The Louisiana Author Project, a contest to recognize and help independently published novels from authors in Louisiana, is now accepting submissions in two categories—adult and young adult.

Authors who have created works of adult and young adult fiction may submit them to the Louisiana Author Project Competition. The competition honors the top indie-published ebooks in the area.

Contest submissions are accepted from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022. Authors can submit entries here. Winners in each category will receive $500 as well as:

• Inclusion in Indie Louisiana, a digital collection of local authors on BiblioBoard Library;

• Honors at the 2022 spring Independent Author Project reception;

• Opportunities to promote the winning title at Louisiana public libraries;

• Inclusion in a full page spread in Library Journal, one of the nation’s oldest trade publications for library news; and

• Opportunities to earn royalties through the IAP Select collection

Each book submitted to the contest must be:

• Independently-published;

• In the category of adult or young adult fiction;

• Written by a Louisiana resident; and

• Available in either PDF or ePUB format.

This is the third year of the competition. In 2019, Yvette Canoura submitted the winning novel in Louisiana, Mediterranean Sunset, through the Jefferson Parish Library. In 2020, Jennifer Comeaux submitted the winning young adult novel, Gold Rush, through the Jefferson Parish Library. In 2021, Leah Eskine submitted the winning young adult novel, CC’s Road Home, also through the Jefferson Parish Library.

The Louisiana Author Project gives librarians a chance to engage with a growing group of fresh literary voices, and an opportunity to play an active role in the discovery and promotion of new works.

For indie-published authors, the contest is an opportunity to elevate their careers and expand their readership. Along with the accolade of the award and its perks, being recognized by librarians creates credibility and visibility in the growing marketplace of digital content and indie-published books. Winning authors will reach new readers via the library, and can also leverage being an award-winning indie author for additional marketing opportunities.

For more information regarding this event, contact Chris Smith, manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Library, at (504) 889-8143 or [email protected].