Minnesota's Writing Contest Opens Doors For Aspiring Authors

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover or becoming a best-selling author, this could be your moment.

The statewide Minnesota Author Project is officially open for submissions, and it’s giving independent writers across the state a powerful platform to shine.

A SPOTLIGHT ON HOMEGROWN TALENT

Through a partnership with organizations like Library Journal, BiblioBoard, and the Minnesota Library Foundation, this annual contest is designed to spotlight homegrown talent and reward it in a big way!

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A BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRING AUTHORS

From now through May 31, 2026, Minnesota authors can submit their independently published work in three categories: Adult Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, and Communities Create. Whether you’re a first-time writer or someone who’s already self-published, multiple submissions are welcome so you can really take your shot.

WIN $2000 & BE FEATURED IN A LIBRARY JOURNAL

And this isn’t just about bragging rights. Winners in the Adult and Young Adult categories will each receive a $2,000 cash prize, statewide recognition, and a feature in Library Journal. On top of that, selected works could be distributed in public libraries across Minnesota, giving your book real visibility with readers throughout the state.

MORE THAN JUST A CONTEST

This project goes beyond a simple competition. It’s a launchpad for what could be a new career path.

Winning authors will be honored at the 2026 Minnesota Library Conference and may earn royalties through the Indie Author Project Select collection. Finalists and winners will also be promoted in Indie Minnesota, a digital collection available to library users statewide.

COLLABORATE AND WIN

There’s even a unique category called Communities Create, which invites schools, nonprofits, writing groups, and other organizations to collaborate on original written works. That winner also receives $2,000, plus publication and promotion opportunities.

HOW TO ENTER

To qualify, submissions must be indie-published, written by a Minnesota resident (or group), and available in ePUB or PDF format. For Communities Create, works should be at least 20 pages or around 10,000 words.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY

The submission window closes May 31, 2026, so there’s still time for you to enter.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally share your story, this could be it. Minnesota is full of incredible people, full of creativity, and this project is helping make sure they’re heard.