Writers offered $4,500 in awards in poetry, short fiction and essays

New Letters – the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s (UMKC) international magazine of writing and art – is accepting submissions for its 25th annual Literary Awards for Writers. The contest welcomes unpublished work in poetry, fiction and essay. The postmark deadline for entries is May 18, 2010, and the winner in each of the three categories will receive a $1,500 cash prize and publication in New Letters.
Each poetry entry should consist of three to six poems, and fiction or essay entries can have as many as 8,000 words. There is no restriction on the number of entries or categories to which a person can submit. The $15 reading fee includes the cost of a one-year subscription to New Letters. The entry fee for subsequent submissions is $10.
All entries will be considered for publication, and first runners-up will receive a copy of a recent book of poetry or fiction from New Letters affiliate BkMk Press. For complete guidelines, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to New Letters Award for Writers, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5101 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, or call (816) 235-1168. Writers also can log onto www.newletters.org, where they can enter the contest electronically.
Winner of a 2008 National Magazine Award, New Letters is published by the UMKC. Subscriptions are normally $22 per year (four issues), with discounts for longer subscriptions. Call (816) 235-1168 or visit www.newletters.org to order.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.