Eligibility:
The 2027 award is open to all books of fiction - single author short story collections, novellas, and novels - published in English in 2026.*
We will accept any genre of fiction, but books will be judged on their literary and artistic merit. Books may be submitted by agents or publishers; however, the writer must fill out the Submission Form and agree to attend the residency if their book is chosen as the winner.
Ineligible books, withdrawn books, or books submitted without paying the Submission Fee or completing the Submission Form, will not be returned. All books will become property of the New Harmony Book Award.
*Books published for the first time in 2026; no reprints, re-releases, or paperback editions of previously published hardcovers. In the case of "new and selected" story collection, at least half of the stories need to be new/previously uncollected.
Judging:
Students enrolled in English 399: Special Topics will assist the NHBA coordinator, Dr. Casey Pycior, in selecting the shortlist and winning book.
Residency Requirements:
The writer will need to be in-residence for 7 days, preferably the summer immediately following the award (so, summer 2027 for the 2027 award), however, if that is not feasible, then the residency must be completed within 12 months of the award (we aim, of course, to be as amendable and accommodating to the winner's schedule as we can). During the residency, the writer will be required to give a public reading in New Harmony. (For more details, see Residency Information and Requirements)
How To Submit (please complete the submission steps in this order):
1. Pay $35 Submission Fee. Please note your order number because you will need to include it on the Submission Form.
2. Complete Submission Form. It is important that the author's information be complete on the form.
3. After paying the fee and completing the submission form, mail 4 copies of the book (print copies only, and no ARCs, please) to the address below. Books may be mailed by authors or publishers.
New Harmony Book Award
c/o Casey Pycior
English Department
University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Blvd
Evansville, IN 47712
Questions? Email Casey Pycior at newharmony.bookaward@usi.edu