Post-Publication Prize for a First Novel: Drake University Emerging Writer Award

Drake University Emerging Writer Award

The Drake University Writers & Critics Series is accepting submissions for its fifth annual Drake University Emerging Writer Award. The faculty and students of Drake University's English Department select one outstanding first book from among the entries, and the author receives an honorarium of $1000 plus travel and lodging expenses to read at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Each year, the award rotates among genres (short fiction, literary nonfiction, poetry, graphic narrative, novel). We are currently accepting submissions of first novels for consideration for the Drake University Emerging Writer Reading, which will be held during the second week of April 2014. Entries may be submitted by the author or the publisher, and must include a copy of the book; a cover letter that includes a brief biography, contact information for the author, and a statement affirming that this is his/her first book-length fiction publication; a self-addressed stamped envelope; and a $15.00 entry fee payable to "Drake University." Entries must be postmarked by September 16, 2013. Materials postmarked after September 16 will not be considered. Entries will not be returned and will become the property of the Drake University English Department.

The winner will be notified by February 15, 2014. All entrants will be notified of the results by February 28, 2014.

This year, the award is open to single-author first novels only. Authors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and must agree to attend and participate in the reading at Drake University in April 2014 to receive the award. The following are ineligible for the awards: 1) authors who have published more than one novel through independent, university, or commercial publishers; 2) entries from vanity presses and self-published books; 3) current students and employees of Drake University.

Send all materials to:
Drake University Emerging Writer Award
c/o Amy Letter, Writers and Critics Series
English Department, Howard Hall
Drake University
2507 University Ave
Des Moines, IA 50311

For questions about the award or the series, please e-mail:
amy.letter(at)drake.edu (replace (at) with @)