CHARLOTTE – Time is running out! Authors who wish to submit their work for the 2009 Novello Literary Award must have their submissions postmarked no later than May 1, 2008.

The contest gives Carolina writers an opportunity to have their work published and distributed nationally. The winning author receives a book contract with NFP, which includes publication of the work and a $1,000 advance against royalties. The winner will be announced in Fall 2008, and the work chosen will be published in Fall 2009.

In addition, the award is being underwritten by the Cold Mountain Foundation, which was founded by author Charles Frazier and his wife, Katherine.

Novello Festival Press focuses on expanding the literary arts in the Carolinas. “This is a unique opportunity for authors to submit their work to a publisher that focuses on emerging writers from our region,” said Amy Rogers, Publisher.

The most recent winner is Kate Betterton, whose book Where the Lake Becomes the River was named winner of the 2008 Novello Literary Award. The book will be released in Fall, 2008.

Novello Festival Press is the award-winning publishing project of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. It is the only public library-sponsored literary publisher in the nation. NFP books are available at branches of the public library, area book stores and online retailers. Proceeds support the library.

For more information, call (704) 416-0706, or visit www.novellopress.org. A full listing of submission guidelines follows; both the guidelines and a Frequently Asked Questions page are available on the website.

Novello Literary Award Submission Requirements

1. The contest is open to anyone age 18 or over who is a legal resident of N.C. or S.C.
2. Submissions should consist of an original, unpublished work of literary fiction or literary non-fiction, 200 to 400 pages. Only one manuscript per author, please. No agent submissions will be accepted. No genre fiction such as romance, thrillers, sci-fi, etc.
3. The work must be for a general adult audience.
4. Manuscripts should be typed, double-spaced, on 8-1/2 x 11” white paper. Good quality photocopies are acceptable. Pages should be numbered consecutively.
5. A one-page cover letter should accompany the manuscript, containing the author's name, address, telephone number, brief bio, and a short summary of the work.
6. No manuscripts will be returned. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please enclose a stamped, self-address postcard.
7. Previously submitted manuscripts will be accepted as long as the above requirements are met.

Deadline is May 1, 2008. No manuscripts postmarked after that date will be considered. Submissions are judged by the staff of NFP and members of the literary arts community whom NFP may designate. Judges will not critique submissions, nor will they enter into correspondence with authors other than those whose work is chosen for publication. Send manuscripts to:

Novello Literary Award
PLCMC
310 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

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