Submissions open between August 15th and October 31st
Tupelo Press is excited to announce the annual Helena Whitehill Book Award submission period. This prestigious award, sponsored by Sally Whitehill in memory of her mother, Helena Whitehill, has replaced the former Sunken Garden Chapbook Award. Writers can submit their manuscripts for consideration between August 15th and October 31st each year.
This year, the distinguished final judge for the award is Jane Wong. Jane recently published her memoir, “Meet Me Tonight in Atlantic City,” through Tin House in 2023. She is the author of two poetry collections and has been featured in well-known publications like The New York Times, American Poetry Review, and The Kenyon Review. With a Ph.D. in English from the University of Washington and as an Associate Professor at Western Washington University, Wong continues to impact the literary world significantly.
Cutter Streeby, Director of Marketing at Tupelo Press, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “By introducing this literary prize in honor of Helena Whitehill, Tupelo Press aims to stay at the forefront of contemporary literature and expand our offerings to encompass creative nonfiction, memoirs, essays, and hybrid works.”
The Helena Whitehill Book Award is not just a symbol of literary excellence; it also provides valuable opportunities. Winners of the award receive a cash prize of $1,000, publication by Tupelo Press, an official book launch, international distribution through the University of Chicago Press, and a week-long residency at Gentle House on the Olympic Peninsula.
Reflecting on the award’s significance, Sally Whitehill said, “My mother, Helena Whitehill, had a deep love for words and poetry. She instilled in our family that creative expression should be accessible to all. The Helena Whitehill Book Award’s anonymous submission process reflects this ideal. Partnering with Tupelo Press allows me to honor my mother’s legacy and support other writers.”
In addition to her support for literary arts, Sally Whitehill is an author and screenwriter with an MFA from NYU. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Creative Writing at King’s College, London.
Established in 2002, the Helena Whitehill Book Award has gained recognition nationwide, attracting submissions judged by renowned poets. What sets this award apart is its openness to poetry (chapbook or full-length) and creative nonfiction, with no specified page limit. Manuscripts undergo an anonymous review process, and all finalists are considered for publication.
Before submitting their manuscripts, entrants must thoroughly review the Helena Whitehill Book Award website guidelines. These guidelines offer valuable insights into the submission process, including information on formatting requirements, eligibility criteria, and other essential details to ensure a successful submission.
This year’s Helena Whitehill Book Award offers a unique opportunity for writers to gain recognition and share their work on a broader platform. Take advantage of this chance to earn credit, a substantial cash prize, and the opportunity to be published by a leading press. For more information and detailed guidelines, please visit https://www.tupelopress.org/helena-whitehill-book-award/.
