The POTY Book Awards presents an affordable entry fee and accepts electronic submissions, eliminating printing and shipping costs. Registering a book in a single category not only qualifies the piece for a category prize but also enters the author for consideration for the prestigious "Author of the Year" award. 

The POTY Book Awards allows entry into multiple categories increasing a book's odds at winning an award. 

Galley copies and Unpublished manuscripts are welcome, offering a fantastic chance to increase your book’s potential for future publishing offers. Submit an edited final manuscript (as a PDF) before publication, and if you win, proudly add a POTY Book Awards seal to your book cover or author website.

The POTY Book Awards stands as a distinctive and unparalleled celebration of literary achievement, we set ourselves apart through a unique and meticulously structured timeline. Our awards unfold with a cadence that adds an element of anticipation and excitement, elevating the recognition of outstanding literary works to a truly special experience—from the announcement of the longlist to the revelation of the eventual winners and the grand announcement of "Author of the Year." This final accolade is a testament to the awarded author's outstanding contributions, capturing the collective admiration of readers and peers alike. Our weekly progression not only builds suspense but also allows authors, readers, and the literary community to savor and appreciate each stage of the journey. 

"Author of the Year," Category Winners, and Longlist recipients receive an official POTY Book Awards seal for promotional use, possible website and cover placement, lifetime exposure on our website, media channels, and press releases distributed to 1000+ premium American media outlets--which includes CBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC . 

To further celebrate the achievements of our award-winners, our "Author of the Year" recipient, Category Winners, and Longlisters enjoy a complimentary month-long social media ad campaign following the announcement of prizes. 

The POTY Book Awards not only honors outstanding authors but also elevates the entire literary experience, fostering a sense of community and excitement. Our approach and commitment to recognizing excellence make it the singular choice for those seeking to celebrate and discover the best in contemporary literature. 

1. Your poetry often explores themes of place, identity, and resilience. How has your connection to Appalachian culture shaped your writing, and what do you hope readers take away from your portrayal of this region?

My connection to Appalachia is the wellhead of every word that I write. I come from a long line of self-sufficient, resourceful, hardworking folk. My father’s people arrived here in America nine generations ago and settled in Henrico County, VA and from there they made homes in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and then the Ohio Valley. My mama’s people also settled in Virginia, eight generations ago, in Harrison County, which became West Virginia and eventually they also moved into Appalachian Ohio. I could hardly get any finer Appalachian pedigree then these precious roots.

It is my hope that my work is adding to the conversation of setting things right, to re-educate the rest of the country, which has been sold negative preconceived ideas about who/what Appalachians are. I write about honor, endurance, courage, culture, love of family, history, lore, the land, and the way throughout multiple generations we continue to provide evidence of how even against the odds Appalachians continue to thrive and work hard to maintain our culture. We take great pride in our heritage—warts and all.

2. In today’s fast-paced digital world, poetry can often be overlooked. What do you think is the role of poetry in modern society, and how do you make your work resonate with contemporary audiences?

I think everyone in the arts has an obligation to record history as truthfully as possible based on their own experiences. We know that history books leave details out. Art holds history accountable. I write poems that I hope have the power to stir things up, create internal dialogue and therefore get external conversations started. I make use of every opportunity I am given to voice my truths. When I write I am not consciously thinking whether or not my work will resonate with contemporary audiences. I just want to speak as honestly as possible. I have been so blessed—right place, right time—so many people have reached out to me, guided me, lit my path. I want to do the same for others. My voice, spoken and/or on a page is one way I know how to do that. Call me a Pollyanna if you want, but I will never give up on trying to ruffle folks and instigate frank discussions around equality for all, starting with the basics: healthcare, education, nutrition. We can do this! 

3. Can you share some insights into your creative process for this collection? Were there any specific challenges or breakthroughs that stood out to you during its creation? 

I set aside writing time every Sunday morning, faithfully, and by that I mean, yes, it is my church time, but also the gift I give myself, this quiet time of meditation and concentration every week. I am one of those people who listens for the muse, so when she is being stubborn I use specific tactics to fire her up: list making, word maps, I walk outdoors or inside the house in search of unusual smells, sounds or textures that can trigger my creativity. I keep my ears open. Some of my best poems are based on something I overheard or was told, or when I hear someone like Maggie Rogers or Jason Isbell on Spotify. 

These methods work really well for me. My goal is to write a poem a week. Let me be clear, some of these weekly poems are real clunkers, but I am often able to extract a line or two and begin a new poem. I am compelled to write and am acutely aware of how the writing heals me. That’s really the reward, the healing. The rest is cake and icing.

4. As a celebrated poet and advocate for Appalachian culture, how do you balance the deeply personal aspects of your work with broader social and political themes? Do you find that one informs the other, or do you approach them separately?

One definitely informs the other. I am often at odds with louder journalistic and political misunderstandings of the region, and I feel an obligation to address these afflictions, to push back. I hope my poetry does that. I take risks, take on tough topics like racism, addiction, war, rape, and domestic violence. Not everyone wants to read poems about these subjects, but I believe we all need to. I try to continue to grow, to represent myself and the region with dignity, exhibit grace like my grandmother taught me. I work at being a good listener and a good friend. I put all of this in my writing. But I want to say right up front that it is impossible for one person, or their work, to represent an entire region. I share what’s happening in mine. Those who want to get a truly accurate view of Appalachia need to read the work of many regional poets/writers.

5. What advice would you give to emerging poets who are looking to find their voice in today’s literary landscape? Are there any specific practices or experiences that have been particularly valuable in your own journey as a writer?

Attend live and online readings, a person can learn so much about voice and what is good poetry and bad poetry simply by listening, especially at open mic nights. Enroll in workshops. Write down topic thoughts in a journal. Read other poets, read and read some more. This is such a tough business, every poem straight from the gut, you need to learn to not take critique and/or submission rejections personally. Be kind. Be joyous every time someone you know gets published or lifted up in some way. I think what most of us really want even more than recognition is to find community. We all need to support each other and to be supported. Once you begin to practice it, communal joy can be lusciously infectious. No matter what, keep writing!