Winning a literary contest can open doors that might otherwise remain closed to many aspiring writers. A career of literary achievement has often begun after a writer has won an award for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or drama. This vital reference guide, compiled annually by national contest experts at Literary Fountain, is the most comprehensive volume available, offering valuable information on nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and play contests in the United States for published and unpublished authors. Compared with previous editions, this 2001 edition contains almost 100 more contests, including 20 Canadian contests, and appendices listing web addresses for "e-contests," writers' resources, and information on the leading trade magazines. From such major contests as the Pulitzer Prize and the Pen/Faulkner Award to smaller scale competitions such as the Pro Dogs National Charity and the Key West Theatre Festival, this user-friendly guide contains nearly every open contest in the American market. Information is included on criteria governing submission of written work, entry guidelines and rules, entry forms and applications as well as deadlines for submission, judging procedures, the names of previous winners, available fellowships and grants, copyright issues, addresses, valuable contacts, and a guide to finding literary agents. In today's literary market, this guide could be the competitive edge you need to achieve your dream!