Submit Your Work from Jan 21to Feb 28, 2025: Literary Translation and New Plays
Carnegie Mellon University Press announces two concurrent literary contests for 2025: a Literary Translation Contest and a New Play Contest, both accepting submissions from January 21 to February 28, 2025.
Literary Translation Contest 2025
From January 21 to February 28, 2025 Carnegie Mellon University Literary Press is accepting entries for its inaugural Literary Translation contest.
The Carnegie Mellon University Press Literary Translation Prize celebrates fresh voices and distinctive storytelling in literary fiction and poetry through the art of translation. We particularly welcome submissions from emerging translators and works by contemporary authors who have not yet found their voice in English.
Prize Details
Up to three prizes will be awarded to the best unpublished literary translations from any language other than English.
- First Prize: $500 and publication by Carnegie Mellon University Press
- Two Runner-up Prizes: $250 and publication by Carnegie Mellon University Press
How to Submit
Translators will need to upload the following to our online submission platform between January 21 and February 28, 2025 and pay the $25 entry fee.
- Complete manuscript of translated work (novel, novella, short story collection, collection of poems)
- Copy of the original language text
- Brief translator's note (200-500 words) describing the approach to the translation and the choice of text
- Assertion of permission to publish the translated work from the original copyright holder
Important Dates and FAQ
Important Dates
- Open for submissions: January 21 - February 28, 2025
- Winners announced: Spring 2025
- Publication: Fall 2026
FAQ
Who can enter? There are no limitations on entrants with respect to age, nationality, place of residence, professional status, or any other protected characteristic. No organiser, judge, reader or their relatives may enter.
What can they submit? Entries must be previously unpublished translations into English of literary fiction, (e.g. a novel or short story collection) or poetry (at least 48 pages, including front matter).
Is there an entry fee? Yes. A $25 fee helps us cover the costs of reading, production, and publication of the winning works.
How do I enter? Entries are only accepted via our online submissions platform.
When is the submissions period? The window for submissions will open on January 21, 2025 and close February 28, 2025.
Who will judge the entries? The editorial board of Carnegie Mellon University Press.
Do I need the copyright holder’s permission to enter my translation? Translators are responsible for obtaining the right to publish their translation from the copyright holder. You will be asked to certify that you have this right upon submission. If you are a content winner, we will require written permission from the copyright holder granting you permission to translate the work. If the work is out of copyright, you should check the box certifying that you have the right to translate it.
Will any submissions be published? A maximum of three submissions (the contest winner and up to two runners-up) will be published by Carnegie Mellon University Press in 2026.
When will Carnegie Mellon University Press announce the winners? June 2025.
Contest winners will be required to complete and submit appropriate taxpayer information, such as a W-9.
New Play Contest 2025
From January 21 to February 28, 2025 Carnegie Mellon University Literary Press is accepting entries for its inaugural New Play contest.
The Carnegie Mellon University Press New Play Prize celebrates innovative storytelling in dramatic writing. We particularly welcome submissions from emerging playwrights.
Prize Details
Up to three prizes are awarded to the best unpublished full-length (60-120 min. run time) playscripts in English.
- First Prize: $500 and publication by Carnegie Mellon University Press
- Two Runner-up Prizes: $250 and publication by Carnegie Mellon University Press
How to Submit
Playwrights will need to upload the following to our online submission platform between January 21 and February 28, 2025 and pay the $25 entry fee.
- Complete script of a full-length play (60-120 min. running time)—please remove your name and other identifying information from this manuscript
- Short description (150 word max) of the submitted play—please remove your name and other identifying information from this document
- Brief (300 word max) playwright bio that includes your name and the title of the play submitted
- Link to your playwright website, if available
Important Dates and FAQ
Important Dates
- Open for submissions: January 21 - February 28, 2025
- Winners announced: Spring 2025
- Publication: Fall 2026
FAQ
Who can enter? There are no limitations on entrants with respect to age, nationality, place of residence, or professional status, or any other protected characteristic. No organiser, judge, reader or their relatives may enter.
What can they submit? Entries must be previously unpublished, full length (60-120 min. running time) plays in English; only one entry per playwright.
Is there an entry fee? Yes. A $25 fee helps us cover the costs of reading, production, and publication of the winning works.
How do I enter? Entries are only accepted via our online submissions platform.
When is the submissions period? The window for submissions will open on January 21, 2025 and close February 28, 2025.
Who will judge the entries? The editorial board of Carnegie Mellon University Press.
Can my play have been already produced? Yes, we will consider both produced and unproduced plays.
Will any submissions be published? A maximum of three plays (the winning play and up to two runners-up) will be published by Carnegie Mellon University Press in 2026.
When will Carnegie Mellon University Press announce the winners? June 2025.
Contest winners will be required to complete and submit appropriate taxpayer information, such as a W-9.