Now Open for Submissions!
Now in its 5th year, the Annual Memoir Prize awards Memoir and Creative Nonfiction book-length works of exceptional merit in the categories of traditional, self-published, and previously unpublished prose.
- Categories: Traditionally published, Self-published works, and Unpublished Manuscripts
- Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Total prizes: $5,000
- Enter via: Submittable
Submit your full-length memoir for the Memoir Prize and a chance to win cash, a feature in Memoir Magazine, and a year’s worth of free advertising. The only contest of its kind dedicated exclusively to the Memoir genre. This is a real opportunity for outstanding traditional, independent, and self-published memoir authors to get the recognition they deserve. Unpublished manuscripts will have the remarkable chance to present a prize-winning manuscript for consideration by agents and publishers.
You may submit a full-length book of Memoir, Narrative, or Creative Nonfiction, an Essay Collection, or a Graphic Narrative as a single entry.
There are no restrictions on subject matter, page count, age of the author, type of publisher, year of publication, or quantity of authors.
Entries will be judged in three rounds: the first by experienced Memoir Magazine readers and staff, and the final two rounds by a select group of the previous year’s Memoir Prize Winners.
We can’t wait to read your story. Best of luck!
“Books can be dangerous.
The best ones should be labeled ‘This could change your life’.”
―
Question: are memoirs published by university presses eligible For the prize?
Absolutely!
Hello, do you accept entries from people in the UK?
Yes we do! All English language memoirs are encouraged to submit.
If an unpublished manuscript wins/is accepted 1) is it considered published 2) are the agents and editors viewing it specifically invited to view it, or it is just chance who sees it?
Hello Katie, 1. No, unpublished manuscripts are not considered published even if they win, nor do we obtain any rights to the manuscript. 2. Yes and yes, agents and editors are specifically invited to view it.
I am currently getting my book formatted for Amazon. Does it need to be double spaced with pages for the contest? I don’t think they offer this in formatting on this particular platform. So far it is single spaced and no page numbers. Will you accept this?
Yes, we will accept a book that has been professionally formatted for publication. Double-spacing is for manuscripts.
Can you resubmit?
Yes!
My manuscript is being edited right now after submitting it to a publisher who said they will publish it once this last edit is complete. If I submit to the contest before it is published does that jeopardize the publishing?
Since we are not actually publishing your book, and publishers value the prestige of contest wins when marketing their authors and their books, we haven’t ever encountered a problem. In fact, most publishers encourage contest entries and other proactive publicity efforts by authors. But if there is any doubt, we recommend you consult your publisher about this.
Question about submission
I already published my book by Amazon crossing in August 2022 and it’s translate from Arabic to English on is this book eligible for Memoir Prize for Books?
Yes, it is. All entries must be in English.
What are the years of publication that you will accept? Thanks.
There are no restrictions on the type of press, subject matter, length, nationality of origin, or the year of publication.
When it says unpublished work, this means a rough manuscript correct? I would like to enter this but also want to make sure I follow all the guidelines.
Correct. Yes!
My book is about to be published by a small indie press so it is not technically ’self-published’ neither is it traditionally published. Is it still eligible? If so which category should I submit it under? Thanks.
Yes, it is eligible. The category is up to you.
My published book is memoir, but co-authored (2 authors). Is it still eligible?
Yes, co-authored books are eligible to enter.