Dzanc’s New $5,000 Prize for Literary Do-Gooders

Independent publisher Dzanc Books has announced a $5,000 prize for literary works in progress, to be given to an author with “an interest in performing some form of literary community service.” What’s that entail? The call for submissions includes a few helpful suggestions: “running a series of writing workshops in a school; volunteering to do a storytime session or series at your local library; volunteering to work at a local book festival.” The winner will be announced in January 2008, when he or she will receive the first of two $2,500 checks—the second comes when the service project is completed.

I gotta admit, though, this is my favorite line: “All writers, including friends and associates of the panel, are eligible for the prize. The integrity and objectivity of Dzanc Books will not be compromised and, given our vast connections to so many great writers, exclusion of any kind would be impossible.” It’s true; Dan Wickett by himself pretty much knows everybody!

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