The results are in: this year’s guest judge, Betsy Sholl, has selected “Never a Note Forfeit,” by Catherine Staples, as the winning manuscript among writers with no previous chapbook publication for this year’s Keystone Prize. The runner-up manuscript was Jillian Barnett’s “You Don’t Need a Nose (and Other Things I’ve Learned).”

From the manuscripts by writers with previous chapbook or book publication, Betsy has selected “Braid & Other Sestinas” by Leonard Kress. The runner-up manuscript was “Appalachian Venus” by Melody Davis.

Leonard’s chapbook will be published in April 2011, and Catherine’s will be published in May 2011.

We want to thank everyone who submitted work, shared the word, and helped to make this the most successful year ever for the Keystone Series. With your support, Seven Kitchens continues to grow and uphold our commitment to publish strong, original poetry in handmade editions that our authors can be proud of. Special thanks to Betsy Sholl for serving as this year’s judge.

Next year’s Keystone Series has a new reading period: July 1 to August 15, 2011. Please mark your calendars!