Little Kanawha Reading Series Chapbook Contest

  1. Glenville State University
  2. News & Events
  3. Community
  4. Little Kanawha Reading Series Chapbook Contest

Second Annual Little Kanawha Reading Series Chapbook Contest

Glenville State University’s Little Kanawha Reading Series is proud to host its second annual Chapbook Contest. We invite poets and prose writers to submit works that celebrate and explore the rich cultural tapestry of Appalachia.

Content

  1. Open to poetry and prose submissions
    • 15 to 25 pages of poetry or prose
       
  2. Only one manuscript per genre per author per reading period
     
  3. Previously published poems, stories, essays, and excerpts may be included, but may not exceed 50% of the manuscript. Provide publication acknowledgements for previously published work
     
  4. Submissions must embody at least one of the following Appalachian literary features:
    • Strong sense of place and connection to the Appalachian landscape
    • Exploration of Appalachian voice
    • Exploration of Appalachian folklore, myths, or legends
    • Themes of Appalachian family, community, and/or cultural heritage
    • Exploration of Appalachian rural life and traditions

Prize

  • $200
  • Publication of the winning chapbook
  • Author copies
  • Invitation to be a featured reader for the Little Kanawha Reading Series

Reading Period

November 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026

The winning manuscript will be selected within three to four months after the reading period closes.

Submission

A $10 entry fee is payable to the Little Kanawha Reading Series (see form below)

Manuscripts are accepted electronically, by email only. Email manuscripts to LKRS@glenville.edu.

Enter your contact information, a brief biography, and any publication acknowledgments in the body of the email. Include your name on all manuscript pages.

  • Each poem, story, essay, and excerpt should begin on a new page
  • Do not include any images in your manuscript
  • Attach your manuscript as a single Word .doc or .docx or .rtf file.

The Little Kanawha Reading Series reserves the right to refuse any manuscript.

We look forward to reading your work and celebrating the vibrant literary voices of Appalachia!

Submission Payment