What is the Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize?

An annual contest for the best writing in the boundless field of creative nonfiction. A chance for your creative nonfiction to be read by Hunger Mountain editors and guest judges!

What will the winner receive?

One first place winner receives $1000 and publication
Two honorable mentions receive $100 each.

Who can enter the contest?

Anyone! Everyone!

Who is this year’s judge?

This year’s judge hasn’t been announced yet. Check back for news.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is September 10.  If you’re entering electronically, you can wait until the last minute of the last hour.  If you’re using snail mail, your entry should be postmarked by Sept. 10.

Where are last year’s winning entries?

Here. Click to read “The Relative Nature of Things” by Lee Reilly, selected by Anthony Swofford and Christa Paravanni.

Or Here. Click to read the 2012 winner, “South Omaha From the F Street Exit, JFK Freeway” by Dani Bojanski, selected by Sue William Silverman.

Or here. Click to read the 2012 runner-up “Blackout” by Daisy Hernandez.

Or here. Another 2012 runner-up, “I Got So Much Love I Don’t Know Where to Put It” by David LeGault.

Or here. Click to read the 2011 winner “Breathing Room On Judgment Day” selected by Melissa Febos.

Or right here. Click to read “Birds Have Eyes” by Valerie Arvidson, the 2010 winner chosen by Robin Hemley.

Or here! Click to read 2010 runner-up “Afterlife” by Susan Southard, chosen by Robin Hemley.

Does Hunger Mountain accept electronic entries?

Yes! Please enter an original unpublished piece of creative nonfiction, no more than 10,000 words. Your name and address should not appear on the essay itself; we read contest entries blind.  Click the link below to access our submission manager. Once in the submission manager, you’ll need to choose “Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize.”  Pay the $20.00 entry fee and upload your entry: Enter the Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize

Does Hunger Mountain still accept entries via snail mail?

Yes! Entries must be postmarked by September 10th and accompanied by your $20.00 entry fee (please send a check or money order made out toVermont College of Fine Arts).  Please enter an original unpublished piece of creative nonfiction, no more than 10,000 words. Your name and address should not appear on the essay itself; we read contest entries blind.  Instead of writing your name on the manuscript, enclose an index card with the essay title, your name, address, phone number, and email address. If you like, you may also enclose a postage-paid postcard for acknowledgement of entry and a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for a list of winners.  Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and on one side of the paper only. Use a paper clip or send unbound (no staples or binding, please!)

Send entry and $20.00 entry fee to:

CNF Prize
Hunger Mountain
Vermont College of Fine Arts
36 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Will entries be considered for general publication as well as for the CNF prize?

Yes, they will.

Are simultaneous submissions okay?

Yes,  but please let us know right away if your work is accepted elsewhere. And unfortunately we can’t refund entry fees if the work is accepted elsewhere

May I submit more than one essay for the contest?

Yes, multiple entries are allowed. But each entry should be submitted separately, and include its own entry fee. (You may send more than one entry and entry fee in the same envelope if you’re using snail mail.)

What if I have a question that’s not answered here?

Email us at hungermtn@vcfa.edu.

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Thanks for entering our contest, and good luck!