Submit to the Unicorn Press First Book Competition

From 1 April to 31 May, the Unicorn Press First Book Competition accepts submissions of book-length poetry manuscripts by authors who have not previously published a book of poetry. (Separately, we also maintain a spring open reading period under its own set of guidelines.) The judge’s selection will receive $1000 and a manuscript chosen by the editorial staff will receive $200. The competition carries a submission fee of $15. The winner and editor’s choice selection will be published by Unicorn Press in 2020. We will announce the winning manuscripts on 1 December. Our guidelines are as follows:

» Submit 56-72 pages of poetry previously uncollected in book form. (We consider publications with more than 32 poems printed in a run of over 1000 copies to qualify as previous publication in book form.) Only one poem should appear per page.
» Manuscripts may contain poems previously published in journals and magazines. If applicable, please include an acknowledgments page detailing previous publications.
» Include a cover letter containing your contact information, including an email address. Do not include your name in the manuscript itself.

We will accept submissions to the First Book Competition through our online submission manager and by mail.

ONLINE FIRST BOOK COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS: Log into our online submission manager and upload your work. If applicable, include an acknowledgments page detailing previous publications of work in the collection. Select the "First Book Competition" option under "Submission type." If you enter the competition through the online manager, do not do so by mail.

FIRST BOOK COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS BY MAIL: Send your manuscript with an SASE we may use to send our response. In the event the manuscript is not selected, we will send notice by email if no SASE has been supplied. If you would like us to return your manuscript, make sure your SASE is sized appropriately and carries sufficient postage. If applicable, include an acknowledgments page detailing previous publications of work in the manuscript. If you would like to know when your manuscript has arrived at the press, include a self-addressed postcard with your submission, and we will drop it in the mail upon receipt of your materials. Do not enter the competition online if you do so by mail. Direct manuscripts to the following address:

UNICORN PRESS
Post Office Box 5523
Greensboro, NC 27435