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Little A. “We hope this open call for submissions will lead to a new and vibrant showcase for poetry collections. We’re especially pleased that three prominent American poets—Cornelius Eady, Jericho Brown and Kimiko Hahn—serve as the judges for the first Little A Poetry Contest.”
“I’m overjoyed to be involved with this contest and look forward to reading the submissions,” said Jericho Brown, one of the three judges for the 2015 Little A Poetry Contest. “There are so many talented emerging poets working today that are deserving of an audience and I’m excited to help get their work published.”
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.