The Brian Fugett Memorial Prize Opens for Submissions September 1

In honor of the late editor, poet, and publisher Brian W. Fugett, The Literary Underground is proud to announce the launch of the Brian Fugett Memorial Prize, an annual award recognizing an outstanding poetry chapbook manuscript.

Best known for his irreverent voice and unwavering support for indie lit, Fugett was a driving force behind many DIY literary efforts, including Zygote in My Coffee, Tainted Coffee Press and the Nothing to Lose internet radio program. This new prize celebrates his legacy by uplifting bold, uncompromising work in the spirit of his own.

Submissions will be open from September 1 through September 30, 2025.

One manuscript will be selected for publication by Citizens for Decent Literature Press. The winning poet will receive 25 contributor copies of the chapbook.

This year’s judges are poets Aleathia Drehmer and Michele McDannold.