February, 2026

Event Details
The Pegasus Poetry Book Prize, established in 2025 in partnership with Graywolf Press, awards $10,000 and publication to an unpublished first or second poetry collection by a United States poet
Event Details
The Pegasus Poetry Book Prize, established in 2025 in partnership with Graywolf Press, awards $10,000 and publication to an unpublished first or second poetry collection by a United States poet 40 or older. This prize replaces the Poetry Foundation’s former Emily Dickinson First Book Award and will be offered periodically rather than annually.
Poets must have published no more than one full-length poetry collection. This is a prize for either a first or second book. Poets must be 40 years of age or older by December 31, 2026.
Poets must be residing in or citizens of the United States.
The Poetry Foundation and Graywolf Press anticipate that the prize will provide poets with additional opportunities to write and publish their poetry while showcasing their work to a broader audience.
Is this competition legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any event, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work.
FAQ
If you are curious how writing competitions work, or it’s your first time entering one, we recommend reading our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page first.
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