Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry A project of Tupelo Press (see other related projects). About The annual Tupelo Press Berkshire Prize Award for a First or Second Book of Poetry is an open competition for a poetry manuscript with a cash prize in addition to publication by Tupelo Press, copies of the winning title, a book launch, and national distribution with energetic publicity and promotion. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $30 (above average for contests). Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to people who are looking to have their first or second book of poetry published. Want more insight into the editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Statistics Synopsis Regular Speed Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry's overall average response time is within a normal range for contests. More ChallengingBerkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveBerkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Temp Closed Dates:Will be open to submissions from 01 January 2027 12:00 AM EST (in 107 days) through 30 April 2027.6Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poetry Collection: 48 - 88 pages.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + < 15% royalties Professional advance. < 15% royalties. Details: USD $3,000.Submissions:Methods: Submission manager. Postal. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Facebook FacebookInstagram @tupelopressX (Twitter) @tupelopress Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Berkshire Prize for a First or Second Book of Poetry Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. Filter: Category: Group by submission Include outliers Include related projects Accuracy We have received 33 reports from 33 different members within the past 12 months, not including pending responses (see below). The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 64 min | 90.7 mean avg | 82.0 median | 184 max days (334.8 std dev) Responses 93.94 % Acceptances: 0.00 % No publication has a 0% acceptance rate. This data is based on submission reports sent to Duotrope, and we have not received reports of any acceptances yet. Rejections: 93.94 % (88.9 avg. days per rejection) | 3.2 % personal, 80.7 % form, 16.1 % unspecified | 3.0 % shortlisted Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 6.06 % (74.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Pending 4 responses are pending (139 min | 232.5 mean avg | 159.0 median | 473 max days waiting | 175.3 std dev) from 3 different members This only includes pending reports from people who have been active on Duotrope within the past 30 days Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $30.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 13 Jul 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 30 Apr 2026. Date compiled: 15 Sep 2026 02:10 UTC (7 hours, 51 minutes ago). Work submitted here was also submitted to...This section is available to subscribers only. Sign up and start your free trial today!Members accepted here also had work accepted by...This section is available to subscribers only. Become a member and start your free trial today! Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsDorset Prize Charges fees for all submissionsThe Helena Whitehill Book Award Charges fees for all submissionsThe Last Milkweed Anthology CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsSnowbound Chapbook Award Charges fees for all submissionsSunken Garden Chapbook Poetry Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsTupelo Broadside Prizes DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsTupelo Press Charges fees for all submissionsTupelo QuarterlyTupelo Quarterly Poetry Open Prize Charges fees for all submissionsTupelo Quarterly Prose Open Contest DNQ Charges fees for all submissionsThe Writes of Spring Anthology DNQ Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 19 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only