Graywolf Press Prizes: Celebrating Literary Innovation and Emerging Voices
Graywolf Press has long served as a vital catalyst for contemporary literature, establishing prestigious awards designed to elevate bold, innovative voices. By focusing on emerging writers and underrepresented perspectives, these prizes bridge the gap between raw talent and professional publication, ensuring that groundbreaking literary nonfiction and poetry reach a global audience.
Key Facts
- Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize was established in 2005 but ceased accepting submissions in September 2025.
- Graywolf Press Africa Prize supports first-novel manuscripts from African authors residing in Africa.
- Pegasus Poetry Book Prize is a new joint venture with the Poetry Foundation for poets aged 40 or older.
- Graywolf Press also publishes winners of the Walt Whitman Award and select winners of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize.
The Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize
Founded in 2005, the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize was created to honor the great traditions of literary nonfiction—a genre that blends factual reporting with narrative artistry. According to Robert Polito, the prize sought to publish the most innovative works from emerging, previously unpublished U.S. authors. For nearly two decades, the prize served as a launchpad for writers who challenged the boundaries of the form.
The prize cycle typically culminated in an announcement every April. However, in September 2025, Graywolf Press announced that it would no longer award the prize or accept new submissions.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Legacy of Nonfiction Winners
The list of winners reflects a diverse array of subjects, from spaceflight and schizophrenia to cultural identity and personal essays. Notable recipients include Leslie Jamison, who won in 2011 for The Empathy Exams, and Esmé Weijun Wang, who won in 2017 for The Collected Schizophrenias.
Expanding Global and Poetic Horizons
Beyond nonfiction, Graywolf Press has expanded its commitment to diverse voices through specialized awards for poetry and international fiction.
Graywolf Press Africa Prize
Launched in 2018, this prize is dedicated to a first novel manuscript written by an African author who primarily resides in Africa. This initiative highlights the richness of African storytelling and provides a platform for debut novelists to enter the international literary scene.
Pegasus Poetry Book Prize
In November 2025, Graywolf Press and the Poetry Foundation announced the creation of the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize. This joint venture specifically targets United States poets aged 40 or older who are publishing their first or second poetry collection, recognizing that literary maturity and success can happen at any stage of life. The inaugural prize is scheduled to be awarded in October 2026.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Graywolf Press Awards
| Prize Name | Focus/Eligibility | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nonfiction Prize | Unpublished U.S. nonfiction writers | Closed (as of Sept 2025) |
| Africa Prize | First novel by African authors residing in Africa | Active |
| Pegasus Poetry Book Prize | U.S. poets aged 40+ (1st or 2nd collection) | Starts Oct 2026 |
Historical Winners List
Nonfiction Prize Winners
- 2022: Pochangmacha People by Jung Hae Chae
- 2020: Voice of the Fish by Lars Horn
- 2018: Zat Lun by Thirii Myo Kyaw Myint
- 2017: The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang
- 2014: Riverine by Angela Palm
- 2013: Leaving Orbit: Notes from the Last Days of American Spaceflight by Margaret Lazarus Dean
- 2011: The Empathy Exams: Essays by Leslie Jamison
- 2010: The Grey Album by Kevin Young
- 2008: Notes from No Man's Land by Eula Biss
- 2007: Black Glasses Like Clark Kent by Terese Svoboda
- 2006: Neck Deep and Other Predicaments by Ander Monson
- 2005: Frantic Transmissions to and from Los Angeles by Kate Braverman
Africa Prize Winners
- 2023: The Freedom of Birds by Kiprop Kimutai
- 2022: No prize awarded
- 2019: American Girl and Boy from Shobrakheit by Noor Naga
- 2018: The House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still submit a manuscript for the Graywolf Press Nonfiction Prize?
No. As of September 2025, Graywolf Press is no longer accepting submissions for or awarding the Nonfiction Prize.
Who is eligible for the Graywolf Press Africa Prize?
The prize is open to African authors who primarily reside in Africa and are submitting a manuscript for their first novel.
What is the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize?
It is a joint prize between the Poetry Foundation and Graywolf Press for United States poets aged 40 or older who are publishing their first or second poetry collection.
When will the first Pegasus Poetry Book Prize be awarded?
The first prize for this joint venture is scheduled to be awarded in October 2026.
Does Graywolf Press publish other poetry awards?
Yes, Graywolf Press oversees the publication of winners of the Academy of American Poets' Walt Whitman Award and every third winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize.