The Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Award

In 2021, the Foundation established a poetry prize for books that represent the narrative poetry form that was Laura’s chosen style. The Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Award is an annual manuscript competition. The winner will receive $5,000 and publication of their manuscript.

Submission Guidelines

• The next submission period is from January 1 to March 31, 2026.

• All submissions must be made electronically through Submittable.

• The submission fee is $25. This fee may be waived for entrants experiencing financial hardship. Email laurabosspoetryfoundation@gmail.com to request a fee waiver.

• Submit up to 10 poems from the manuscript, not to exceed 10 pages total, with each poem starting on a new page. Do not include any identifying information on the submitted poems. Your work will be disqualified if your name or contact info appears on the manuscript or on the file name. Our submission online form via Submittable will capture your contact information but hide it from readers and the final judge..

• Provide a cover letter with your name, contact information, and a brief bio in the designated spaces on the Submittable form. The cover letter will be hidden from the readers and the final judge.

• Manuscripts can include individual poems that were previously published as long as the manuscript itself has not been published in chapbook or book form.

• Revision of sample submissions is not allowed during the submission period. You are welcome to withdraw and resubmit your sample, but the new submission will require an additional $25 entry fee.

Semi-finalists will be notified by June 1, and invited to submit their full manuscripts (70-90 pages) by June 30.

Five finalists and the winner will be selected from the semi-finalist manuscripts, and notifications will be announced in September.

The winner of the Laura Boss Narrative Poetry Book Award receives the following:

• Publication by New York Quarterly Books

• 25 author copies

• $5,000 prize (not treated as an advance toward royalties)

• A featured publication release reading at The Poetry Center at PCCC in Paterson to coincide with their book’s publication.

The five finalists will each receive:

• $100 prize

• An invitation to participate in the publication reading in Paterson, NJ

All entries will be read anonymously. The semifinalists will be chosen by a committee selected by the Laura Boss Poetry Foundation. The final judge for 2026 is Marge Piercy, who will select the winner and five finalists from the semi-finalists.

Any questions about your active submission should be made through Submittable to maintain anonymity.