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English Department and Writing Programs

Writing Prizes

These prizes are open to ALL WESLEYAN STUDENTS and you are welcome to apply for all to which you are eligible.

Please note submission instructions below the list of prizes.

2014 DEADLINE: TBA

COLE PRIZE: Established through the gift of George Henry Walker '81 in the memory of charles Edward Cole, to recognize first-year students who show great ability in fiction or non-fiction writing.
FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ONLY: Submit one clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned

HERBERT LEE CONNELLY PRIZE: Given in 1980 by Mabel Wells Connelly in the name of her husband, member of the class of 1909, and Alumni Secretary 1924-1956. Supplemented by friends, relatives, and sons, Hugh Wells and Theodore Sample '48, the fund provides income to be awarded annually to a deserving undergraduate who demonstrates an interest in English literature and an unusual ability in non-fiction writing.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned. Academic papers may be submitted, but this prize is usually awarded for creative nonfiction, journalism, or work directed to general readers

SARAH HANNAH PRIZE: Offered in memory of Sarah Hannah, class of 1988, in association with the Academy of American Poets. Awarded for an outstanding poem or collection of poems.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

HORGAN PRIZE: Awarded by the Department of English in memory of Paul Horgan, former Professor and Writer in Residence. Awarded to the student who has written the best short story of the year.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

GERALDINE J. MURPHY PRIZE: Established in memory of Geraldine J. Murphy (1920-1990), Professor of English at Wesleyan. She was the first woman hired as a full-time instructor at Wesleyan (1957), the first woman promoted to a tenured position, and the first woman promoted to the title of full professor. The prize is endowed by alumni of the Wesleyan Master of Arts in Teaching program. Awarded to a student who has written an outstanding critical essay that focuses on short fiction or novels.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

SOPHIE REED PRIZE: Establish in 1968 by Leon Reed and his sons, S Chadwick '41, and Dr. Victor Reed, in memory of Mrs. Sophie Reed, for the best poem or group of poems.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

WESLEYAN FICTION AWARD: Funded by a gift from Norman Mailer to the Wesleyan Writing Programs, this award recognizes an outstanding piece of fiction written by a Wesleyan student.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

THE BOYLAN AWARD: Given by Jennifer Boylan in honor of her classmate, Annie Sonnenblick, the award recognizes an outstanding piece of creative nonfiction, journalistic work, or writing for general readers. Do not submit academic papers. Students in any major may submit material; preference given to students working toward the Writing Certificate. The winner will have a chance to talk with novelist Jennifer Boylan to discuss careers in writing and publishing.
Submission: One copy of the piece of writing you are submitting: the submission must be a clean copy, double-spaced, with author's name and page number on every page. You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages). Your work will not be returned.

ANNIE SONNENBLICK WRITING AWARD: Established by the family of the late Annie Sonnenblick '80. Awarded by the Director of Writing Programs, this prize provides funding to a junior who wishes to undertake an independent writing project during the summer between junior and senior years.
SUBMISSION: See below

Writing Prize Submission Instructions (except for Sonnenblick Award:)

Complete one Application Cover Sheet for ALL writing prize submissions except: Annie Sonnenblick Award--please see separate instructions for this award.
On each prize submission please include: Name, WesID, Prize name
Submit Application Cover Sheet and all prize submissions by email attachment to: etinker@wesleyan.edu with Subject Heading: Writing Prize Submission
One writing piece may be submitted for up to TWO different prizes if applicable.
Click here for: Application Cover Sheet

Annie Sonnenblick Submission Instructions:

Submit the following items electronically to: etinker@wesleyan.edu with the Subject Heading: Sonnenblick Award

1. a cover sheet giving your name, WesID, campus box number, cell phone number, and
email address;
2. a personal statement introducing yourself and explaining your background and interests;
3. a description of the writing project you will undertake, including brief but
specific comments about writers whose works are important to you;
4. a budget estimating the support you will need;
5. samples of your writing;
6. your resume
7. a copy of your transcript (either the official or portfolio version); and
8. names of one or two references with their email addresses and telephone numbers.