Writing Contest
THEME: Investigation
After a lot of discussion, we've decided that our 2020 writing contest theme will center on investigation. Investigation is about frankness, ethics, and revelation. What investigation is not about is spectacle or imagination. It's journalism the way it was intended to be. Writers can be from any corner of the field...so long as the work submitted is situated in fact.
Unsolicited Press is looking for the very best work and invites authors of any genre to submit an essay, poem*, or article of the highest caliber. All information in the work must be verifiable and steeped in truth. Perhaps you want to write a feature article about homelessness in your area. Or you decide to write an epic poem on cafeteria food in schools. Whatever it is, it must be well crafted and researched. Hybrid styles are welcomed. What isn't welcomed: Your essay for journalism class.
*For poets, we recommend that you submit a lyrical essay or longer poem, or a piece of a poem that you believe can turn into a book-length work.
What to Submit:
Must-Know Details:
Deadline: December 15, 2020
Reading Fee: $20
Submit to: contest@unsolicitedpress.com
Winners Notified: January 1, 2021
Grand Prize
The grand prize winner will be offered a contingent book contract with Unsolicited Press to publish a manuscript (essay collection, book-length investigative journalism, poetry collection, book-length poem) that is an extension of the submitted work. We understand the project may not be complete and will develop a timeline with the winner to complete the project. The entry fees will be used to fund the entire project.
Top 20 Finalists
The top 20 submissions will be selected to be a part of an electronic magazine. All finalists will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine. The goal is to help authors increase their exposure in the industry.
Prizes for Everyone
Every writer who submits receives free manuscript submissions to our press for life and three free ebooks. Twenty lucky submission participants will receive free proofreading on a manuscript (up to 60,000 words).
After a lot of discussion, we've decided that our 2020 writing contest theme will center on investigation. Investigation is about frankness, ethics, and revelation. What investigation is not about is spectacle or imagination. It's journalism the way it was intended to be. Writers can be from any corner of the field...so long as the work submitted is situated in fact.
Unsolicited Press is looking for the very best work and invites authors of any genre to submit an essay, poem*, or article of the highest caliber. All information in the work must be verifiable and steeped in truth. Perhaps you want to write a feature article about homelessness in your area. Or you decide to write an epic poem on cafeteria food in schools. Whatever it is, it must be well crafted and researched. Hybrid styles are welcomed. What isn't welcomed: Your essay for journalism class.
*For poets, we recommend that you submit a lyrical essay or longer poem, or a piece of a poem that you believe can turn into a book-length work.
What to Submit:
- Maximum Length: 20 pages
- File Format: PDF
- Include your name and contact information with the submission
- Email body should be a brief query and bio.
Must-Know Details:
Deadline: December 15, 2020
Reading Fee: $20
Submit to: contest@unsolicitedpress.com
Winners Notified: January 1, 2021
Grand Prize
The grand prize winner will be offered a contingent book contract with Unsolicited Press to publish a manuscript (essay collection, book-length investigative journalism, poetry collection, book-length poem) that is an extension of the submitted work. We understand the project may not be complete and will develop a timeline with the winner to complete the project. The entry fees will be used to fund the entire project.
Top 20 Finalists
The top 20 submissions will be selected to be a part of an electronic magazine. All finalists will receive a complimentary copy of the magazine. The goal is to help authors increase their exposure in the industry.
Prizes for Everyone
Every writer who submits receives free manuscript submissions to our press for life and three free ebooks. Twenty lucky submission participants will receive free proofreading on a manuscript (up to 60,000 words).