Short Description
The Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing (hereafter referred to as “the Prize”) will now accept unpublished adult fiction and nonfiction submissions each year. Submissions in both genres must be complete. Fiction submissions can take the form of a novel or a book-length collection of short stories or some creative combination of the two. Nonfiction submissions can take the form of narrative nonfiction, memoir, polemic essay, a collection of essays, or some creative combination of these.
Eligibility
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All fiction and nonfiction manuscripts must be complete and full-length. All submissions must be in English.
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Candidates must be first-generation residents of their country. “First-generation” can refer either to people born in another country who relocated or to residents of a country with parents who were born elsewhere.
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Fiction and nonfiction candidates must not have previously published a book-length work in English in the genre in which they’re applying. This includes self-published work. We encourage applicants to look at the other titles Restless has published and previous contest winners to get a sense of our aesthetic.
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We will accept only one submission per candidate per submission period. Submissions must be under the author’s real name, not under a pseudonym. Agented submissions are welcome.*
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Candidates may not submit the same manuscript for the Prize in subsequent years unless specifically invited to do so by Restless.
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The winning manuscript will be published by Restless Books in paperback, electronic, and audio format. Restless Books reserves world (translation) rights.
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By applying, candidates agree to travel at their own expense for festivals or awards in connection with the Prize should they win.
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Submitted manuscripts may simultaneously be considered for publication by other publishing houses. Please withdraw the submission immediately if it is accepted elsewhere. Once a manuscript is selected as the winner of the Prize, Restless will ask that the manuscript be withdrawn from consideration elsewhere. A publishing contract between the winning author and Restless Books must be signed before the winner is announced.
Submission Requirements
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A CV and one-page cover letter: the letter should address the candidate’s background as a writer, experience as an immigrant, and a succinct paragraph describing the submitted work and the inspiration for it.
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All files must be submitted together in one document. Please include the CV and cover letter as the first pages of your submission.
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The text should be double-spaced, in twelve-point font, with numbered pages.
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The submission must be uploaded as a PDF.
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Please adhere to the required word length. All manuscripts must be complete, with a minimum of 45,000 words.
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards:
The winner receives $10,000, a writing residency from Millay Arts, and publication by Restless Books. Beginning in 2025, the Restless Books Prize for New Immigrant Writing will no longer alternate between fiction and nonfiction but will accept submissions in both genres every year.
Entry Fee:
The entry fee is $20.
Location:
New York, United States
Timeline:
Application Deadline: 31 May 2025
Website Link: https://restlessbooks.org/prize-for-new-immigrant-writing-guidelines-and-eligibility
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