Southern Prize for Literature

Submit a book-length manuscript in progress (up to 5,000 words) with a 250-word project description and 500-word statement of intent for consideration for a $25,000 unrestricted literary award.

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Deadline: 40 days left
Entry fee: Not listed - check the source
Award: $25,000

About

Overview

The Southern Prize for Literature advances the work of writers engaged in the development of book-length manuscripts. The award is designed to provide timely support at a critical juncture in a project's evolution, when dedicated time and resources can materially strengthen the manuscript and help bring it to completion.

Key Dates

Applications Open: August 12, 2026
Application Deadline: October 7, 2026
Award Notifications: November 2026
Final Report Due: June 30, 2027

Eligibility

Individual writers who are 18 years or older
Full-time residents of South Arts' nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) and will remain a full-time resident for the duration of the award
Not enrolled in a degree-granting program
In the research or creation stages of an original literary work
Sole author of the submitted work

What Award Funds May Support

Lost wages or reduced hours, childcare/eldercare coverage, household help during intensive drafting/revision periods
Travel (transportation, lodging, meals), museum/archive/library fees, copying/scanning, FOIA fees, database subscriptions, books, maps, materials, transcription, translation
Coworking/desk rental, internet, phone, printing, postage, computer repairs, software (Word/Scrivener/Adobe), backups/drives, recording gear for interviews
Manuscript consultation, developmental editing, coaching, dramaturgical support, workshop/mentorship fees, sensitivity/subject-matter readers, legal consultations for permissions/fair use/questions of libel

Application Components

Project Description: 250-word description of the book, articulating the form, ideas, and how it will manifest
Statement of Intent: 500-word statement addressing the current stage of the manuscript, artistic questions or challenges being explored, and how award supports would advance the work
Work Samples: No more than 5,000 words from the work in progress, demonstrating distinctive voice, artistic intent, and command of craft

Review Criteria

Artistic Excellence: Quality, originality, and strength of work sample; command of language, form, and structure; strength and clarity of the writer's voice
Artistic Merit: Artistic vision, originality, and risk-taking; evidence of a coherent and compelling creative direction; the work's promise for continued development

Award Structure

One (1) Winner: $25,000 unrestricted award
Two (2) Runners-Up: $10,000 each unrestricted award
All awards may be used flexibly to advance works in progress, including time for writing, revision, research, and artistic development

Reporting and Recognition

Final reporting focuses on process and impact, not completion. Writers may reflect on how the award supported their creative practice, progress made on the manuscript, new directions or insights that emerged, and next steps in the work's development. Completion or publication of the manuscript is not required. Once completed, Fellows agree to credit South Arts in all marketing and publications. Literary Arts Fellows will have the option of being published in a special edition of the Oxford American Summer 2027 issue and may be invited to participate in readings, publications, or other engagement opportunities.

Contact

Technical assistance with Salesforce or application issues: [email protected]
Other inquiries: Lisa Smalls, Director, Arts Access and Learning at [email protected]

Award: One (1) Winner will receive an unrestricted award of $25,000; Two (2) Runners-Up will each receive unrestricted awards of $10,000
Theme: The award supports writers engaged in the development of book-length manuscripts at a critical juncture in a project's evolution, when dedicated time and resources can materially strengthen the manuscript and help bring it to completion.
Eligibility: Individual writers 18 years or older, full-time residents of South Arts' nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee), not enrolled in a degree-granting program, in the research or creation stages of an original literary work, and sole author of the submitted work.
Audience: Individual writers 18 years or older
Contact: [email protected]

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