CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: The Down Under Essay Contest

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Deadline: January 31, 2012

We’re looking for a variety of perspectives—from locals, expats, tourists, or anyone else—and will consider essays of all forms and focuses as long as Australia’s landscape, people, and/or culture are prominently featured; the stories are true; and submissions are previously unpublished.

Essays must be vivid and dramatic. Writing should combine a strong and compelling narrative with a significant element of research or information, and reach for some universal or deeper meaning. We’re looking for well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice. Essays must be 4,000 words maximum and submitted by January 31, 2012.

All submissions will be judged by Lee Gutkind (USA) and Leah Kaminsky (AUS), and The Writers Conversation is sponsoring two cash prizes:

$6,500 (AUD) for Best Essay

-and-

$2,500 (AUD) for Best Essay by an Australian Writer

There will be only two contest winners, but all submissions will be considered by the judges for inclusion in Creative Nonfiction #46: Australia, which will be launched at the 2012 Melbourne Writers’ Festival.

There is a $20 reading fee; multiple entries are welcome ($20/essay); and entries from outside the U.S. are encouraged.

All submitters have the option to include a 4-issue subscription to Creative Nonfiction with their reading fee; up-charges vary and depend on mailing address and postage rates.

For this contest, we are accepting electronic submissions only.

To submit, visit: www.creativenonfiction.org.