The Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry
The African Poetry Book Fund (APBF) invites submissions for the 2025 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry, a prestigious annual award that celebrates excellence in African poetry. Established in 2015 and named in honor of the late literary philanthropist Glenna Luschei, the prize offers USD $1,000 to recognize a significant book of poetry published by an African poet in English or in translation.
This pan-African award remains the only one of its kind worldwide, dedicated to uplifting and promoting African poetry. Each year, a distinguished African writer serves as the contest judge.
Eligibility for The Glenna Luschei Prize
- Authors must qualify as African writers, defined as individuals born in Africa, nationals or residents of African countries, or those with African parentage.
- Books must be full-length collections of poetry (minimum 48 pages) published in 2024.
- Only works in English are accepted, though published translations are eligible.
- Self-published titles and works from the APBF and its African Poetry Series are not eligible.
Submission Guidelines for The Glenna Luschei Prize
- Submission window: May 1 – October 1, 2025.
- Publishers may submit multiple eligible titles.
- An entry form is required for each submission (no entry fee).
- Four copies of each title must be mailed, postmarked between May 1 and October 1, to:
The Glenna Luschei Poetry Prize
African Poetry Book Fund
10 Prospect Street, Box A
Brown University Library
Rock 102
Providence, RI, 02912
Uncorrected galleys, including PDFs, will be considered if the book falls within the eligibility period. Books submitted will not be returned and may be donated to the African Poetry Libraries Initiative.
Why Submit?
The Glenna Luschei Prize has honored some of Africa’s most acclaimed poets, including:
- A Naked Bone by Mangaliso Buzani
- Collective Amnesia by Koleka Putuma
- 100 Days by Juliane Okot Bitek
- Waslap by Rethabile Masilo
- A Book of Rooms by Kobus Moolman
- through the window of a sandcastle by Amu Nnadi
Winning or even being considered for this prize places a poet’s work among Africa’s finest literary achievements, while also providing global visibility.
Additional Resources for Writers
Publishing a poetry book is an accomplishment that deserves recognition and support. Writers looking to expand their publishing journey can explore these resources:
Contact
For inquiries, email: apbf@brown.edu
The APBF continues to champion African voices in poetry through awards, publications, and initiatives that preserve and celebrate the continent’s diverse literary heritage.
