Vanderbilt University Literary Prize A project of Vanderbilt Press About A collaboration between Vanderbilt University’s Office of the Chancellor, Vanderbilt University Press, and Vanderbilt University’s English Department and MFA Program, the annual contest seeks to identify works of poetry whose originality is immediately identifiable in how the book, in some combination, renews our relationship to language and expands our conception of poetry; delves into underexplored areas of human experience; makes claims on our lives that are urgent and aesthetic; or promotes historical, social, literary, political, or spiritual awareness. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Submission Caps: They may close to submissions early if they reach their quota. Country of Publication & Year Established United States Established in 2023 Publication Media & Contest Frequency Audio Publication Audio PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearElectronic Publication Electronic PublicationAwarded 1 x per yearPrint Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Unknown AI policy Statistics Synopsis Slower Vanderbilt University Literary Prize's overall average response time is slower than most contests. More ChallengingVanderbilt University Literary Prize's overall acceptance rate is lower than most contests. More ResponsiveVanderbilt University Literary Prize's overall rate of non-response is lower than most contests. Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poetry Collection: 50 - 85 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) + Unknown royalties Professional advance. Unknown royalties. Details: USD $10,000 prize & a one-week residency at Vanderbilt University with an invitation to read in the Gertrude C. and Harold S. Vanderbilt Reading Series.Submissions:Method: Online form. 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 @vanderbiltuniversitypressX (Twitter) @vanderbiltup Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Vanderbilt University Literary Prize 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 Accuracy We have received 14 reports from 14 different members within the past 12 months. The more responses reported, the more accurate the information. Days Reported 77 min | 123.6 mean avg | 120.5 median | 167 max days (27.5 std dev) Responses 92.86 % 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: 92.86 % (126.3 avg. days per rejection) | 0.0 % personal, 69.2 % form, 30.8 % unspecified Non-Responses 0.00 % Lost/Returned: - Never Responded: - Withdrawals 7.14 % (77.0 avg. days per withdrawal) Other Information The most common submission fee paid: USD $25.00. Most submissions are acknowledged on the same day. Most recent response reported was received on 19 Jun 2026. Responses have been received for submissions sent as recently as 15 Mar 2026. Date compiled: 16 Sep 2026 16:51 UTC (4 hours, 38 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! 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: 15 Sep 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