Rules
- Entries must come from publishers only. Inquiries about entries must also come from publishers only.
- Publishers are welcome to enter an unlimited number of titles. Please download an Entry Form and a complete version of the Rules below.
- The Griffin Poetry Prize is awarded annually for the best collection of poetry written in, or translated into, English. A longlist of 10 books is announced annually in March, and a shortlist of 5 books is announced annually in April. The winner is announced at the Griffin Poetry Prize Readings held in Canada annually in June. The winner receives C$130,000 and the other shortlisted poets each receive C$10,000.
- To be eligible for the prize, a book of poetry must be a first-edition collection (i.e. not previously published in any country), written in English, or translated into English, by a poet/translator from any part of the world, including Canada.
- No self-published book is eligible. This requirement is consistent with major literary prizes around the world.
- Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. For the 2026 Griffin Poetry Prize, books must be published between January 1st and December 31st, 2025. Works published between January 1 and June 30 are to be received by the third Friday in June. Works published between July 1 and December 31 are to be received by the third Friday in December. Any books received after the deadlines will not be eligible.
- Note: The longlist and shortlist will be issued by the Griffin Poetry Prize via press release and its social media channels, including the website.
canadian First Book Prize
- The Canadian First Book Prize, valued at $10,000, is for a first-edition first book of poetry written in English by a living Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. A six-week Affiliated Fellowship with the Civitella Ranieri Foundation in Perugia, Italy, is offered in addition to the prize monies.
- To be eligible for the Canadian First Book Prize, a book of poetry must be a first-edition collection (i.e., not previously published in any country) written in English, by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.