Each entry must be an original unpublished work of fiction that conforms to the tradition of the Nero Wolfe series.
The mystery should be "traditional" in flavor.
The crime must be solved using the deductive abilities of the sleuth. No coincidences.
The killer must be known to the victim. No random pycho shootings.
The characters (male or female) must have an engaging relationship.
There needs to be some wit.
The timing could be retro or current.
There should be no explicit sex or violence.
The detective could be a professional or amateur.
The setting could be NYC or Boston or wherever.
We're not looking for anything derivative of the Nero Wolfe character, milieu, etc.
Contest Procedures
Entries must be 15,000 to 20,000 words in length, and submitted by the deadline. Entries must be postmarked by May 31, of the submission year.
The winner will be announced at The Wolfe Pack’s Annual Black Orchid Banquet in New York City, the first Saturday of December.
The Black Orchid Novella Award is a blind contest. In order to be considered, your manuscript must follow the standards set out below exactly. Your manuscript must:
Be typed, double-spaced, on one side only
Be a copy—please keep the original—manuscripts will not be returned
Contain two cover sheets:
Top cover sheet should list your name, address, phone number, novella title, word count, and number of pages
The bottom cover sheet should list only the title of the manuscript, the word count, and the number of pages.
Include a header on every page containing the title and page number only. Do not put your name or contact information on the manuscript except on one of the two cover sheets as described above.
If you’d like, you’re welcome to include a self-addressed, stamped postcard. The postcard will be mailed to you to indicate our receipt of your novella.
Submissions should be sent to:
Jane K. Cleland, Chair Jane K. Cleland P.O. 3233 New York, NY 10163-3233
