Sowell Emerging Writers Prize A project of Terrain.org (see other related projects). About The Sowell Collection at Texas Tech University, in partnership with Terrain.org and Texas Tech University Press, invites book-length manuscript submissions of fiction (novel, short stories, or other) in English on themes about and related to the natural world by writers who have published no more than one book in any genre.We are especially interested in submissions that explore the relationship between human communities and nature and may be informed by scientific inquiry and/or personal experience. Fees Notice: This project charges fees (or requires purchases) for all submissions. The fee is USD $25 (above average for contests). Important: Nonfiction, poetry, and fiction submissions are accepted on a rotational basis. Limited Demographic: Submissions are restricted to writers who have published no more than one book in any genre. Want more insight into the affiliated editors' preferences? Read our interview with the editor(s) of Terrain.org. Country of Publication United States Publication Medium & Contest Frequency Print Publication Print PublicationAwarded 1 x per year AI Policy Human-created work only; no AI use allowed Collapse section Fiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Novel: More than 48,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Nature/Environment: Environmental issues, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $1,000.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Nonfiction Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Lengths: Book: More than 48,000 words.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Nature/Environment: Environmental issues, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (1-4.9 US cents per word) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $1,000.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Collapse section Poetry Temp Closed Audience:Open to a broad Audience.Genres: GeneralLengths: Poetry Collection: 48,000 pages or more.Poetry Forms:Open to all/most Forms.Styles:Open to all/most Styles, including: Literary.Topics: Nature/Environment: Environmental issues, See guidelines. Other: See guidelines.Winner's Prize:Semi-pro payment (US$5-49 per poem) Semi-pro payment. Details: USD $1,000.Submissions:Method: Submittable submission manager. Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are allowed.Multiple entries: Unknown.Media: Text. Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary. Go to contest webpage Report: Submission/Response Correction/Update New Cover ArtSocial:Bluesky @terrainorg.bsky.socialFacebook FacebookInstagram @terrain_orgX (Twitter) @terrainorg Support this Publisher: Make a Donation For the Editor(s): Request Interview Duosuma Submission Manager Link to Duotrope Sowell Emerging Writers Prize 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. We have not received any submission reports for this listing in the past 12 months. Your Submissions This section is available to subscribers only. Join today! Related ProjectsLetters to America NEW!Poetry & Polar Science CLOSED NEW!Terrain.orgTerrain.org Annual Contest Charges fees for all submissionsWords, Woods, and Wellness 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: 06 Jul 2026We check their guidelines for changes every four weeks, and we audit the listing twice a year. 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