The Return of the Miami University Press Novella Contest
Miami University Press invites submissions to the 2014 Novella Contest. This prize is awarded annually to a novella length manuscript of original fiction.
The winning manuscript will be awarded $750 against royalties, a standard contract, publication by Miami University Press and 10 copies of the book.
Judge: Joseph Bates
Submission rules and guidelines
**Please note: due to staffing limitations, entries received between June 1 and July 31 will not be processed until August 1, 2013.
Entries must be accompanied by:
-
(1) a completed Entry Form [.pdf]
- (2) a title page with only the entry title and word count (do not include your name on the title page), and
- (3) the required reading fee of $25 U.S. Dollars (check or money order made payable to Miami University Press). We are unable to accept credit cards or cash.
- Winning entry receives book publication and a $750 advance against royalties.
- Entries must be postmarked by October 14, 2013.
- If you are entering more than one manuscript, you may mail all entries in the same package and include one check or money order for the total reading fee ($25 per manuscript); however, each manuscript must be accompanied by a separate entry form and title page.
- The reading fee is non-refundable.
- Our contest is open to residents of any country, but please note that the reading fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.
- Manuscripts must be 18,000–40,000 words. Include the exact word count on the cover page.
- Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, in a legible font on white 8½" x 11" or A4 paper. Loose pages, held together with a binder clip or rubber band, are acceptable.
- Previously published works are not eligible.
- Students, former students, faculty, former faculty, or anyone connected to Miami University are not eligible.
- Simultaneous submissions are welcomed; please notify us if your submission is accepted for publication elsewhere. We regret that we cannot refund the entry fee.
- We cannot return submitted manuscripts.
- To receive notification of receipt of your manuscript, send a self-addressed stamped postcard along with your entry.
- All entrants receive a copy of the winning book.
- Results will be announced on our website by early February 2014.
Mail to:
MU Press Novella Prize
English Department
356 Bachelor Hall
Miami University,
Oxford, OH 45056
Miami University Press adheres to the Council of Literary Magazines & Presses Contest Code of Ethics: CLMP's community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines—defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.
2011 winner
- Men Beware Women by Gwen Thompson
Final judge and editor: Margaret Luongo
Runners up
- The New Century by Monica Hileman
- Continuity by David Crouse
- No Creature Loves an Empty Space by Sudip Bose
- Unspeakable by Erika Rummel
- My Bo and Me by Roberta Anthes
2010 winner
- Mitko by Garth Greenwell
Final judge and editor: David Schloss
2009 winners
The 2009 contest resulted in a tie—so we broke with tradition and awarded two authors the prize.
- The Old Whitaker Place by David Chambers
Read more about this title… - Under the Small Lights by John Cotter
Read more about this title…
Final judge and editor: David Schloss
2008 winner
- The Guide to the Flying Island by Lee Upton
Final judge and editor: Joseph Bates
2007 winner
- A Fight in the Doctor’s Office by Cary Holladay
Final judge and editor: Brian Roley
2006 winner
- Badlands by Cynthia Reeves
Final judge and editor: Margaret Luongo
2005 winner
- The Waiting Room by Albert Sgambati
Final judge and editor: Eric Goodman