The 2025 Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award | How to Apply ($500)
Broadside Lotus Press Opens Submissions for African American Poets
Broadside Lotus Press is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award, offering African American poets the opportunity to have their work published. Poets can submit their manuscripts until March 15, 2025. The winning manuscript will be announced in summer 2025, and the book will be published in winter 2025.
This award recognizes outstanding poetry and continues the legacy of Naomi Long Madgett, a trailblazer in African American literature. With no entry fee required, this competition provides an inclusive space for both emerging and established poets.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is exclusively open to African American poets. However, poets who have previously published a book with Lotus Press or Broadside Press are ineligible. Inclusion in an anthology published by these presses does not disqualify an applicant.
Broadside Lotus Press only considers book-length poetry manuscripts. They will not be accepting submissions that include illustrations, essays, short fiction, or collaborative works.
Submission Guidelines
Poets must follow these specific guidelines:
- Submit a book-length manuscript containing 60-90 pages of poetry. The page count does not include the table of contents or other introductory material.
- Format the manuscript using an easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, 12-point size, with single spacing, except between stanzas.
- Begin each poem on a new page, even if it is short.
- Previously published individual poems are allowed, but entire collections (or major portions of collections) that have been previously published—including self-published books—will not be considered.
- Poets may submit their manuscripts to other contests. However, they must notify Broadside Lotus Press if they do so and immediately inform the press if they win another competition.
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How to Submit
Applicants must send two complete copies of their manuscript, printed on white letter-size paper with consecutive page numbers. The poet’s name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript.
Required Documents:
- A cover sheet with only the title of the manuscript (no personal information).
- A separate sheet listing:
- The title of the manuscript
- The poet’s full name, mailing address, phone number(s), and email address
- A signed statement confirming:
- All poems are original and uncollected (not published as part of a previous book).
- The poet identifies as African American.
Mailing Instructions:
- Send manuscripts via First-Class Priority Mail to:
Broadside Lotus Press
c/o Dr. Gloria House
14063 San Juan Drive
Detroit, MI 48238 - Include a self-addressed, stamped postcard if confirmation of receipt is needed.
- Keep a personal copy of the manuscript, as submissions will not be returned.
- Once the winner is announced, all other manuscripts will be destroyed.
Selection Process and Prize
A distinguished judge will evaluate all submissions. The winner will be notified in June 2025, and the judge’s decision is final.
The award winner will receive:
- A $500 cash prize
- Publication of the manuscript by Broadside Lotus Press within the first three months of 2025
- Complimentary copies and access to discounts
When the winner is notified, they must be ready to submit the digital version of their manuscript upon request.
Broadside Lotus Press reserves the right to not select a winner if no submitted manuscript meets the press’s literary standards. Additionally, failure to comply with submission guidelines may result in disqualification without notice.
Final Thoughts
The Naomi Long Madgett Poetry Award continues to elevate African American voices in poetry. By offering a platform for powerful, original work, Broadside Lotus Press ensures that new and established poets have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on literature.
For questions or additional information, contact broadsidelotus@gmail.com.
Broadside Lotus Press is not accepting unsolicited manuscripts outside of this award. The press only publishes books of poetry, not individual poems.
For more details, visit Broadside Lotus Press.
