Established in 1998, the Benjamin Saltman Poetry Award honors the poet Benjamin Saltman (1927–1999) and is conferred annually for a previously unpublished original collection of poetry. The award is open to all poets, with the exception of authors who have had a full-length work published by Red Hen Press or currently under consideration there, employees, interns, contractors, relatives of employees or board members, and those with personal or professional relationships with final judges. The winning collection is selected through a competition that culminates in a final judge, to be announced for this cycle. The award carries a prize of $3,000 and publication of the awarded manuscript by Red Hen Press. Manuscripts must be between 48 and 96 pages, formatted on 8.5"x11" sheets with 1" margins and 12-point Times New Roman. The entry fee is $25.00, and the deadline is October 31, 2026. This is a paid submission opportunity with a concrete deadline, ensuring a clear timeline for applicants. Red Hen Press, a nonprofit literary publisher, has a longstanding commitment to poetry and innovative writing. The Benjamin Saltman Award is one of its flagship competitions, providing a platform for poets to see their work in print and reach a broader readership. The selection process is competitive, with a final judge of national repute determining the winner. The award does not specify a theme, allowing poets to submit manuscripts of any style or subject matter that meet the length and formatting requirements.