Each year the Los Angeles Times and UCLA sponsers a "Festival of
Books." Each year they award prizes and recognition for an
undiscovered book and author.  My question is, how do I get my
unpublished novel into their hands for consideration.

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Clarification of Question by harold1052-ga on 13 Jun 2004 08:02 PDT

Still looking for an answer, I have altered the price to attract
research. UCLA Alumni, where are you!

Hi harold1052,

"My question is, how do I get my unpublished novel into their hands
for consideration."

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but only books published
within the year are considered for the prize. Further, authors can't
nominate their own books, that is the sole responsibility of the
judges.

Eligibility and Judging:
"Eligibility for the 2004 prizes requires a book to have its first
United States publication between January 1 and December 31, 2004."
"Nominations for the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes do not begin with
authors or publishers proposing their own work. Responsibility for
nominating books for consideration and for naming both the finalists
and the ultimate winners in the nine individual-title categories rests
solely with eight panels of three judges each."
"Five 2004 finalists in each of the nine single-title categories will
be announced March 9, 2005. From each group of finalists, a category
winner will be announced April 22, 2005. For the 2004 Robert Kirsch
Award, only a winner, selected by an anonymous panel, will be
announced, also on April 22, 2005.
http://www.latimes.com/extras/bookprizes/prizes2003.html

NINE CATEGORIES:
Biography
Current Interest 
Fiction
First fiction 
History
Mystery/Thriller
Poetry
Science & Technology 
Young Adult Fiction 
plus Robert Kirsch Award (American West)

CONTACT:
Book Prizes Administrative Coordinator
Tom Crouch 
tom.crouch@latimes.com 
800-LA TIMES, ext. 75775
http://www.latimes.com/extras/bookprizes/prizes2003.html

Festival of Books:
http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/

>>>>>>

Additional Links of Interest:

Arts: Writers Resources: Contests:
http://dmoz.org/Arts/Writers_Resources/Contests/

The CWA Debut Dagger [crime fiction]:
"This award, for unpublished books, was set up to encourage new writers."
http://www.thecwa.co.uk/awards/2003/

Hopefully, your book will qualify for at least one of the contests
listed in dmoz (Arts: Writers Resources: Contests). If you have any
questions, please post a clarification request before closing/rating
my answer and I'll be happy to reply.

Thank you - and good luck!
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:
ucla "festival of books"
awards "unpublished books"

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Request for Answer Clarification by harold1052-ga on 14 Jun 2004 17:23 PDT

A very good answer, and I will rate it so, however...  Do you beleve a
self published,or a POD, print on Demand book, could be conisdered?

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 14 Jun 2004 18:38 PDT

Hi harold1052, 

Hmmm, good question. I've found no evidence that a self-published book
would be disqualified, however, the chances of it being nominated
would be slim due to its small distribution. I don't think a POD
qualifies as "being published". Have a look at the finalists and their
publishers:

Finalists:
http://www.latimes.com/extras/bookprizes/2003winnersfinalists.html

The best thing to do would be to contact Tom Crouch, I'm sure he would
be happy to answer your questions.

CONTACT:
Book Prizes Administrative Coordinator
Tom Crouch 
tom.crouch@latimes.com 
800-LA TIMES, ext. 75775
http://www.latimes.com/extras/bookprizes/prizes2003.html

There are contests for new writers - did you look at this one (first
on the list "Arts: Writers Resources: Contests")?

"Writer's Digest Writing Competitions   - Offers $25,000 in prize
money for original, unpublished work in ten categories including
poetry, short stories, plays, television scripts, articles, and
children's fiction. Deadline: mid-May. Also provides separate annual
awards for short short stories, screenplays and self-published books."
http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/

Regards,
hummer

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Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 17 Jun 2004 05:04 PDT

Hi Harold,

Have you heard of this one?

LOS ANGELES DIY BOOK FESTIVAL:
"The 2004 DIY Book Festival has issued a call for entries for its
annual program, which celebrates the success of independent authors
and publishers."
"The DIY Book Festival will consider self-published or independent
publisher non-fiction, fiction, children?s books, how-to,
photography/art, comics, 'zines, fan fiction, poetry and e-books
released after Jan. 1, 2002. All entries must be in English and have
been self-published or issued by an independent house that has
published less than 50 works since the entry cut-off point."
http://diyconvention.com/categoryA/2_details.asp?category_id=76&categoryA1_id=&categoryA2_id=12

Regards,
hummer

Thank You. HL

Thank you for your thank you and nice rating, HL. Sincerely, hummer