Wheelbarrow Books Poetry Prize

Wheelbarrow Books, an imprint of the RCAH Center for Poetry at Michigan State University, was established to publish poetry collections of exceptional craft and vision. The press emerged from the Center's commitment to fostering literary community and the belief that poetry can be a vital, accessible art. Its annual poetry prize reflects this ethos, seeking manuscripts that demonstrate formal acuity, emotional depth, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of contemporary life. The prize is open to established poets, with the winning manuscript selected by a distinguished judge each year.