Ernest J Gaines Award For Literary Excellence/ How To Submit (Prize: $15,000)

For 15 years, Ernest J Gaines Award For Literary Excellence has been a contest for emerging African American fiction writers.

This contest has provided visibility for emerging African American fiction writers and enables them to focus on their writing by awarding a $15,000 cash prize.

Eligible authors should submit a work of fiction, such as a novel or short story collection, published in the calendar year. (Galleys for publication within the year are also accepted.)

Submission Guidelines For Ernest J Gaines Award For Literary Excellence

To enter a published book or gallery for review, send the completed registration form and eight (8) copies to:

• Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence
  c/o Baton Rouge Area Foundation
  100 North St., Suite 900
  Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802.
• Non-winning entries will be donated to an area nonprofit. Ineligible entries will not be returned.
• The Literary Award, initiated by donors of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation to honor Mr. Gaines, is designed to inspire and recognize rising African-American writers of excellence as they work to achieve the literary heights for which Ernest J. Gaines is known.
• The 2023 entry window closes on December 31, 2023.

SUBMISSION FORM

Criteria for the 2023 Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence:

• A work of fiction (novel or collection of short stories) that is published between October 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
• Galleys for a 2023 publication are also accepted, though galley proofs considered during the 2022 submission cycle are not eligible for consideration in 2023.
• The nominee must be a rising author, not yet widely recognized for their work.
• Author must be an African-American U.S. citizen.
• Self-published books will not be accepted. Self-published defined as publishing one’s work
  independently and at one’s own expense.
• Emailed entries will not be accepted.

• The winning author must be willing to attend the award ceremony in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2024 and participate in media and educational outreach activities during that week.

Prize

$15,000

 

For additional information, please email gainesaward@braf.org