The press receives more than 1,000 poetry manuscripts a year, yet publishes just four to six.
So every day, Ms. Garrison opens her mail, and there are anywhere from two to a dozen unsolicited poetry manuscripts.
The award includes publication of a book-length poetry manuscript and a cash prize (currently $2,000).
Alvarez was awarded funding for her second poetry manuscript from both the Australia Council and the Welsh Academy.
Named after poet Walt Whitman, the award is based on a competition of book-length poetry manuscripts by American poets who have not yet published a book.
York completed a new poetry manuscript, titled Abide, shortly before his death.
Next year it will add a new prize for the best poetry manuscript by an unpublished poet over the age of 50.
She reads poetry manuscripts in a second-floor room littered with memories and the tools of the writing trade.
Since 1981, the press has overseen a yearly literary competition awarding the $1,500 Washington Prize for a winning poetry manuscript.
The Special Branch confiscated his first poetry manuscript in 1976 and he lost interest in writing for twelve years.