About Our Judging Process
• We receive manuscripts postmarked from January 1 through March 1. These are logged into a database by an assistant not associated with the reading process who registers the personal address information of the entrant, the title of the manuscript, and assigns it a number. The database is off-limits to the readers and at this point, is opened only to register new entrants.
• Manuscripts are kept in the Ahsahta office and signed out to the readers, who are graduate students (the editorial board) and other published poets associated with the MFA program at Boise State University.
• Decisions about advancement of manuscripts is made as a board. Only 10 to 20 finalist manuscripts are sent to the final judge.
• After the judge has selected the winner, we compile lists of the semifinalists and finalists to be included in the notification letter, which goes out to all entrants who have supplied a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
• The press may select finalists for publication.
• Copies of the winning book are sent to entrants who have provided self-addressed, stamped mailers when it is published.