The PEN/Voelcker Award, established by a bequest from Hunce Voelcker, is presented to an American 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 for whom the exceptional promise seen in earlier work has been fulfilled, and who continues to mature with each successive volume of poetry. The award is given in even-numbered years and carries a stipend of $5,000.

Past honorees: Jane Kenyon, Franz Wright, C. K. Williams, Heather McHugh, Frederick Seidel, Robert Pinsky, and Linda Gregg. 

Deadline:
Nominations must be received between October 1, 2011 and February 1, 2012.

Who is eligible:
There are no restrictions whatsoever as to the age of the poet or to the style of his or her work. The award is judged by a panel of three to five poets or other writers whose tastes and knowledge of contemporary American poetry are wide-ranging and thorough.

Nominations:
Candidates can be nominated for the PEN/Voelcker Award only by Members of PEN. All letters of nomination (one to two pages is expected) should describe the scope and literary caliber of the candidate's work, and summarize the candidate's publications. Most importantly, nominations should articulate the degree of accomplishment the nominated poet has attained, and the esteem in which the candidate's work is held within the American literary community. It is understood that all nominations made for the PEN/Voelcker Award supplement internal nominations made by the panel of judges.

Send letters of nomination between October 1, 2011 and February 1, 2012 to:

PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry
PEN American Center
588 Broadway, Suite 303
New York, NY 10012

For more information, please contact awards@pen.org or (212) 334-1660, ext. 126.