Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize Submission Guidelines

The award is open to any poet writing in English who has not had a full-length book of poetry published previously. We define “full-length book” as a volume of 48 or more pages published in an edition of 500 or more copies. Books whose publication costs have been borne by their authors are excluded from this definition. University of Pittsburgh employees, former employees, current students, and those who have been students within the last three years are not eligible for the award.

Submit your Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize manuscript online! Save time, printing, and postage! During the submission period (March 1 – April 30) simply go to our Submittable page, where you’ll find easy-to-follow instructions.

Please send one copy of your manuscript on good quality white paper, with no fewer than 48 and no more than 100 typescript pages. Clean, legible photocopies are acceptable. No binding allowed. Your name, address, phone number, and email address should be on your title page. These are our only format requirements. Please also include your curriculum vitae. Enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard for acknowledgment of receipt. For results, please check our website.

Each manuscript must be accompanied by a check or money order in US dollars only for $25.00 payable to “University of Pittsburgh Press.”

Manuscripts being considered by other publishers are allowed, but if a manuscript is accepted for publication elsewhere, please notify the Press in writing.

Manuscripts must be received during March and April. That is, they must be postmarked on or after March 1 and on or before April 30.

The address for mailed submissions is:

Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry Prize
University of Pittsburgh Press
7500 Thomas Blvd., 4th floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Note: 15260 is the correct and exclusive zip code for the University of Pittsburgh and the Press. For UPS, FedEx, etc., zip code 15208 should be used. If you have any questions about these guidelines, please email eomalley@upress.pitt.edu.

Results will be announced in the fall on our website and social media feeds, and in major poetry and writing magazines once a winner has been chosen.