Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize

What is the Hunger Mountain Creative Nonfiction Prize?

An annual contest for the best writing in the boundless field of creative nonfiction. A chance for your creative nonfiction to be read by Hunger Mountain editors and guest judges!

What will the winner receive?

One first place winner receives $1000 and publication!
Two honorable mentions receive $100 each.

Who can enter the contest?

Anyone! Everyone!

Who is this year’s judge?

The 2009 judge is Robin Hemley, author of  Do-Over! In which a forty-eight-year-old father of three returns to kindergarten, summer camp, the prom, and other embarrassments.

When is the deadline?

The postmark deadline is September 10th.

Where are last year’s winning entries?

Right here! Click to read “Birds Have Eyes” by Valerie Arvidson, chosen by Robin Hemley.

Or here! Click to read runner-up Afterlife by Susan Southard, chosen by Robin Hemley.

What are the guidelines?

• $20 entry fee. Make checks payable to “Hunger Mountain” or pay with a credit card on paypal (scroll to bottom of page for Paypal link)
• Entries must be postmarked by September 10th
• Submit one piece of creative nonfiction, not to exceed 10,000 words
• Writing must be original, written in English, and previously unpublished
• Your name or address should not appear anywhere on the essay
• You may submit online using the Hunger Mountain online submission manager
• If you send your entry in the mail, enclose an index card with essay title and your name, address, phone number, and email address
• If you send your entry in the mail, enclose an SASE for notification of winners
• You may also enclose a postage-paid postcard for acknowledgement of entry (if you’d like)
• Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and on one side of the paper only
• Use a paper clip or send unbound—no staples or binding, please
• Once submitted, entries cannot be altered
• All entries will be considered for general publication as well as for the CNF Prize
• No artwork or translations please
• Multiple entries allowed—each entry must be sent separately and include a separate entry fee
• No entries will be returned
• Email hungermtn@vermontcollege.edu if questions arise

To submit online, go to the Hunger Mountain online submission manager.

To submit via the mail, send Creative Nonfiction Entries to:
CNF Prize
Hunger Mountain
Vermont College of Fine Arts
36 College Street
Montpelier, VT 05602

Include a check for $20.00 payable to “Hunger Mountain” or pay using a credit card on paypal:

Please Indicate Which Prize You’re Entering

Creative Nonfiction Prize Ruth Stone Poetry Prize Howard Mosher Short Fiction Prize Katherine Paterson Prize for Children’s Writing