The Akron Series in Poetry has been founded to bring to the public writers who speak in original and compelling voices. Each year, The University of Akron Press will offer the Akron Poetry Prize, a competition open to all poets writing in English. The winning poet will receive $1,000 and publication of his or her book. The final selection will be made by a nationally prominent poet. The final judge for 2008 is Rita Dove. Other manuscripts may also be considered for publication in the series.