How to Submit A Manuscript
Applicants for the Bellwether Prize must be U.S.
citizens who have some previous publication record,
but who have not previously published a book that
sold more than 10,000 copies. The submission must
be an original, previously unpublished novel at
least 80,000 words in length. All submissions must
be accompanied by an application form and $25 processing fee.
Submissions for the next prize cycle will be
accepted during September, 2009.
Applications can be obtained through the The National Writers’ United
Service Organization (address below), or can be
downloaded from this site.
Eligibility:
In order to be eligible to win the Bellwether Prize,
you must be a United States citizen, and you must not
have previously published a book that sold more than
10,000 copies. Your submission must be an original,
previously unpublished novel, written by one person,
in English, at least 80,000 words in length. You must
have a previous publication record. More specific publication
requirements are explained on the application form.
Applications must include the following:
- One copy of your manuscript.
Manuscript must be typed, double-spaced, paginated, with title appearing on every
page (not your name)
A copy of the official application, signed, and all three pages completed
Résumé or curriculum vitae (5 pages maximum)
$25 processing fee (Check only) payable to NWUSO/Bellwether
- Postmark entry between September 2 and October 5, 2007
Optional:
- Self-addressed, stamped postcard for verification of receipt of entry.
- Self-addressed, stamped business envelope for notification of results.
Manuscripts will not be returned.
Terms of the Prize:
Only one manuscript will receive the Bellwether
Prize in a given year. The winner will be notified
directly or through an agent/representative, and the board’s
decisions are final. Author of the winning manuscript will
receive $25,000, and will enter into a publishing contract with
a publishing company in agreement with the Bellwether Board of Directors
in a given prize year, and named on the application form.
The author of the winning manuscript is expected to work with a
publishing editor on final manuscript preparation prior to
publication. (The editor has been chosen on the basis of his/her
understanding of the criteria for the Prize.) It is an ordinary
and usual requirement for the author of any manuscript to accept
editorial assistance in preparing a manuscript.
All Correspondence concerning the Bellwether Prize
should be addressed to:
The National Writers’ United Service Organization
113 East University Place, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10003-4527.
