Morehead State University, in a publishing partnership with the Jesse Stuart Foundation Inc., has announced its second-annual First Book Award.

In 2005, the award was presented for fiction manuscripts, including short story, novel or novella. The winning manuscript, Rock Big and Sing Loud by Tamara Baxter, is awaiting publication by the Jesse Stuart Foundation Inc.

Morehead State University, in a publishing partnership with the Jesse Stuart Foundation Inc., has announced its second annual First Book Award.

In 2005, the award was presented for fiction manuscripts, including short story, novel or novella. The winning manuscript, “Rock Big and Sing Loud” by Tamara Baxter, is awaiting publication by the Jesse Stuart Foundation Inc.

The 2006 winning entry also will be published by JSF under its standard contract. This year's competition will accept book-length collections of poetry. All authors in the Morehead New Writers Award competition will receive a copy of the published winning entry.

The competition is open to all authors from the southern Appalachian region who have not previously published a full-length book of poetry. Online publication or publication with a run of fewer than 300 copies does not apply to this requirement; poets who have published chapbooks also are eligible.

To enter, submit a book-length manuscript (at least 80 pages) of original poetry on a diskette or compact disc. The author must not be identified on the manuscript; however, the author’s name and contact information and the title of the manuscript should be listed on a separate sheet. Manuscripts and information sheets must be received by Friday, Jan. 27.

A $20 non-refundable entry fee should accompany all submissions. Checks should be made payable to MSU Foundation Inc. Current employees of Morehead State or the Jesse Stuart Foundation Inc. are not eligible to participate.

Submissions should be sent to: The Morehead New Writers Award, 150 University Blvd., UPO 630, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY 40351. Include a request if you would like to be notified of contest results.

The winning manuscript will be chosen by a panel of judges appointed by MSU and JSF. While manuscripts may be under consideration elsewhere, MSU/JSF must be notified if a manuscript is accepted for publication.

Authors may submit one manuscript only. The winner will be announced in May. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.