Contest Seeks Novels, Short-Story Collections

Syracuse University Press, in partnership with the university's Institute for Veterans and Military Families (I.V.M.F.), has announced an inaugural contest that seeks full-length novels and short-story collections written by U.S. military veterans, current service members, and immediate military family members. Authors must not have previously published a volume of fiction. Submissions period is Dec. 15, 2018 to Feb. 15, 2109. There is no contest fee. Further details are forthcoming.

Cash prize is $1,000 and a publishing contract with Syracuse University Press. Finalists will be considered for publication. Some entries may receive honorable mentions. Announcement of the contest will take place in September 2019.

According to the announcement: "Although work submitted for the contest need not engage direct military experience, we seek original voices and fresh perspectives that will expand and challenge readers’ understanding of the lives of veterans and their families."

Vietnam War veteran, memoirist and author Tobias Wolff will be involved in the judging of finalists.

The inaugural Veterans Writing Award Advisory Board includes the following members:

• Kyle Bass: drama Instructor; associate director of Syracuse Stage; playwright
• Christopher Kennedy: professor of English; director, MFA in Creative Writing Program
• Eileen Schell: professor, writing and rhetoric, director of graduate studies and co-leader of the Syracuse Veterans’ Writing Group
• Daniel Piston: program evaluation manager, IVMF
• Kicia Sears: program evaluation manager, IVMF
• Suzanne Guiod: editor-in-chief, Syracuse University Press

Questions regarding the contest may be directed to Lisa Kuerbis: lkuerbis AT syr DOT edu

*****

Want to receive exclusive early-bird notice of military-themed writing opportunities, events, and markets? Join our community of practice for as little as $1 a month! Details here: www.patreon.com/aimingcircle.