The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize (BPLP) has announced its 2025 call for submissions, inviting Nigerian writers at home and in the diaspora to enter original works of poetry and short fiction.
The prize recognises creativity and authenticity, encouraging writers to contribute stories and poems that explore the human condition while advancing African storytelling.
Prizes and Recognition
A total of $400 will be awarded, with $200 each for the winning poem and short story. Only one winner will be selected per category. The top 10 entries in each category will also be published in the annual BPLP anthology.
In addition to the cash prize, winners will gain opportunities for mentorship, visibility, and literary growth.
Submission Guidelines
- Writers may submit only one entry (either poetry or short fiction).
- Entries must be original and sent in the body of the email to submissions@wrr.ng. Attachments will not be accepted.
- Poetry entries must not exceed 40 lines, and short fiction is limited to 2,000 words.
- Submissions should include the author’s full name, a 50–100 word biography, and contact details.
- The subject line of the email should read: “Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize 2025” or “BPLP 2025.”
- Entries containing profanity, racism, violence, or any form of abuse will be disqualified.
- Simultaneous submissions are not permitted, and entries cannot be withdrawn once the longlist is announced.
The Brigitte Poirson Literature Prize is regarded as one of Nigeria’s notable literary platforms, empowering emerging voices, honouring outstanding short fiction and poetry, and fostering literary innovation.
Submissions close on October 31, 2025.
Best of luck to all applicants!
Sarah Adeyemo
Sarah Adeyemo is a poet, writer, editor, and spoken word artiste from Nigeria. She is a fellow of the SprinNG Writing Fellowship. Sarah has work published or forthcoming work in ANMLY Lit, D’Iit Review, The Fiery Scribe Review, Con-Scio Magazine, Sevhage Review, Okiti Literary, Synchronized Chaos Magazine, Pepper Coast Magazine, The Weeds Review, Akpata Magazine, The Shallow Tales Review, The Muse Journal, The Weganda Review, Everscribe Magazine, Afrillhill Press, TV-63 Magazine, Poems for Persons Interest, Northern Writers Forum Journal, Eboquills, Rinna Lit. Anthologies, and elsewhere. Her works have been shortlisted for the 2025 Labari Prize for Poetry and longlisted for the 2025 Eriata Oribhabor Poetry Prize. She serves as the Managing Editor at Words-Empire Magazine, a Poetry Editor at Yarnz Magazine, PFPOI, and a News & Feature writer at the Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit). She was a writing resident of the Rongo Artist Residency in 2026 and is currently a writing resident at the Ebedi International Writers Residency. She is a member of The Swan Collective. A dramatic poet who tweets @sarahinkspires.
