LibGuides: West Virginia Center for the Book: West Virginia Fiction Competition

Call for Submissions for the West Virginia Fiction Competition

Shepherd University’s Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence (AHWIR) Project announces the West Virginia Fiction Competition, a literary competition to encourage writers and storytellers, whose talent and ability in creative writing are distinctive and promising, and to foster an appreciation of Appalachian culture and values represented in the diverse writing of the region. Submissions are encouraged from any resident of West Virginia or student in West Virginia who meets the criteria below. Click here to view a list of past Fiction Competition winners.

FAQs

Who may submit?
Any resident of West Virginia or student attending school in West Virginia.
What are the limitations upon submissions?
Any original, unpublished work of fiction, 5,000 word maximum, double spaced, one submission only. Submission may not have received any other award, recognition, or special honor.
What is the deadline for submissions?
May 1, 2022
Where should submissions be mailed?
Paper submissions:
West Virginia Fiction Competition
c/o Dr. Sylvia Bailey Shurbutt
Shepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
Shepherdstown, WV 25443-5000

Electronic Submissions: sshurbut@shepherd.edu
What information should accompany the submission?
Name:

Title of Submission:

Grade level, teacher, and school (if applicable):

Address:

Email:

Phone:

Brief bio: (Please keep this section to 100 words.)
Are there prizes?
$500.00 First Prize Award and possible publication

$100 each for Second Place

Third Place

Judges’ Choice Awards for high school and middle school students
Who will select the winners?
A panel of writers, editors, and creative writing instructors will choose finalists, and the 2022 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence (AHWIR) Barbara Kingsolver will select winners from these finalists
When will the winners be notified?
August 1, 2022

Letter to Teachers

Fiction Competition Letter to Schools