South Carolina Novel Series

The South Carolina Novel Series publishes a novel by a South Carolina writer biennially. Writers selected for publication in this series are awarded $1,500 and book publication, including marketing and tour support from Hub City Press and the series partners, as well as placement in all South Carolina state libraries and readings/events with presenting sponsors.

The series is open to writers of all levels who have lived in South Carolina for at least one year prior to submission of their manuscript. Co-sponsors include the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina State Library and South Carolina Humanities. Submissions for the series will open on November 1 and will close February 15 biennially and will require no submission fee. 

Submit

Selection Process

Manuscripts will be taken through online submission during the open reading period only.  Final selection will be made by Hub City Press editors.

Eligibility

• The series is open to writers of all levels who have lived in South Carolina for at least one year prior to submission of their manuscript. (Residency will be verified before the winner is announced.) 

• Submitters must not be affiliated with Hub City Press or Hub City Writers Project as a staff member or volunteer. 

Submission Guidelines

• Hub City Press will accept typed manuscript submissions between November 1 and 11:59PM February 15. The winner is announced in the spring.
• Only manuscripts between 150 and 350 (single-sided) pages are eligible (or no more than 90,000 words) Submission must be an original work of which the applicant is the sole author.
• Manuscripts should be double spaced, 12pt font, and set in Times New Roman or a comparable font. Our submission manager, Submittable, will accept .doc, .docx, or pdf formats.
• We ask that writers submit only one (1) book during the submission period. Second submissions of additional books will not be read.
• We cannot accept manuscripts that have been previously published, including DIY or self-published titles.
• Simultaneous submissions of the same manuscript to other publishers or contests are acceptable but please notify us through withdrawal of your submission if your manuscript has been accepted elsewhere.
• While translations and manuscripts in languages other than English are not eligible, manuscripts that occasionally use words from other languages are acceptable and welcome.
• No revisions of submitted manuscripts will be allowed during the contest.

• Manuscripts will only be taken during the open reading period and must be submitted through the online submission portal. Paper submissions will be destroyed.

Previous Winners




FAQ

I have never published a novel before. Am I eligible?
Yes! The South Carolina Novel Series is looking for emerging writers in the region.

I have published more than one novel/book before. Am I eligible?
Yes! The series is open to writers of all levels who have lived in South Carolina for at least one year prior to submission of their manuscript.

I was born in / grew up in / attended school in South Carolina, but have since moved away. Am I eligible?
Unfortunately, no. The contest is open only to writers currently living in South Carolina. If you don't currently live in South Carolina, you are ineligible for the prize. You must currently live in South Carolina for a year to the date of your submission.

I have lived at two different addresses in South Carolina in the last 12 months. Am I eligible?
Yes! As long as you've stayed in the state, you are eligible.

I am an agent representing a South Carolina writer. Can I submit my author to the series?
Yes, but please note that the contract for publication will be written between Hub City and the author. 

Questions?
If your question is not answered above, email kate@hubcity.org.

Series Partners

The South Carolina Arts Commission

The South Carolina Arts Commission is the state agency charged with creating a thriving arts environment that benefits all South Carolinians, regardless of their location or circumstances. Created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1967, the Arts Commission works to increase public participation in the arts by providing services, grants and leadership initiatives in three areas: arts education, community arts development and artist development. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Arts Commission is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the National Endowment for the Arts and other sources.

The South Carolina State Library

The South Carolina State Library develops, supports, and sustains a thriving statewide community of learners committed to making South Carolina stronger. The Library serves the people of South Carolina by supporting state government and libraries to provide opportunities for learning in a changing environment. It is the primary administrator of federal and state support for the state’s libraries. In 1969, as the result of action by the General Assembly, the State Library Board was redesignated as the South Carolina State Library and assumed responsibility for public library development, library service for state institutions, service for the blind and physically handicapped, and library service to state government agencies. Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., the Library is funded by the state of South Carolina, by the federal government through the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and other sources. For more information, please visit www.statelibrary.sc.gov or call 803.734.8666.

South Carolina Humanities

South Carolina Humanities is the state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The mission of South Carolina Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. South Carolina Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflect sensitivity to a diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations. For more information, visit www.schumanities.org or call 803.771.2477.