Nilsen Literary Prize for a First Novel A project of Southeast Missouri State University Press (see other related projects). Permanently Closed: This project is permanently closed to submissions (August 2024). We provide the following information as an archive. About The Nilsen Prize was established by Dorothy and Wedel Nilsen to recognize American writers of fiction who may not be noticed by commercial publishers. The competition is open to writers who have not published a novel and who are U.S. residents writing in English. Manuscripts submitted must be previously unpublished novels, novellas, and collections of closely linked short stories. We do not accept manuscripts of self-published books. Manuscripts submitted to the contest will be read and judged anonymously. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded biennially (every other year) Fiction Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novella: No specific word count limits known (our definition: 15000 to 40000 words). Fiction Collection: No specific word count limits known. Novel: No specific word count limits known (our definition: more than 40000 words).Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Open to all/most Topics.Winner's Prize:Professional advance (US$2000 or more) + Unknown royalties Professional advance. Unknown royalties. Details: USD $2,000.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Multiple entries are allowed.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Their webpage was not functioning on our last visit.Go to contest webpage Report: Correction/Update Support this Publisher: Buy Book(s) Nilsen Literary Prize for a First Novel Submission Statistics The statistics in this section are compiled from submission reports sent to us through our submission tracker. They are not provided by the publication's editors/staff or by Duotrope's admins. Information in this section is updated a few times per day. Learn more about the statistics. This listing is inactive and does not have any submission reports for the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsBig Muddy: A Journal of the Mississippi River Valley CLOSEDThe Cape Rock DNQThe Cowles Poetry Book Prize CLOSED Charges fees for all submissionsMighty River Short Story Contest ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissionsSoutheast Missouri State University Press CLOSEDThe Wilda Hearne Flash Fiction Contest ON HIATUS Charges fees for all submissions Before SubmittingWe cannot guarantee that the information on this page is correct. It is not unusual for publications to evolve or close without notice. We do our best to keep up, but it isn't always possible. Duotrope listings do not imply endorsement or recommendation of the project being listed. Before submitting, you should use your own judgment to determine whether the project meets your standards.Always read the full guidelines provided by the publisher.Try to read at least one previous publication to get a better idea of what the editor would like to see.Unless the publisher's guidelines state otherwise, always use industry standard manuscript formatting.Be professional, patient, and persistent. DatesLast Updated: 20 Aug 2025 Cookie Consent: This site uses secure first-party cookies for essential, preference-setting, and statistical purposes. We do not use any marketing, advertising, or third-party cookies. Read our full cookie policy. Accept All Cookies Allow Essential Cookies Only