Alabama State Poet Laureate Nominations
2022 - 2025 Alabama Poet Laureate Nominations Guidelines
Deadline for nominations: MARCH 15, 2021.
The Board has decided that, given the extenuating circumstances associated with the pandemic, we would like to extend the deadline for nominations for the next state Poet Laureate. The new deadline for receipt of nominations will be March 15. Queries, including information regarding electronic submission, can be sent to AWC President TJ Beitelman, who is serving as the selection process coordinator. His email address is tjbeitelman@asfa.k12.al.us.
What is the Alabama Poet Laureate Position?
The Alabama Poet Laureate recognizes and honors a citizen poet of exceptional talent and accomplishment. The Alabama Poet Laureate also encourages appreciation of poetry and literary life in Alabama. This position was created by the state legislature May 5, 1931.
What is the Term of Service and Compensation?
The term of service is a four-year renewable term. The award is honorific; the state provides no compensation. The term begins January 1, 2022. Currently, the position of Alabama State Poet Laureate is filled by Jennifer Horne of Cottondale, Alabama.
Who is eligible to be nominated Alabama Poet Laureate?
Any citizen of the state of Alabama may nominate a poet for the Poet Laureate position. A poet may not self-nominate him or herself, and no award will be given posthumously. Nominations for Alabama Poet Laureate will be accepted for Alabama poets who meet the following eligibility requirements:
Must currently be a resident of Alabama and have resided in Alabama for at least ten years.
Must be at least 21 years old.
Must have at least one book of poetry published by a commercial or small press within the past ten years.
Must be available to travel and give presentations.
Must have produced work of the highest caliber and critical acclaim and have contributed substantial service to the development of the literary arts as demonstrated by the submitted application.
What is the selection process for Alabama Poet Laureate?
The President of Alabama Writers Conclave will appoint a Poet Laureate Nominations Committee who will review applications and present a candidate for election at the annual meeting on or about August 15, 2021. The Governor of the State of Alabama will then appoint the selected candidate in an official ceremony.
How will Alabama Poet Laureate nominations be evaluated?
Excellence as evidenced by the submitted poetry sample.
Exemplary professionalism as evidenced by an established history of substantial and significant publications in journals and books including at least one book of poems published by a commercial or small press (see eligibility requirements) and special honors, awards, fellowships, or other recognition.
Advancement of poetry in Alabama communities as evidenced by an established history of activity in Alabama’s literary community through readings, publications, public presentations and/or teaching.
To be considered, nominations must include the following:
Completed nomination form (attached), signed by nominator and nominated poet that include a binding statement that the poetry sample is the nominee’s and the materials submitted are true and complete.
A cover letter from the nominator of no more than two pages providing the following information: name and a short biography of the nominated poet and a summary of significant awards and published works.
The poet-nominee’s resume or CV.
A summary of no more than one page indicating (A) why the nominator considers the work of the nominated poet to be of the highest quality and (B) why the nominee is well-suited to help promote the reading, writing, and appreciation of poetry in our state.
A work sample of no more than ten poems. Submissions may not exceed 15 continuously numbered 8 1/2” x 11” pages (one side), no less than 12 point type. Please provide copyright information where appropriate; all submissions become part of the public record. Both published and non-published poetry may be submitted. All submissions must be typewritten or computer generated. Materials hand-written will not be accepted.
Receipt deadline for all nominations is MARCH 15, 2021.
To learn more about the laws and constitutional criteria governing the position of state poet laureate,
please download the document below.