The Academy of American Poets First Book Award is a $5,000 first-book publication prize. The winning manuscript, chosen by an acclaimed poet, is published by Graywolf Press, an award-winning independent publisher committed to the discovery and energetic publication of contemporary American and international literature. The winner also receives distribution of their winning book to thousands of Academy of American Poets members, making it one of the most widely distributed poetry books that year; inclusion and promotion in American Poets magazine, the Academy’s newsletter, and Poets.org, among other opportunities.
2027 First Book Award Submissions Are Open
The Academy of American Poets is now accepting submissions for the 2027 First Book Award. Submissions are open through September 1, 2026. The judge for the 2027 First Book Award is John Keene.
Submit to the 2027 First Book Award
View First Book Award Guidelines
Purchase First Book Award Titles
This award was established in 1975 to encourage the work of emerging poets and to enable the publication of a poet’s first book. It is currently made possible by financial support from the members of the Academy of American Poets. From 1975–2020, the award was titled in tribute to Walt Whitman. Please see a list of First Book Award and Walt Whitman Award winners below.