Frequently Asked Questions
2011 Literary Awards Program and Poetry Awards Program
What programs are you offering this year?
In 2011, we have two separate programs. The first is the Literary Awards Program, judged by Alan Cheuse, which will end December 15th, 2011. The Literary Awards Program is accepting fiction and creative nonfiction of any genre.
Also on tap is the Poetry Awards Program, judged by Rose Solari, which will end September 1st, 2011. The Poetry Program will be accepting poetry of any genre and length.
Where do I send my entry?
We are encouraging electronic submissions for 2011. Go here for more details.
Send postal entries to:
Santa Fe Writers Project
369 Montezuma Ave
#350
Santa Fe, NM 87501
Literary Awards Program
Eligibility
Do I retain rights to my work?
The work remains yours at all times. We will not sell, share or claim ownership of your work. You do not have to participate with SFWP activities in order to collect your award. We will not keep your work on file after the contest ends. Electronic files are deleted permanently and postal entries are shredded and recycled.
I am currently (or have been) Mr. Cheuse’s student. Am I eligible?
If you will be attending Mr. Cheuse’s writing classes at GMU in the Fall 2011 term (that is, when the contest ends — December 15th, 2011), then you are not eligible for the Program. All entries are blinded, so all past students are eligible.
Is the Program open to applicants from previous Programs?
Yes, all applicants from previous programs who have not been published by a major publishing house are eligible. All finalists are eligible. Previous cash prize winners, however, are not eligible.
Are there any restrictions or limitations?
The contest is open to everyone. There are no limitations regarding subject matter or genre.
I am not in the United States. What if I cannot pay in US currency?
You can usually get a check or money order in US funds from your bank, or you can send the reading fee via Paypal. We encourage you to take advantage of the new electronic submissions process.
Can I participate in other contests or opportunities to publish my work?
Yes! In fact, we encourage it. You will not be disqualified from the Program if your work wins another contest or is accepted for publication. Please note that a deal with a major publisher must not be pending prior to the start date of the contest.
Is previously published material accepted?
Yes, as long as you have not been published by a major publishing house. Self-published material and work that has appeared in small magazines, journals, etc., will be accepted. We will also accept manuscripts from Publish America, iUniverse, and other similar publishers. Many out of print authors who were published by large houses inquire about the Program. We will accept your work this year, but with some restrictions: Your work must be out of print for at least five years. If you have been published by a small, independent press, you are also eligible. A good rule to go by is whether or not your press is able to adequately market your book. If the marketing budget is under $20,000, then you are eligible.
Manuscript Preparation (postal submissions)
What format should I use? (postal and electronic)
Entries should be in standard manuscript format.
However, you will not be judged on presentation. Basically, just remember the important points: Stick to a readable font and size, and number your pages.
For electronic submissions, the same basic rules apply.
Can I submit portions of a novel or a work in progress?
Yes, we will be accepting novels and works in progress.
Can I submit multiple short stories/essays?
Yes. And you can combine short stories or creative nonfiction into one entry and/or submit multiple entries. There is no limit. We advise that you do not mix the two. If you are submitting a work of fiction and a work of nonfiction, it will make judging easier (and, thus, improve your chances) if you submit them as separate entries.
Are there page or word limitations?
There is no minimum or maximum word or page count.
Do you accept multiple entries?
Yes, we do.
I’m having trouble choosing an excerpt. Any suggestions?
If you are choosing an excerpt from your work, it doesn’t have to be linear. You can take an excerpt from any section or you can provide multiple short excerpts. Also, it’s no problem to include a synopsis along with the excerpt.
Postage vouchers for SASE’s.
Postage vouchers tend to be more trouble than they’re worth. If you’re submitting your manuscript from overseas and are unable to get hold of US stamps for the return envelopes, don’t worry about it. We’ll take care of it on this end. Again, we encourage you to use the electronic submissions process.
What should my final entry package look like? (postal submissions)
Our Submissions staff will endeavor to transfer entries to the final judge quickly and efficiently. To assist in our efforts, your package should look something like this:
- Signed entry form with reading fee paper-clipped to the front
- Cover page with name, contact information and title of work
- Synopsis, summary or other supplemental materials (if applicable)
- Your entry
- Two self addressed, stamped #10 envelopes.
Award Details
How’s the deal with Irene Goodman’s agency work?
The Irene Goodman Literary Agency will review the top three prizewinners for possible representation. The decision is up to them, and SFWP won’t have a say. There are many things a literary agent must consider, and much of that can be dependent on the always changing nature of the industry. If they choose not to represent you, then that is the final word. Nor will they be able to provide feedback, unless they decide to do so.
Reading Fees and Payment Options
Explain those fees again.
The reading fee for postal and electronic entries is $25.
After the Contest
Are manuscripts returned to applicants after the contest? (postal submissions)
We will not return manuscripts. Always keep a copy of your work. If you include a SASE with your work, we will make every effort to return it. However, please note that we cannot guarantee said mailing.
Will the SFWP Journal contact me or should I take the initiative?
We’ll do our best to contact you, though it can be a hectic time after an Awards Program. Please go ahead and take the initiative. Submission details can be found right here.
Will Mr. Cheuse be able to comment on my work?
That’s up to Mr. Cheuse. If he requests your contact information for further communication, then we’ll supply it.
When will winners be announced?
Judging will begin on January 2nd, 2012. Winners will be announced as soon as possible.
Poetry Awards Program
Do I retain rights to my work?
Yes. SFWP claims no control over your work, and you are not obligated to participate in any SFWP-sponsored events in order to receive the prize money. Additionally, due to the length of the contest, you are free to shop your work around and take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.
Are there any restrictions or limitations?
The contest is open to everyone. There are no limitations regarding subject matter or genre.
I am not in the United States. What if I cannot pay in US currency?
You can usually get a check or money order in US funds from your bank, or you can send the reading fee via Paypal. We encourage you to take advantage of the electronic submissions process.
What are the prizes?
The winner will receive $1000. This is our inaugural year for the Poetry Program, so some things may change (increased prize money and agency contacts) as the year progresses.
How do I submit to the Poetry Contest?
Find the Entry form right here.
May I swap in a revised version of my entry?
We do not accept revisions.
Who is the judge?
Learn more about Rose Solari right here.
Do you provide notes, coverage, or feedback?
We leave that decision up to the judge. If Ms. Solari decides to contact you regarding your work, then it will be outside of the program.
I am currently (or have been) Ms. Solari’s student. Am I eligible?
If you will be attending Ms. Solari’s writing classes in 2011 (prior to September 1st), then you are not eligible for the Program. All entries are blinded, so all past students are eligible. Employees and board members of the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD are not eligible.
Do you accept multiple entries?
Yes, but please note that each submission requires a separate entry form and a separate entry fee.
Should I submit single poems? Collections? Or what?
How you build your submission is up to you. There’s no page limit, no need for connected, linear work, and no restrictions on subject matter. We want to keep the poetry program as free-form as possible.