CHICAGO – State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago), along with the Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, wants to announce the 16th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.

“This competition is a great way for the talented residents of Illinois to show off their work,” Martwick said. “These artists work hard to create thoughtful and beautiful work, and Illinois would like to help give them recognition and publicity.”

The competition is named in honor of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks and is co-sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book. The competition to recognize new literary talent in the state is open to Illinois residents age 18 and older and has an entry deadline of June 30. To submit an entry, please visit the link here.

The award for first place is $500, second place is $300 and third place is $100. Winning poems will also be submitted for possible publication in Illinois literary magazines, including “Ninth Letter,” “Quiddity” and “RHINO Poetry.”

For more information, contact Illinois Center for the Book Coordinator Bonnie Matheis at 217-558-2065 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..