The Ohio State University Press and the M.F.A. Program in Creative Writing at OSU invite submissions for the 2009 Ohio State University Prize in Short Fiction. Each year, a readers’ committee of OSU fiction writers and a final judge select one manuscript for publication by The Ohio State University Press. The winning author receives publication under a standard book contract, which includes a cash prize of $1,500 as an advance against royalties.

~ Entries must be between 150 and 300 typed pages (approx. 40,000 to 80,000 words) and may include short stories, novellas, or a combination of both.
~ Novellas must not exceed 125 pages (approx. 35,000 words); a single novella is not an eligible submission.
~ Previously published stories may be included, with appropriate acknowledgments.
~ The competition is open to all writers in English, published or unpublished. No translations unless done entirely by the author.
~ Current students and employees of The Ohio State University are not eligible.
~ Entries must be postmarked during the month of January 2009. Entries postmarked after January 31, 2009 will not be accepted.
~ Manuscripts must be typed. Clear photocopies of typed manuscripts are acceptable.
~ Please do NOT send your only copy, illustrations or other irreplaceable material, as MANUSCRIPTS CANNOT BE RETURNED.
~ Judging is anonymous, so your name or other identification should only20appear on the cover page, and nowhere else in the manuscript. Your submission should include a cover sheet with name, street and email address, and phone numbers and a title page which lists title and approx. word count only (NO name, no other identifying information)

Please include a nonrefundable handling fee of $20.00 (U.S. dollars) with each manuscript (US check or money order payable to The Ohio State University). If you wish, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard to confirm receipt of your manuscript, and a stamped, self-addressed business-sized envelope so we can notify you of the results. OSU Press assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged manuscripts. Manuscripts will not be returned.

Further details about the prize, eligibility, submission formats and previous winners can be found on the Ohio State University Press website http://www.ohiostatepress.org/.

The winning entry will be announced during May, 2009.

2008 Winner: Paul Eggers’ The Departure Lounge.

Mail to:
Fiction Editor
The Ohio State University Press
180 Pressey Hall
1070 Carmack Road
Columbus OH 43210-1002