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Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize: Celebrating the Art of Poetry in the Palmetto State

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The Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize is an esteemed literary award that has been recognizing the outstanding work of poets in South Carolina since its inception in 2017. Established by the South Carolina Academy of Arts and Sciences, the prize aims to foster the growth and appreciation of poetry in the state, and to provide a platform for poets to showcase their artistry.

Keep and Give Away: Poems (South Carolina Poetry Prize)

Keep and Give Away: Poems (South Carolina Poetry Book Prize)

by Susan Meyers

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	502 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	104 pages

History of the Prize

The idea for a South Carolina Poetry Prize was first conceived in 2016 by a group of dedicated poets and literary enthusiasts in the state. They recognized the need for a prestigious award that would celebrate the exceptional work being produced by South Carolina poets and encourage the continued development of poetry in the region.

With the support of the South Carolina Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize was formally established in 2017. The inaugural prize was awarded to poet Nikky Finney, a National Book Award winner and one of the most celebrated poets in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

The Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize is open to all poets who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Must be a legal resident of South Carolina at the time of submission
May submit one poem or a group of poems (up to three) that have not been previously published in any form
Must be original work written in English

Submission Guidelines

Submissions for the Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize are accepted annually between March 1st and June 1st. Poets can submit their work through the online submission portal on the South Carolina Academy of Arts and Sciences website.

Submissions must include the following:

Cover letter with contact information and a brief bio
Two copies of the poem(s) submitted, one with the poet's name and one without
Submission fee of $15

Judging Process

The Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize is judged by a distinguished panel of poets and literary experts. The judges are selected for their expertise in poetry, their commitment to literary excellence, and their knowledge of the South Carolina poetry landscape.

The judging process involves a rigorous evaluation of each submission based on the following criteria:

Literary merit
Originality
Technical skill
Overall impact

Prizes

The winner of the Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize receives a cash award of $1,000 and a one-year residency at the South Carolina Arts Commission's Writing Residency Program. The winner also has their poem published in the South Carolina Review, a prestigious literary journal.

In addition to the grand prize, the judges may also award honorable mentions to other outstanding submissions.

Past Winners

Since its inception, the Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize has been awarded to a diverse range of talented poets. Past winners include:

Nikky Finney (2017)
A.E. Stallings (2018)
Tracy K. Smith (2019)
Natasha Trethewey (2020)
Kevin Young (2021)

The Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize is a testament to the vibrant and thriving poetry scene in South Carolina. By recognizing the exceptional work of poets in the state, the prize contributes to the cultural landscape of the Palmetto State and fosters a greater appreciation of the power and beauty of poetry.

As the prize continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to become an even more prestigious and influential force in the world of poetry. The Poems South Carolina Poetry Prize is a celebration of the art of poetry and a catalyst for the continued growth and development of the literary arts in South Carolina.

Keep and Give Away: Poems (South Carolina Poetry Book Prize)

by Susan Meyers

5 out of 5