Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for?
We’re seeking fiction and creative nonfiction of any genre. Poetry, screenplays and plays will not be accepted for 2009.
Where do I send my entry?
Please send your entry to:
Santa Fe Writers Project
#350
369 Montezuma Ave
Santa Fe, NM 87501
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.
What format should I use?
Entries should be in standard manuscript format -- plain white paper, using only one side of the page. Please be sure to include a cover page with basic contact information - title of work, author's name, address and phone number. Each page of the manuscript should show the title of the work and page number. This will help us in case something happens during shipping and processing. Entries will be blinded. Do not put your name on the manuscript pages.
Can I submit portions of a novel or a work in progress?
Yes, we will be accepting novels and works in progress. Please note that there is a 25-page limit.
Can I submit multiple short stories/essays?
Yes. You can combine short stories or creative nonfiction into one entry as long as the overall 25-page limit is not exceeded.
Is there a minimum word or page count?
There is no minimum word or page count.
Do you accept multiple entries?
Yes, we do.
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. If you were a cash prize winner (first, second, or third place) in a previous SFWP Awards Program, then you are not eligible for the 2009 Program. All previous finalists are eligible.
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. A synopsis will not be included in the overall page limit.
Can I send my manuscript via email or on computer disk?
We cannot accept electronic versions of your manuscript.
Are manuscripts returned to applicants after the contest?
We will not return manuscripts. Always keep a copy of your work.
What should my final entry package look like?
Our Submissions staff will endeavor to transfer entries to the readers and 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.
Will Ms. Kennedy be able to comment on my work?
That's up to Pagan. If she requests your contact information for further communication, then we'll supply it.
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 when you enter.
What about postage for the return envelopes? 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.
Can I use a credit card?
Yes, we accept credit card payments through Paypal.
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.
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.
When will winners be announced?
Judging will begin on August 1st. Winners will be announced as soon as possible.
I am attending Dartmouth, but I am not in Pagan Kennedy’s class. Can I still participate?
Yes. As long as you are not currently attending Pagan's class, or plan to attend during the entire Awards Program, you are eligible. Understandably, we do not want to have Pagan judging her student's work – blinded or not – as that can create professional concerns both with Dartmouth and with SFWP.
Is previously published material accepted?
Yes, as long as you have not been published by an established publishing house (such as Random House, Houghton Mifflin, Viking, Penguin, a university press, a large independent press or anything similar). 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, and you should not have any current publications with other publishing houses.
Can you guarantee publication?
The development team from our publishing division will review each of the three winners independently. They are not associated with the Awards Program and are not required to publish any of the winners.
All winners will be featured on our literary journal.
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Questions? Let us know at submissions@sfwp.com.