Eligibility:
The 2027 award is open to all books of fiction - single author short story collections, novellas, and novels - published in English in 2026.*
We will accept any genre of fiction, but books will be judged on their literary and artistic merit. Books may be submitted by writers, agents, or publishers; however, the writer must fill out the Submission Form and agree to attend the residency if their book is chosen as the winner.
Ineligible books, withdrawn books, or books submitted without paying the Submission Fee or completing the Submission Form, will not be returned. All books will become property of the New Harmony Book Award and will be used in the New Harmony Book Award course. 听
Submissions close December 1st, 2026; however, because our staff is small, we would appreciate it if books were submitted ahead of the deadline.听
*Books published for the first time in 2026; no reprints, re-releases, or paperback editions of previously published hardcovers. In the case of "new and selected" story collection, at least half of the stories need to be new/previously uncollected.听
Judging:
Students enrolled in English 399: Special Topics听will assist the NHBA coordinator, Dr. Casey Pycior, in selecting the shortlist and winning book.
Residency Requirements:
The writer will need to be in-residence for 7 days, preferably the summer immediately following the award (so, summer 2027 for the 2027 award), however, if that is not feasible, then the residency must be completed within 12 months of the award (we aim, of course, to be as amendable and accommodating to the winner's schedule as we can). During the residency, the writer will be required to give a public reading in New Harmony. (For more details, see听Residency Information and Requirements)
How To Submit听(please complete the submission steps in this order):
1. Pay $35 . Please note your order number because you will need to include it on the Submission Form.
2. Complete . It is important that the author's information be complete on the form.听
3. After paying the fee and completing the submission form, mail 4听copies of the book (print copies only, and no ARCs, please) to the address below.听
听 听 听听 听 听New Harmony Book Award
听 听 听 听 听 c/o Casey Pycior
听 听 听 听 听 English Department
听 听 听 听 听 缅北强奸
听 听 听 听 听 8600 University Blvd
听 听 听 听 听 Evansville, IN 47712
Questions? Email Casey Pycior at newharmony.bookaward@usi.edu