The Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry 2026

Arrowsmith Press, in partnership with the Derek Walcott Estate and The Derek Walcott Festival in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, presents the annual Derek Walcott Prize for Poetry. Prize Details: The prize includes a $2,000 USD (approx. $3,400 NZD) cash award. In the case of translations, the prize money may be shared by the poet and the translator. The prize committee also hopes to work with publishers to coordinate an event along with their author’s touring schedule. Eligibility Requirements: The prize is awarded to a full-length book of poems by a living poet. The poet must not be a US citizen (green card holders are welcome). The book must be in English or in English translation. The book may have been published anywhere in the world, but must have been published between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Submission Guidelines & Fees: Fee: $20 USD (approx. $34 NZD) per book submitted. Unlimited submissions are allowed. Publishers, authors, and others are invited to enter books. To apply, a completed submission form and two (2) physical hard copies of each book must be received by April 1, 2026.