Southern Lit Alliance is accepting nominations for its new literary award, the Barnett Prize.
This new award will launch June 12 during the FocusLit luncheon at Stratton Hall. Best-selling author Mary Alice Monroe will be the featured speaker at the event.
The Barnett Prize will be awarded annually to recognize an outstanding local author, according to Lynda Levan, executive director of the Southern Lit Alliance.
The award is offered through the generosity of Warren Barnett, art philanthropist and president of Barnett & Co.
The winning author must demonstrate a successful record of publication in the genre of fiction, nonfiction, short story or poetry.
The winner will be chosen by a three-judge panel whose members have knowledge and expertise in the field of creative and published writing.
Judges are Mark Jones, director of strategic initiatives at the Chattanooga Times Free Press; Dr. Nick Mansito, assistant professor of English at Chattanooga State Community College; and Dr. Thomas Balázs, associate professor of English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Nominations for the Barnett Prize will be accepted through Wednesday, May 1.
Anyone making a nomination should submit an application, curriculum vitae and three copies of a completed, published work by the deadline to: Southern Lit Alliance, 301 E. 11th Street, Suite 301, Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Applications can be found at www.southernlitalliance.org.
Authors must reside in Hamilton, Sequatchie, Marion, Rhea, Meigs or Bradley counties in Tennessee. Eligible Georgia authors must reside in Catoosa, Walker or Dade counties.
Tickets for the FocusLit luncheon are $40. VIP tickets are $80, which include a copy of Monroe's new book, guaranteed book signing by the author and a champagne toast with Monroe.
For more information about Southern Lit Alliance or the Barnett Prize: www.southernlitalliance.org or 423-777-4221.