Co-sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book, the Illinois State Library, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, and the Illinois Poet Laureate, this competition identifies outstanding Illinois emerging poets and fiction writers. Its purpose is to reward emerging writers - that is, those who've not yet published a book but who stand on the cusp of greater artistic accomplishment.

Each 2006 winner received $300 and an award plaque. In addition, three Illinois literary journals - Ninth Letter, Another Chicago Magazine, and Rhino - considered the winning works for publication.

2006 Emerging Poets Award Winners

Anthony Coman / Dekalb, IL

Jessica Lauren Neiweem / Cary, IL

Ryan McNeily / Western Springs, IL

2006 Final Judge
Kevin Stein

2006 Judges
Nancy Claypool
Allan Johnston
Rodney Jones
Judy Jordan
Marcellus Leonard
Lee Newton
Julie Parson-Nesbitt
Rashidad Muhamad
Rosina Neginsky
Cin Salach
Christine Swanberg
Gale Walden

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