Amplifying Underrepresented Voices: Leading Literary Opportunities for BIPOC Writers, Editors, and Publishers

Opening Doors to Representation: Literary Prizes and Opportunities for BIPOC Creators

Despite ongoing discussions about diversity, a 2023 report from Penguin Random House revealed that Black and Asian authors remain underrepresented in the publishing industry. 

With the support of our member magazines and presses, For The Writers has compiled a dynamic list of prizes and opportunities designed specifically to uplift BIPOC writers, editors, and creators within the literary community. From book prizes and magazine contests to fellowships and professional development programs, these resources offer meaningful ways to advance literary careers while celebrating and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Despite the invaluable richness of stories BIPOC creators bring to the literary world, systemic barriers within the publishing industry continue to marginalize and undervalue their contributions. A 2023 report from Penguin Random House revealed that Black and Asian authors remain significantly underrepresented in publishing, highlighting the persistent disparities in access and recognition. Beyond books, BIPOC influencers and creators face additional barriers, with 81% reporting that they must work harder than their white counterparts to succeed on social media. Research also shows that white influencers are twice as likely to secure brand partnerships early in their careers, while Black creators often charge less per post despite having higher median follower counts. These inequities reflect the broader challenges BIPOC writers and creators face in securing publication, funding, mentorship, and visibility.

At For The Writers, we believe that amplifying underrepresented voices is essential for fostering a truly inclusive literary landscape. Stories from BIPOC creators challenge dominant narratives, inspire cultural change, and broaden our collective understanding. By compiling this list of prizes, fellowships, and professional development programs, we aim to dismantle barriers and create tangible pathways for both emerging and established BIPOC talent to thrive.

We are committed to creating lasting change by advocating for equitable opportunities in publishing and celebrating the powerful stories only BIPOC creators can tell. Explore the possibilities below, and take the next step toward sharing your voice with the world.

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Book Prizes and Series

Ambroggio Prize (Academy of American Poets)

Sponsored by the Academy of American Poets, the $1,000 Ambroggio Prize is awarded for a book-length poetry manuscript originally written in Spanish with an English translation. The winning manuscript is published by the University of Arizona Press, which is nationally recognized for publishing Latinx and Indigenous voices.

• Website: poets.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Early March (annually)

• Prize Amount: $1,000 and publication

  
  

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The Andrés Montoya Poetry Prize (University of Notre Dame Press)

Sponsored by Letras Latinas and the University of Notre Dame Press, this prize supports the publication of a first poetry book by a Latinx poet in the United States.

• Website: latinopoetryreview.nd.edu

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Biennially (check website)

• Prize Amount: Publication

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Ann Petry Award (Red Hen Press)

Sponsored by Red Hen Press and the Peauxdunque Writers Alliance, this $3,000 award supports the publication of a prose book by a Black writer. No entry fee is required.

• Website: redhen.org

• Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction

• Award Deadline: Spring (annually)

• Prize Amount: $3,000 and publication

  
  

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Black Caucus of the American Library Association Literary Awards

The BCALA awards four $500 prizes annually for a poetry collection, first novel, book of fiction, and nonfiction by African American writers published in the U.S. the previous year.

• Website: bcala.org

• Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Nonfiction

• Award Deadline: December 31 (annually)

• Prize Amount: $500 per category

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Blessing the Boats Selections (BOA Editions)

Sponsored by BOA Editions, this series highlights poetry collections by women of color, including cis, trans, and nonbinary poets. The submission period is free and open periodically.

• Website: boaeditions.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Check website for submission windows

• Prize Amount: Publication

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The CAAPP Book Prize (Autumn House Press)

Cosponsored by Autumn House Press and the Center for African American Poetry and Poetics, this $3,000 prize supports a first or second poetry book by a writer of African descent.

• Website: caapp.pitt.edu

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Biennially (check website)

• Prize Amount: $3,000 and publication

  
  

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Cave Canem Poetry Prize (Northwestern University Press)

This $1,000 prize is awarded for a second poetry collection by a Black poet of African descent, published by Northwestern University Press.

• Website: cavecanempoets.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Varies (check website)

• Prize Amount: $1,000 and publication

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Cave Canem Poetry Prize (Graywolf Press)

The Cave Canem Prize awards $1,000 for a debut poetry collection by a Black poet. The winning manuscript is published by Graywolf Press.

