The St. Lawrence Book Award

The St. Lawrence Book Award is an annual first-book prize from Black Lawrence Press, an independent literary publisher. It’s open to any writer who has not yet published a full-length manuscript in any genre, for an unpublished debut collection of poetry, short stories, or essays. Novels and memoirs are not eligible. Entries are read blind by senior Black Lawrence Press editors alongside a rotating panel of past St. Lawrence Book Award winners.

Poetry manuscripts should run 45 to 95 pages, and prose manuscripts (short story or essay collections) 120 to 280 pages. Individual pieces within a manuscript may have been previously published in journals or anthologies, but the manuscript as a whole must not have appeared previously as a published collection. Simultaneous and multiple submissions are permitted. Collaborative or hybrid/multi-genre collections are welcome. Fee waivers are available on request, submitted at least seven days before the deadline.

Past winners include Grace H. Zhou, Shubha Sunder, Charlie Peck, and Max McDonough.

The winner receives book publication, a $1,000 cash award, and ten copias of the finished book.

Is this event legit?YES! – Based on our research this event is legitimate and the organizer is well established. However, as with any opportunity, please remember to do your own research before submitting your work. Check the organizer’s website and carefully read the terms and conditions!

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