Award Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Eligibility:
The contest is open to all books of fiction - single author short story collections, novellas, and novels - published in English in 2025.*
We will accept any genre of fiction, but books will be judged on their literary and artistic merit. Books may be submitted by agents or publishers; however, the writer must fill out the Submission Form and agree to attend the residency if their book is chosen as the winner.
Ineligible books, withdrawn books, or books submitted without paying the Submission Fee or completing the Submission Form, will not be returned. All books will become property of the New Harmony Book Award.
*Books published for the first time in 2025; no reprints, re-releases, or paperback editions of previously published hardcovers.
Judging:
Students in the Literary Editing and Publishing Minor at USI will assist the NHBA coordinator, Dr. Casey Pycior, in selecting the short list and winning book.
Residency Requirements:
The writer will need to be in-residence for 7 days, preferably sometime between May 15th – July 15th, of 2026 (we aim, of course, to be as amendable and accommodating to the winner's schedule as we can), and will be required to give a public reading in New Harmony during their residency. (For more details, see Residency Information and Requirements)
How To Submit:
1. Pay $35 Submission Fee. Please note your order number because you will need to include it on the Submission Form.
2. Complete Submission Form.
3. After paying the fee and completing the submission form, mail 3 copies of the book (print copies only, and no ARCs, please) to the address below. Books may be mailed by authors or publishers.
New Harmony Book Award
c/o Casey Pycior
English Department
University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Blvd
Evansville, IN 47712
Questions? Email Casey Pycior at newharmony.bookaward@usi.edu