• Website: cavecanempoets.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Check website for annual dates

• Prize Amount: $1,000 and publication

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The Hurston/Wright Legacy Awards

These awards honor full-length debut fiction, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry by Black writers in the U.S. and globally.

• Website: hurstonwright.org

• Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry

• Award Deadline: Spring (annually)

• Prize Amount: Honor and recognition

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New Voices Award (Lee & Low Books)

Sponsored by Lee & Low Books, this $2,000 prize supports the publication of a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color or Indigenous writer.

• Website: leeandlow.com

• Genres: Children’s Literature

• Award Deadline: September (annually)

• Prize Amount: $2,000 and publication

  
  

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Magazine Prizes

James Welch Prize (Poetry Northwest)

Sponsored by Poetry Northwest, this prize awards two $500 prizes for outstanding poems by Indigenous U.S. poets.

• Website: poetrynw.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Fall (annually)

• Prize Amount: $500 per poem

  
  

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Jacobs/Jones African American Literary Prize

This $1,000 prize is awarded to a Black writer living in North Carolina for a short story or essay. The winning entry is considered for publication in Carolina Quarterly.

• Website: ncwriters.org

• Genres: Short Fiction, Essays

• Award Deadline: February (annually)

• Prize Amount: $1,000

  
  

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Fellowships & Mentorship Programs

Emerging Voices Fellowship (PEN America)

Sponsored by PEN America, this five-month immersive program mentors early-career writers from underrepresented communities.

• Website: pen.org

• Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry

• Award Deadline: Fall (annually)

• Prize Amount: Mentorship and career support

  
  

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The Margins Fellowship (Asian American Writers)

Sponsored by the Asian American Writers Workshop, this $5,000 fellowship supports emerging Asian diasporic writers through mentorship, publication, and residencies.

• Website: aaww.org

• Genres: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry

• Award Deadline: Fall (annually)

• Prize Amount: $5,000

  
  

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Cave Canem Retreat

This week-long retreat for Black poets offers workshops, readings, and craft talks in a supportive community.

• Website: cavecanempoets.org

• Genres: Poetry

• Award Deadline: Annually (varies)

• Prize Amount: Full retreat experience

Despite their invaluable contributions to literature, BIPOC authors continue to face significant financial disparities. In 2022, full-time Black authors earned a median income of just $15,250—far below their white counterparts. Uplifting BIPOC voices isn’t just about representation; it’s about creating equitable opportunities for success in publishing.

Know of Other Literary Awards or Agencies Championing Diverse Authors?

We’re always looking to highlight more opportunities to uplift underrepresented publishing voices. The disparities in the industry are clear—authors of color often receive lower book advances, face limited marketing and visibility, and see fewer of their stories in mainstream categories.

The #PublishingPaidMe movement, initiated by author L.L. McKinney, exposed striking inequalities in the industry, revealing that bestselling Black authors have received advances as low as $5,000. In contrast, lesser-known white authors have secured six-figure deals. Marketing strategies further deepen the divide, as books by authors of color are frequently categorized as “niche” or “multicultural,” amplifying underrepresented voices rather than being promoted as mainstream fiction, limiting their reach and potential audience. This lack of visibility starts early—according to the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 29% of children's books published in 2022 featured a protagonist who was Black, Indigenous, or a person of color, highlighting the persistent gap in representation.

At For The Writers, we believe that publishing opportunities amplifying underrepresented voices is essential for fostering a truly inclusive literary landscape. Stories from BIPOC creators enrich our collective understanding, offering perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and inspire cultural change. By compiling this list of prizes, fellowships, and professional development programs, we aim to dismantle barriers and create pathways for emerging and established BIPOC talent to thrive.

We are committed to creating lasting change by advocating for equitable publishing opportunities and celebrating the powerful stories only BIPOC creators can tell. Explore the possibilities below, and take the next step toward sharing your voice with the world.

If you know of a literary award, grant, or agency dedicated to supporting diverse authors, drop us a note in the comments! Your recommendation could help amplify stories that deserve to be heard and ensure that more authors get the recognition and support they need.