The Christopher Doheny
Award 2015
GUIDELINES
The Center for Fiction and Audible, Inc. are pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for the third annual Christopher Doheny Award. The award recognizes excellence in fiction or creative nonfiction on the topic of serious, life-threatening physical illness. The winner of the award must demonstrate high literary standards while exploring the impact of illness on the patient, family and friends, and others. With generous support from Audible, Inc. and the Doheny family and friends, the award includes a $10,000 prize and production and promotion of the book in an audio edition, with the option to pursue print publication with the assistance of Audible, Inc.
ELIGIBILITY
Writers must have previously published in literary journals or magazines, or have published a book with an independent or traditional publisher. Self-publication does not meet this guideline.
Only unpublished manuscripts written in English and not currently under contract with a publisher are eligible. Both adult and YA manuscripts are eligible for the prize. Works in progress and proposals are not eligible for consideration, nor are single short stories. Full collections of stories that meet the guidelines are welcome.
In the event of a dispute as to eligibility, The Center for Fiction and Audible will decide whether a book is eligible, and their decision will be binding.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Writers should include in their submission:
• A bibliography of previously published books, articles or stories (with URLs whenever possible)
• A paragraph-long bio, and contact information
• A synopsis not to exceed two pages
• The full manuscript
Submissions will be accepted online via our Submission Manager. We will also accept submissions by mail to The Christopher Doheny Award, The Center for Fiction, 17 E. 47th Street, New York, NY 10017.
All documents must be submitted in a single PDF or word format file. The deadline is midnight, December 15th, 2015.
SELECTION PROCESS
A panel of three distinguished writers and two representatives of Audible, Inc. will judge the submissions. This year’s panel includes Charles Bock and previous Doheny winners Michelle Bailat-Jones and Mike Scalise.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS OF THE AWARDS
The author of the winning submission must agree to participate in related publicity, including posting audio and/or video or selections from the winning manuscript on the websites of The Center for Fiction and/or Audible, Inc.