Earlier in the week, I was hunting through the 2010, 29th annual edition of Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. It’s a useful where-to-sell and how-to-submit catalog for writers. It names names and gives addresses for literary agents and publishers. It lists numerous magazines and what types of short stories they’re interested in. It lists writing conferences and workshops that are held throughout the year. The inch-plus thick catalog also lists various literary contests, fellowships, and awards, exactly what I was looking for.
In the fifty-three pages of Contests & Awards, I qualify for only one. As a self-published author, I’m out of the running for just about every established honor there is. Under “Pen/Faulkner Awards For Fiction,” is a sentence: “No juvenile or self-published works.” Does that sound like a low-blow, or am I being tetchy? …Breath…
Anyway, the award I can apply for is called “Great Lakes Colleges Association New Writers Award.” It was the only contest I found that gave permission for submissions to self-published authors and specifically first works. Bingo, I fit. When I Googled this award, my heart started racing; I would love to win this honor. The Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) is comprised of thirteen, private Liberal Arts Colleges, two of which I recognized: Oberlin and Antioch. The winning prize is an opportunity to tour the GLCA campuses, do readings, conduct lectures and workshop, and promote and network to my hearts content. A $500 honorarium is granted from each campus visited, plus, travel, lodging, and hospitality expenses would be covered. There is no application fee. All I have to do is send four copies of Pearls My Mother Wore before the deadline on July 25th. They will announce the winner in January 2011. I’m on it!
I’ve also applied for the 18th Annual Writers’ Digest Self-Published Book Award. A winner is to be announced at the end of October. The grand prize is $3000 plus promotion in “Writer’s Digest” and “Publishers Weekly.” Ten copies of Pearls would be endorsed and submitted to the top reviewers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post. All entrants will receive some level of honorable mention. That one cost $125 to enter.
Before I go modestly back-peddling about my odds, I’d like to acknowledge that what makes entering these contests such a kick is knowing that even if I don’t win, I tried. And, because of this blog, I won’t be alone however the results go down.
Until next Friday when I post again, have a great week. And, as always, your comments are encouraged and most welcomed.