Frequently Asked Questions About the MBF/de Groot Prize

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  • What is the age requirement to be eligible for this competition?
    All entrants must be 18 years or older.
  • May I submit my work in any language?
    No. All submissions must be in English.
  • What is the deadline for submitting my novella?
    Submissions for the Miami Book Fair/de Groot Prize are not open at this time. Please join our email list and follow us on social media for information about the MBF/de Groot Prize and other Miami Book Fair programs.
  • Are there any exceptions for late entries?
    No.
  • May I submit more than one novella?
    Yes. You can enter as often as you like. Each entry needs to be submitted as a separate entry. You will need to pay the readers/entry for each submission.
  • Do I have to live in the US to submit my work to this competition?
    No. Submissions are accepted from writers anywhere in the world.
  • My book was written in Spanish and has now been translated into English. Is it eligible for this competition?
    Yes, as long as the manuscript has not been published in any language.
  • Will the competition judges know my identity?
    No. The competition is blinded. Only the prize coordinator knows your identity. Reviewers and judges will not know the names of the writers of the work they are reading.
  • Will I be able to keep the content rights of my work if I enter the competition?
    Yes. You own the copyright for your work.
  • Are there particular topics that you prefer?
    No. All topics are considered.
  • How do I enter?
    Please go to the “Submit here” page of the website and follow all directions.
  • How should I prepare my document for submission?
    Please read the specific submission guidelines on the submission page of this website.
  • What is the word count of a novella?
    17,000 – 40,000 words
  • Will I receive feedback about my work?
    No.
  • Once I submit my work, can I go back and change something?
    No. Once your manuscript has been submitted it goes to readers.
  • I write under a pen name. May I use my pen name to submit my novella?
    No. Please use your given name.

Miami Book Fair’s literary contests adhere to the Council of Literary Magazines & Presses Contest Code of Ethics as stated below.

“CLMP’s community of independent literary publishers believes that ethical contests serve our shared goal: to connect writers and readers by publishing exceptional writing. We believe that intent to act ethically, clarity of guidelines, and transparency of process form the foundation of an ethical contest. To that end, we agree to 1) conduct our contests as ethically as possible and to address any unethical behavior on the part of our readers, judges, or editors; 2) to provide clear and specific contest guidelines—defining conflict of interest for all parties involved; and 3) to make the mechanics of our selection process available to the public. This Code recognizes that different contest models produce different results, but that each model can be run ethically. We have adopted this Code to reinforce our integrity and dedication as a publishing community and to ensure that our contests contribute to a vibrant literary heritage.”

The Miami Book Fair/de Groot Prize for the Novella  utilizes a double blind review process. Screeners do not know the names of the authors of the submissions they review and each entry is read twice by two different screeners at three levels before the finalists are forwarded to Justin Torres, judge for the Prize’s 2019 – 2020 cycle.

The screeners are well-qualified to review the manuscripts. Each must demonstrate a professional background in writing and editing. Miami Book Fair also reviews screeners’ credentials and prefers screeners who have participated as screeners and judges of other writing contests.