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SC Arts Commission Literary Arts Program

 

Application Deadline: January 5, 2010

 

Purpose

The First Novel Competition recognizes one of South Carolina's exceptional writers by providing a book contract with the Hub City Writers Project. The competition is a highly competitive, anonymous process. Publication by Hub City of at least 1,500 hardback copies of the book, including a book for every public library branch in the state, will bring recognition that may open doors to other resources and opportunities.

 

Brian Ray of Columbia was the winner of the inaugural novel competition. His book, Through the Pale Door, was published by Hub City in June, 2009.

 

Contest Judge

The contest will be judged by Bret Lott. Lott is the author of 12 books, most recently Ancient Highway (Random House, 2008). He is a former editor of the Southern Review and teaches creative writing at the College of Charleston.

Eligibility Requirements
The applicant must:

1. Be a legal resident of the US and SC with a permanent residence in the state for one (1) year prior to the application deadline (twelve consecutive months);
2. Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application;
3. Not have published a novel before, but may have published a book of non-fiction, short stories, poetry or children's literature.

NOTE: The novel may have been submitted to other publishers previously, but it is not eligible if it is currently under consideration by any publishing company.

 

Restrictions

1. Only manuscripts between 150 and 400 (single-sided) pages are eligible;
2. Submission must be an original work of which the applicant is the sole author;
3. Self-published books are ineligible;
4. No agent submissions are accepted.

Other Information

• We cannot give reasons for refusal or enter into correspondence or make suggestions, edits, or recommendations about submitted manuscripts.
• No entry fees or manuscripts will be returned.
• We will accept multiple entries from one author (no more than three novels).
• The winning author will agree to at least five public appearances/book signings around the state, including the South Carolina Book Festival in Columbia, and at least two events at public libraries.

 

Selection Process
Applicants’ works are reviewed anonymously by panelists who make their judgments on the basis of artistic merit. Six to eight novels will be judged by Bret Lott, a nationally recognized author of twelve novels, who will select the contest winner.

 

Deadline
January 5, 2010
Applications must be postmarked (or hand-delivered to the SC Arts Commission offices before 5:00 PM) no later than the stated date.

 

Notification
May - June, 2010

Award
The winning author will receive a book contract with the Hub City Writers Project, an award-winning independent press in Spartanburg, S.C. Upon successful execution of the contract with Hub City, the winner will receive a $1,000 advance against royalties. Hub City will publish at least 1,500 hardback copies of the book, including a book for every public library branch in the state.

This project will be funded in part by Library Services and Technology Act partnership grant monies administered by the SC State Library and the Institute of Museums and Library Services.

Filing Fee
$25.00
The Arts Commission and the Hub City Writers Project reserve the right not to publish any of the submissions that have been solicited. Each submission must be accompanied by a processing fee of $25, payable to the SC Arts Commission. No entry fees or manuscripts will be returned.

 

Required Application Materials
The application package must include two complete collated sets of items as follows.

NOTE: Applicants must submit ALL materials together. Manuscripts submitted separately will not be processed.

1. Program Application - Page 1 ONLY
   Completed and signed original. Form is in Portable Document Format (PDF). (How to use PDFs)
• In the section which reads, "Check the program for which you are applying," check the "Other" box and enter "First Novel Competition" and the title of your novel in the accompanying field.
• Do NOT submit Pages 2 & 3.
• If you are submitting more than one novel for consideration, please complete a separate application form for each novel.
2. Novel
   • Submit two copies of your manuscript.
   • The title of the novel must appear on the upper right hand corner of each page of the manuscript.
   • Applicant's name and address MUST NOT appear anywhere on the work submitted.
   • Manuscripts must be double spaced on 8 ½ by 11 paper.
   • Pages must be single-sided and numbered.
   • Font must be no smaller than 12 point.
   • Manuscript should not be bound or in a folder. Pages must be binder-clipped or rubber-banded together.
3. Current Resumé
   Resumé must not exceed three pages in length. The resumé will be used to prepare biographical information (see example) in the event the applicant is selected as winner of the competition. Resumés are not submitted with manuscripts for review.

 

Return of Materials

No entry fees or manuscripts will be returned.

 

Mail application materials to:

First Novel Competition 2010
South Carolina Arts Commission

1800 Gervais Street

Columbia, SC 29201

 

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Contest Partners:

The S.C. Arts Commission

The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources. For more information, visit www.SouthCarolinaArts.com or call (803) 734-8696.

 

The State Library

The South Carolina State Library is the primary administrator of federal and state support for the state’s libraries. The Library is a national model for innovation, collaboration, leadership and effectiveness. The Library’s mission is to optimize South Carolina’s investment in library and information services. In 1969, as the result of action by the General Assembly, the State Library Board was re-designated as the South Carolina State Library and assumed responsibility for public library development, library service for state institutions, service for the blind and physically handicapped, and library service to state government agencies. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Library is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and other sources. For more information, visit www.statelibrary.sc.gov or call 803-734-8666.

 

The Humanities CouncilSC

The Humanities CouncilSC is in its 36th year as the state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of The Humanities CouncilSC is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. The Humanities CouncilSC programs and initiatives are balanced, reflect sensitivity to a diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations. For more information, visit www.schumanities.org or call 803-771-2477.

 

Hub City Writers Project

Hub City Writers Project is a South Carolina independent press with 38 titles in print including two winners of the IPPY independent book award. For more information, visit www.hubcity.org or call 864-577-9349.

 

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