The Nossrat Yassini Poetry Prize—housed and managed by the University of New Hampshire’s English Department—honors a first book published by a U.S. poet of genuine promise in the previous calendar year. This year’s final judge will be the renowned poet Matthew Olzmann.

The poet receives:

• $10,000
• A headline reading at the Nossrat Yassini Poetry Festival, taking place at the University of New Hampshire April 18-19, 2024.
• A platform to offer a virtual workshop to a national audience
• Promotion of the poet and their book leading up to the Festival

Eligibility:

Any full-length poetry collection (48+ pages/with an ISBN) published between January 1 - December 31, 2024

Entering the prize implies the author’s willingness to attend the Nossrat Yassini Poetry Festival in Durham, New Hampshire (April 18-19, 2025), and to take part in the headline reading and offer one workshop virtually.  The honorarium is awarded in exchange for/after appearing at the Festival. If money is needed to assist with travel, arrangements for a portion of the prize to be received in advance will be made.

Submission guidelines:

• Contact Form 
• Fee: $50 
• Copies of the book: 

While some of the judges will be considering book design, those judging for content (including final judge Matthew Olzmann) will not be made aware of the poet’s identity until the winner is revealed, therefore we ask you to submit:

-One digital copy submitted as a PDF with design/identifying info removed, though acknowledgments can be included. 

-Three physical copies of the book sent by mail, postmarked by the 12/2 deadline.  

Please note, poets are not eligible to apply if they are close friends and/or have studied with the final judge, Matthew Olzmann, in full-time accredited courses within the last three years.  

Winners of the Granite State Poetry Prize are not eligible to apply. 

Decisions regarding eligibility, both initial and throughout the award period, are final. UNH/The YAS Foundation reserves the right to withhold the Granite State Poetry Prize in any given year.  

Any questions about the contest should be sent to nossratyassinipoetryfestival@gmail.com. To find out more about our book prizes and other programming, including the Nossrat Yassini Poetry Festival, please visit our website.