Nominations are requested from current Professional Members of PEN America.

The PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry is given in even-numbered years to a poet whose distinguished and growing body of work represents a notable and accomplished presence in American literature. The poet honored by the award is one has expanded the scope of American poetry and continues to mature with each successive volume of poetry.

The poet will receive a stipend of $5,000 after being chosen by a panel of three to five poets or writers whose tastes and knowledge of contemporary American poetry are wide-ranging and thorough. The award was established by a bequest from Hunce Voelcker.

 

Eligibility 

Nominations for the 2020 awards cycle will be accepted from June 1, 2019 through September 15, 2019. 

Eligible:

  • There are no restrictions as to the age of the poet or to the style of their work.
  • The poet has expanded the scope of American poetry.

 

Submission guidelines 

  • Please note that submissions will only be accepted from Professional Members of PEN America and it is understood that all nominations made for the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry supplement internal nominations made by the panel of judges.
  • The nomination form requires:
    • A letter of support that describes in some detail how the poet meets the criteria for the award.
    • Detailed information on the poet’s past publications.
  • Click here to fill out the nomination form.