USC's South Carolina Poetry Initiative Chapbook Contest:
  4th Annual Chapbook Contest Call for Manuscripts

SERIES EDITOR: KWAME DAWES
                   DISTINGUISHED POET IN RESIDENCE, USC

Submission Dates: July 20th thru September 30th, 2008

Winning Manuscripts will be announced at the October 11th, 2008
Awards Celebration at the Columbia Museum. 
Event will begin at 2:00 P.M. featuring food, music, poetry readings, and an open mic session.
 
Guidelines:

1. Manuscripts should be between 20 and 28 pages.
2. Individual poems within the manuscript may have been previously published, but may not have been published together as a book or chapbook.
3. A non-refundable entry/reading fee of $15 must be included.
4. There must be two title pages: one with the title of the manuscript and the names of the first three poems, plus the poet’s name, address, and email address; the second should be identical but should not include the poet’s name or address.
5. The poet’s name must not appear on any page of the actual manuscript.
6. The poet must own the copyright to the work or be able to secure permission to reprint any copyrighted poem.
7. The selected poets must be able to submit a copy of the poems on disk to the South Carolina Poetry Initiative.
8. SASE, for notification only, may be included with submission. Manuscripts will not be returned.
9. Entries will be accepted between July 20th and September 30th, of 2008. 
10. Entries postmarked later than September 30th, 2008 will not be considered.
11. The winners will be announced at an Award Ceremony at the Columbia Museum of Art on October 11th at 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
12. At least five manuscripts will be selected for chapbook publication.
13. At least ten poets will be selected for web-publication. (Five to ten poems, biographical data, and photo will be featured on the Poetry Initiative Website)
14. Previous chapbook winners should not submit manuscripts for a period of two years.
15. Contest is open to writers who are 18 years or older.
16. Poets must be South Carolina natives or permanent residents of South Carolina.
17. SERIES EDITOR IS KWAME DAWES

Selected Manuscripts: 150 printed publications of each selected manuscript; 50 copies will be given to each poet.

mail submissions to:
South Carolina Poetry Initiative
University of South Carolina
Department of English

Columbia, South Carolina 29208
 
CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: USC’S EDUCATION FOUNDATION
For further information contact: Charlene Monahan Spearen; Assistant Director SC Poetry Initiative; University of South Carolina;
Tel: (803) 777-5492; Email: cmspeare@mailbox.sc.edu