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. This series is funded and made possible by the South Carolina Arts Commission.

This series hopes to highlight the deep well of South Carolina writers working in the state. It is open to writers of all levels, debut writers or authors with multiple books, who have lived in South Carolina for at least one year prior to submission of their manuscript. Submissions for the series are accepted on a rolling basis and will require no submission fee. 

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Selection Process

Manuscripts may be submitted on a rolling basis through our submission platform. Hub City Press monitors these submissions year round. Submitters will be contacted if their manuscript has been selected for further consideration for publication by Hub City Press editors. While we do try to send formal rejections to every writer, we are a small team, and this is not always possible. After six months you have not been contacted, assume your manuscript was not a good fit for us. 

We recommend submitters take a look at our available catalog to get to know the kind of books we publish. Your book does not need to be set in South Carolina, though setting is always something we are interested in for this series. We are seeking new and extraordinary voices from the American South who have written well-crafted, high-quality works. We are committed to spotlighting lesser-heard Southern voices including: people of color, members of LGBTQ and gender diverse communities, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, as well as ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities.

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 on a rolling basis.
• 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 at a time. Please wait for previous submissions to be considered or withdraw from consideration before sending in new work.
• In most cases, 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.

• 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 South Carolina Novel Series Titles




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 Partner

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.