Mary Belle Campbell Poetry Book Publication Award

This competition has been suspended indefinitely.

Originally the Persephone Award, this award was renamed in honor of its founder, Mary Belle Campbell. The award encourages teaching poets or workshop leaders by offering publication of their first or second book and is dedicated to the publication of fine poetry books. The winner receives publication, 100 copies of a limited letterpress edition chapbook, and a reading and reception. Questions may be directed to Rebecca Godwin of Barton University via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Eligibilty and Guidelines

1. Poetry manuscripts must be nominated by creative writing professors or literary editors.
2. Manuscripts by teaching poets and poetry workshop leaders active in the field of poetry who have published no more than one book or chapbook are accepted.
3. Nominees should be a resident of or teach in North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia.
4. Submit two copies of a typed manuscript, stapled in the left-hand corner. Clear, readable copies of poems are acceptable.
5. Manuscripts should be no more than 32 pages. Title page, dedication page (optional), preface, contents, acknowledgements, and section title pages (optional) count as part of manuscript length.
6. A letter of nomination and vitae or resume must be enclosed.
7. Names should not appear on manuscript.
8. Entries will not be returned: enclose a SASE for a list of the winner and finalists.
9. There is no entry fee, because only poets who are nominated are eligible.

The winner is announced in January.

Send submissions, indicating name of competition to:

Rebecca Godwin
Dept. of English and Modern Languages
Box 5000
Wilson, NC 27893

Checks should be made payable to the North Carolina Writers’ Network

Results from Previous Years

• 2006 Winner: Michael Potts
• 2005 Winner: Valentina Gnup