Guidelines for the Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize

September 30 – December 31, 2024
We welcome submissions of full-length books of prose (novels, memoirs, narrative nonfiction, essay and story collections, and hybrid works) from new, emerging, and established voices and from writers of all backgrounds.

Non-refundable entry fee: $30.

Manuscript Anonymity
Identifying information for the author must not be included anywhere in the manuscript, including in the file name or title field in the submission manager. Manuscripts containing identifying information in any way will be automatically disqualified, and the entry fee forfeited.

Previously Published Material
The manuscript, in its entirety, must be previously unpublished. It may contain some previously published portions, but the majority of the work should be new. Any previously published material in the manuscript must be credited in the cover letter (see cover letter guidelines below). Acknowledgements of previously published material may not be included in the manuscript file. Manuscripts containing acknowledgements will be automatically disqualified.

Originality and AI Restrictions
All material must be the author’s own, original composition and free from copyright restrictions. Submissions generated by AI tools or language models are not accepted.

Simultaneous Submissions
Simultaneous submissions are welcome, but by submitting a manuscript, the author agrees to notify WTAW immediately if the manuscript is accepted elsewhere for publication and to withdraw it from Submittable.

Multiple Submissions
Multiple submissions are accepted, provided each is accompanied by a separate entry fee. Each submission must be unique.

Submission Finality
Submissions cannot be edited once submitted. Manuscripts selected for publication will undergo an editing process with the editors.

Manuscript Formatting
Manuscripts should be submitted as a .doc or .docx file, in a 12-point standard font such as Times New Roman, double-spaced, with at least 1-inch margins, and paginated. Include a title page with the total word count and, if applicable, a table of contents.

Cover Letter Guidelines
Cover letters must be entered into the appropriate field in the submission manager. They may not be included in the manuscript file. Submission files that contain a cover letter will be automatically disqualified.

Cover letters must include the following information:

• Author contact information (address, phone, email)
• The work’s title, genre, and word count
• A list of credits for any previously published portions
• A brief synopsis of the work (short paragraph)
• A brief author biography, including author website address and social media handles, and, if applicable, publishing history
• An indication if the manuscript is submitted simultaneously, with acknowledgment of the requirement to withdraw it if accepted elsewhere
• Where you heard about the Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize

Disqualification
Any submission that doesn’t follow the guidelines will be disqualified, and the submission fee forfeited.

Responses
WTAW responds to every submission through the submission manager at the email address provided with the submission.

Thank you for considering the Kevin McIlvoy Book Prize. We look forward to reading your work.

Please familiarize yourself first with WTAW Press, Alcove Chapbook Series, and Betty.

Our positions offer a great opportunity for those who want to get involved in publishing or want to understand the operations of nonprofit organizations: students, recent graduates, aspiring writers, those who are changing careers, or those who seek to connect with writers and devote time to a literary life. Successful candidates will work closely with our director to gain or enhance hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of the rewarding and challenging work of small press book publishing.

We look for candidates who are ambitious, curious, and detail-oriented; who possess excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills; and who are excited about leaning into new opportunities with a willingness to embrace challenges. We value proactive and positive attitudes; an interest in thinking creatively, collaboratively, and strategically; the ability to take initiative and to work well both independently and with others; and the capacity to juggle various deadlines. 

Prior work experience in the literary arena or publishing is less important than the level of commitment and creativity applicants can bring to WTAW Press. 

POSITIONS:

Events and Programs Management Assistant

WTAW, an award-winning literary nonprofit organization that publishes books of prose, is seeking an Events and Programs Management Assistant to join its team. The ideal candidate will have experience within events and programs management, specifically within literary arts organizations and/or presses and/or education. Reporting to the Director, the Events and Programs Management Assistant will be responsible for organizing, growing, and promoting WTAW's in-person and virtual programs and events.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing WTAW's programming, including educational offerings, events at conferences and festivals, and virtual readings
• Assist in coordinating logistics for in-person and virtual events and programs 

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with other literary arts organizations, including education, and/or presses
• Familiarity with educational and event management platforms
   

Social Media Assistant

WTAW, an award-winning literary nonprofit organization that publishes books of prose, is seeking a Social Media Assistant to join its team. Prospective assistants should enjoy social media and content-creation, particularly literary and writing-related content, and either be actively engaged or enthusiastic about becoming actively engaged with those communities online. The ideal candidate will have experience within communications and social media management, specifically with nonprofit organizations or literary arts organizations, publications, or presses. Reporting to the Director, the Social Media Assistant will be responsible for maintaining and updating WTAW's social media channels. 

Responsibilities:

• Maintain the social media calendar
• Create and curate collateral and graphics for social media platforms
• Maintain best practices to engage readers and literary community

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with other literary arts organizations, publications, or presses
• Familiarity with and enthusiasm for building community through social media 
• Basic graphic design skills using Canva or similar tools
   

Publishing Assistant 

WTAW Press, an award-winning literary nonprofit organization that publishes books of prose, is seeking a Publishing Assistant to join its team. The ideal candidate will have experience within nonprofit organizations or literary arts organizations, publications, or presses. Reporting to the Director, the Publishing Assistant will assist with projects from all areas of our operation, including editorial, publicity, marketing, community engagement, and development. The Publishing Assistant will gain an overview of the current publishing climate and the nature of independent publishing, including the stages of book publishing, from acquisition to post-publication, as well as the operational nuts and bolts and nitty-gritty details of running a small nonprofit business. 

Responsibilities:

• Assist in preparation of work for publication, including shepherding books through the production process
• Assist in the design, development, and execution of publicity materials and marketing collateral
• Assist in the planning and execution of author events, publisher events, and fundraising activities
• Conduct relevant research and analysis

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with other literary arts organizations, publications, and/or presses
• Passion for publishing and curiosity about the inner workings of the publishing industry
• Knowledge of contemporary literature or genuine desire to develop it
• Interest in learning the business of publishing and/or the operations of small nonprofit organizations

ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL POSITIONS: 

We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. 

While positions are not salaried, those who complete the minimum contractual period will receive a modest financial compensation. For interns who are in school and eligible to receive credit for participation in an internship, WTAW is glad to meet the necessary requirements. 

WE CONSIDER APPLICATIONS ON A ROLLING BASIS.

TO APPLY: 

To answer the questions, be prepared to provide:

• a brief introduction to yourself that includes why you're applying for the position(s) and that speaks to the qualifications you would bring to WTAW
• a resume that outlines your experiences to date

Thank you  your interest in joining WTAW Press.