Please note: We no longer accept hard copy submissions, and request that all work be submitted through Submittable, the link for which is given below.

An annual prize of $1,000 from Hidden River Arts, a literary arts organization in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will be given in the following categories: (1) to the best unpublished short story or novel excerpt (2) the best unproduced full-length play

Guidelines (Please read FULLY):

The William Van Wert Memorial Fiction Award
Eligible: Any previously unpublished short story or novel excerpt of 25 pages or less. Any submission that includes more than 25 pages will be disqualified.

All novel excerpts must include a synopsis and outline of the whole novel, and an explanation of where the submitted portion fits into the overall structure of the work. Submissions of excerpts without a synopsis and outline will be disqualified.

All fiction manuscripts must be typed, double-spaced with a 10 to 12 point font. The author’s name should not appear anywhere on the manuscript. A cover page should accompany the manuscript which includes the author’s name, address, telephone number, email address and manuscript title.

The Hidden River Arts Playwrighting Award
Eligible: Any previously unpublished and unproduced full-length play. (And yes, full-length musical plays are also accepted!)

The full script should be submitted, along with a synopsis and character breakdown. Any scripts submitted without the synopsis and breakdown will be disqualified. Musical submissions should include either a sound file, sent to hiddenriverarts@gmail.com, or a CD mailed to Hidden River Arts, P.O. Box 63927, Philadelphia, PA 19147. The music should be clearly marked and identified so that we can attach it to the appropriate submission.

Please note: We have changed our policy in regard to the plays submitted. As long as the play is unpublished, and has not received a full production (readings, workshops, showcases are all FINE) at the time of submission, you will no longer be required to withdrawal the manuscript if you receive a production or publication offer during our deliberation process. We have changed this policy in conversation with our playwrights, who have indicated a hardship in holding their scripts while waiting for our award announcements. Therefore, as long as you have not received a full production at the time you submit your manuscript, you are free to continue to submit and accept other opportunities.


Additional Guidelines for both Awards:

Each submission should include a brief bio of the author and a completed application form.

Please note: We ask for a bio because our mission is to reach writers in a wide variety of ages, professions and activities. So, give us a sense of who you are in the broadest way! We ask for a birthday for the same reason. We are hoping to reach people of all ages. All of this information is private.

DEADLINE Submissions are currently being accepted, and should be time-stamped no later than June 30, 2013.

All manuscripts must be accompanied by a $17.00 entry fee, paid through Submittable,

Multiple submissions are permitted (in either the same or differing categories); but each must be sent separately and include a separate entry fee.

Simultaneous submissions are permitted.

All entries will be judged by the editors and staff of Hidden River Arts. All decisions of the Hidden River staff is final.

Winners will be notified by MARCH 1, 2014. Contest results will be announced in our blog.

Please submit all required materials through our online submission program at: https://hiddenriverartssubmissions.submittable.com/submit

Submissions should be clearly designated to”Fiction” or “Drama” as Word documents, text, or in pdf.  Be sure that you include ALL required materials and proof of payment.  We will NOT contact writers who have not included all materials; the submission will be disqualified. 
When submitting through Submittable, please be aware that the program allows only ONE manuscript upload; it will be necessary that you create a file that includes all required materials to upload into one document.

Please note: We are no longer accepting hard copies of manuscripts. If this is truly a hardship for any of you, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email and we will work something out — it’s not our intention to obstruct those who don’t use online processes, it’s an attempt to help us with our evaluative process, which gets much more complicated with hard copies.

If you have questions, please write to: hiddenriverarts@gmail.com

No manuscripts will be returned.

Application Form

1. Name:_____________________________________________________

2. Address:____________________________________________________

3. Telephone:___________________________________________________

4. Email:________________________________________________________

5. Date of Birth:__________________________________________________

6. Name of manuscript submitted:____________________________________

7. Please provide a brief bio of no more than 100 words:

 

>via: http://hiddenriverarts.wordpress.com/2013guidelines/