The Yale Younger Poets Award is a prestigious literary prize that has been launching the careers of promising young poets since 1919. Established by the Yale University Press, this award is one of the oldest and most respected poetry prizes in the United States. The award is given annually to a poet under the age of 40 who has not previously published a book of poetry. The winner receives a cash prize and publication of their manuscript by the Yale University Press.
Over the years, the Yale Younger Poets Award has played a significant role in discovering and promoting the work of talented young poets. Many of the award's past winners have gone on to become major figures in American poetry, including John Ashbery, Adrienne Rich, and Robert Hass. The award has also been instrumental in shaping the literary landscape of the United States, introducing readers to new voices and perspectives that have helped to define the country's poetic tradition.
History of the Award
The Yale Younger Poets Award was established in 1919 by the Yale University Press, with the goal of promoting the work of young poets and providing them with a platform to showcase their talent. The award was initially sponsored by the Yale University Press and the National Poetry Series, a organization dedicated to promoting poetry and supporting emerging poets. Over the years, the award has undergone several changes, including the introduction of a new judging process and the expansion of the prize to include a cash award and publication of the winning manuscript.
Today, the Yale Younger Poets Award is considered one of the most prestigious literary prizes in the United States, attracting submissions from thousands of young poets each year. The award is judged by a panel of distinguished poets and literary critics, who select the winner based on the quality and originality of their work. The winner is announced in the spring, and the award is presented at a ceremony held at Yale University.
Notable Winners
Many of the winners of the Yale Younger Poets Award have gone on to achieve great success in their careers, publishing numerous books of poetry and receiving critical acclaim for their work. Some notable winners of the award include:
- John Ashbery, who won the award in 1956 for his collection Some Trees
- Adrienne Rich, who won the award in 1951 for her collection A Change of World
- Robert Hass, who won the award in 1973 for his collection Field Guide
- Lucie Brock-Broido, who won the award in 1985 for her collection A Hunger
- Viezer, who won the award in 2018 for her collection A manual for nothing
These winners, along with many others, have helped to shape the literary landscape of the United States, introducing readers to new voices and perspectives that have helped to define the country's poetic tradition.
| Year | Winner | Collection |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | John Ashbery | Some Trees |
| 1951 | Adrienne Rich | A Change of World |
| 1973 | Robert Hass | Field Guide |
| 1985 | Lucie Brock-Broido | A Hunger |
| 2018 | Viezer | A manual for nothing |
Submission Guidelines
The Yale Younger Poets Award is open to poets who are under the age of 40 and have not previously published a book of poetry. The submission period typically runs from October to November, and poets can submit their manuscripts online or by mail. The manuscript should include a cover letter, a brief biography, and a collection of poems that demonstrate the poet’s unique voice and style.
The judging process is rigorous, with a panel of distinguished poets and literary critics reviewing the submissions and selecting the winner. The judges look for manuscripts that demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship, originality, and emotional resonance, and that showcase the poet's unique voice and perspective.
Tips for Submitting
To increase their chances of winning the Yale Younger Poets Award, poets should carefully review the submission guidelines and ensure that their manuscript is polished and error-free. Here are some tips for submitting:
- Read and follow the submission guidelines carefully
- Submit a manuscript that demonstrates your unique voice and style
- Make sure your manuscript is polished and error-free
- Include a cover letter and brief biography that provides context for your work
- Submit your manuscript during the designated submission period
By following these tips and submitting a high-quality manuscript, poets can increase their chances of winning the Yale Younger Poets Award and launching their careers as published poets.
What is the age limit for submitting to the Yale Younger Poets Award?
+The age limit for submitting to the Yale Younger Poets Award is 40 years old. Poets must be under the age of 40 at the time of submission to be eligible for the award.
Can I submit a manuscript that has been previously published?
+No, the Yale Younger Poets Award is only open to poets who have not previously published a book of poetry. If you have previously published a book of poetry, you are not eligible for the award.
How do I submit my manuscript to the Yale Younger Poets Award?
+You can submit your manuscript to the Yale Younger Poets Award online or by mail. The submission period typically runs from October to November, and you can find more information about the submission process on the Yale University Press website.
