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

SERIES EDITOR:  KWAME DAWES             
DISTINGUISHED POET IN RESIDENCE,                                                  
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Submissions Accepted: July 1st thru September 30th, 2008
Guidelines for submitting manuscripts are as follows:

1. Chapbook manuscripts should be between 20 and 28 pages.
2.  Individual poems within the manuscript may have been published in literary magazines, 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 winning poet must be able to submit a copy of the poems on disk to the South Carolina Poetry Initiative.
8. SASE, for notification only, must be included with submission. Manuscripts will not be returned.
9. Entries will be accepted between July 1st 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 the evening of October 11th at 2:00 p.m. 
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 tastefully featured on the Poetry Initiative Website)
14. Previous 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 for the series will be rewarded in the following way:
• 150 printed publications of each selected manuscript.
• 50 copies will be gifted to each poet, and the poet can sell or gift these copies as she or he chooses.
• The remaining 100 copies will remain in the hands of Stepping Stone Press and will be distributed for sale at book readings. 
• A major book launch will be arranged and supported by the South Carolina Poetry Initiative
• A strong effort by the South Carolina Poetry Initiative to arrange a number of subsequent readings.  

Note: Email submissions are not accepted; 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@gwm.sc.edu