In this month's web issue of The Georgia Authority, where we cover the monthly news and updates of the Georgia Writers Association, you will find information about upcoming writers workshops, updates on the 51st Georgia Author of the Year Awards, and tidbits about contests and literary events around Georgia.

Thank you for reading! Have a Merry Christmas!

Katie Marvel, Administrator

Become a GWA Member

Events Around Georgia

Contests for Writers

Red Clay Sponsors

Books published in 2014 are eligible for the 51st Georgia Author of the Year Awards. First, review the guidelines and make sure the author is eligible for nomination. Second, register on the Georgia Author of the Year website (this will allow you to view the nomination form). Third, submit the nomination form for the author(s), which can be found on the Nominations page. Up to four authors can be nominated on one form if you wish to nominate more than one. Fourth, mail two copies of the nominated book(s) and the $60.00 nomination fee to 440 Bartow Avenue, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

All nonprofit organizations rely on the participation and support of their fellow businesses and organizations in the field to provide quality services. This is also true for literary organizations like the Georgia Writers Association. 

Thanks to the generosity of last year's sponsors, we were able to provide higher quality awards to our Georgia Author of the Year winners as well as a variety of promotional materials for the organization.

If you are interested in becoming a professional partner and sponsoring the Georgia Author of the Year Awards, please visit the Sponsors page on our website. There are multiple levels, beginning at $50.00 for a Media Sponsorship. Read more about the different sponsorship opportunities here. 

From Writer to Author: How to Get Published in 2015

Saturday, December 13, 2014 from 12:00 to 2:00 at the Decatur Public Library

Victoria Wilcox, winner of the 2014 Georgia Author of the Year for First Novel, is the speaker of the GWA's annual Holiday Party in December. This workshop details the steps to selecting an agent, creating a successful agent submission, and managing the business of publication. This event is free! (But please register so we know how many cookies to make!) 

How to Promote Your Book

Saturday January 10, 2015 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the KSU Center (Room 300)

You have a number of channels on which you can reach your audience, but so does everybody else! How do you stand out amongst all of the authors and books competing for airtime? Learn how at this month's workshop with David E. Johnson, the CEO and co-founder of Strategic Vision, LLC. 

 

Click here to read more about Strategic Vision's literary services.

 

Memberships are $30.00 for 12 months and include these awesome benefits:

• FREE workshop admission
• Access to the Professional Directory
• Post Your Questions to Literary Professionals and Experienced Authors
• Read and Comment on Monthly Columns
• Access to The Georgia Authority and article archives
• Discount to Red Clay Writers Conference and other major events

Learn More

Codhill Press

A prize of $1,000, publication by Codhill Press, and 25 author copies is given annually for a poetry collection. Pauline Uchmanowicz will judge. Submit a manuscript of 48 to 70 pages with a $30 entry fee by December 10. All entries are considered for publication. Visit the website for complete guidelines. Codhill Press, Poetry Award, P.O. Box 280, Bloomington, NY 12411. Pauline Uchmanowicz, Contest Coordinator.  More Information.

A prize of up to $4,000 is given annually for a book of fiction or creative nonfiction published during the previous year by a writer who is a resident of the Midwest (or who previously resided in the Midwest for at least five years) or whose book features a Midwestern setting. The prize may be split if two winners are selected. Writers who have published up to three books are eligible. Authors or publishers may submit two copies of books published in 2014 and an author bio by December 10. There is no entry fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines. Friends of American Writers, Literary Award, 1179 Wenonah Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60304. April Nauman, Literary Awards Cochair. More Information.

A two- to six-week residency at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Kentucky, will be given annually to a poet, a fiction writer, or a creative nonfiction writer. The resident will also receive a $500 stipend and lodging in a private cottage, and will be required to give one public reading or discussion during the residency. Submit a writing sample of 10 to 20 pages, a letter of intent, and a curriculum vitae by December 15. There is no application fee. Visit the website for complete guidelines.

Deadline: December 31, 2014

A prize of $1,000, publication by Livingston Press, and 100 author copies is given annually for a first collection of short stories by a U.S. citizen. Fiction writers who have not published a short story collection are eligible. Submit a manuscript of 160 to 275 pages with a $20 entry fee by December 31. All entries are considered for publication. Send an SASE, e-mail, or visit the website for complete guidelines. Livingston Press, Tartt Fiction Award, University of West Alabama, Station 22, Livingston, AL 35470. Joe Taylor, Director. More Information.

        

440 Bartow Avenue | Kennesaw, GA 30144