Culture

The Ninth Annual Slovenian Literary Award

Barbara Somrack November 2, 2026

Submitted by Blair Kilpatrick, Co-chair, Slovenian Literary Award Committee, Slovenian Union of America

Calling all Writers, Poets, and Essayists: The Slovenian Union of America Presents

For nearly a century, the Slovenian Union of America has been dedicated to preserving the legacy of our Slovenian heritage. Writing has played an essential role in sustaining our culture and our communities. The SUA Slovenian Literary Award honors those who continue this vital tradition.

Accepting Submissions from November 1, 2026 – January 31, 2027 at 5 pm EST

Applicants may submit work through the SUA website: https://slovenianunion.org/literary-award/

Open to first time writers as well as published authors
Open to all genres of creative writing
Short stories, novels, poetry, memoir, creative nonfiction & personal essays are welcome.
Work must be in a digital format that can be submitted electronically.
Original work only. No AI.
Work must be submitted in English.
Translations accepted only if you are the author of the original work.
Up to 3 submissions per writer (but only one may be book-length.)
Applicants may live anywhere but must have a connection to Slovenian culture or heritage.
Individual writers only, 18 years and up. SUA membership is not required.
Works are judged blind by a committee that includes writers.
Winner will be announced on SUA social media in June.