The Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize
The Susan Kamil Emerging Writers Prize was established in 2024 by Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and bestselling author Charles Duhigg and his wife, Dr. Liz Alter, a professor of biology at California State University Monterey Bay.
In 2024, five $10,000 prizes were given booksellers and comic retailers, providing emerging writer-booksellers the financial support to focus on a full-length manuscript.
In 2025 two $12,500 prizes will be awarded.
The application period will be open from March 25th – April 22nd.
Apply2025 Judges
Emma Aprile works as a copyeditor of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for independent presses, and as a part-time bookseller at her local independent bookstore, Carmichael’s Bookstore, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Chriscynethia Floyd is vice president and publisher of Our Daily Bread Publishing. Her 25+ year career spans both secular and Christian publishing, where she has served as a vice president in sales, marketing and editorial. She joined Binc’s board of directors in 2024.
Jonathan Hawpe has worked as a bookseller at Carmichael’s Bookstore in Louisville, KY for over 20 years. As a freelance writer and artist, he’s published work in LEO weekly, Bejeezus magazine, and Louisville Cartoonist Society anthologies. Hawpe has also served as a panelist for the ABA’s Indies Introduce program.
James Killen joined the Barnes and Noble buying group in 1987 after nearly a decade in the stores as a buyer for SF/fantasy, graphic novels, and manga for 21 years. James is now director of retail operations for the Manga Spot stores for Kadokawa World Entertainment and serves on Binc’s board of directors.
Susan Hans O’Connor is the owner of the Penguin Bookshop in Sewickley, PA. She began her publishing career at Viking Penguin, where she was an associate editor. Since becoming the Penguin’s owner in 2014, she has been an active member of the American Booksellers Association.
Jonathan Putnam is the author of historical fiction, including the Lincoln & Speed Mystery series. He is a past board member of the Historical Novels Society of North America and serves as the treasurer on Binc’s board of directors.
Christie Roehl is a former member of Binc’s board of directors and current member of the Binc Program Committee. She was formerly a Borders Bookstore store manager and Borders Group Foundation volunteer, and volunteers in the Walsh College mentor program.
This prize is named after Susan Kamil. Kamil was executive vice president and publisher of Random House when she died suddenly in 2019. Her publishing career, spanning more than 40 years, began in the 1970s working in the children’s book division of Macmillan Publishers. Over the course of her career, she was known for recognizing new literary voices and introducing them to the public. Among the authors she worked with are Salman Rushdie, Annie Barrows, Ruth Reichl, Sting, Elizabeth Strout, and Sophie Kinsella.
FAQs:
How much is the prize for in 2025?
The prize is for $12,500. Three payments will be made to each winner.
Who is eligible for this prize?
Any unpublished writer over the age of 18 working on a full-length manuscript, graphic novel, or book-length comic who is also currently employed at (or owns) a physical book or comic store in the U.S. or its territories (as defined by Binc) with a minimum of three months of continuous book or comic store employment.
Does my project have to be complete?
No, but it must be in progress. You will need to provide 6 pages from your current draft as part of the application process and share more about your project and timeline.
What if I quit my bookstore/comic shop job after receiving the award?
If you are selected to receive a prize, you are expected to continue working at the bookstore or comic shop where you are currently employed. One-third of the prize will be awarded upon selection; the remainder will be awarded in two payments throughout the year with proof of continued employment at a bookstore or comic shop.
Do I have to tell my employer I’m applying for this prize?
Applicants must discuss their application and potential selection as a prize recipient with their store owner/manager prior to applying for the prize. Binc confirms all eligibility requirements, including employment status.
How can I use the money?
Recipients have the flexibility to allocate funds for classes, office space, coaching, technology, developmental editing services, or any other expense enhancing their ability to focus on completing a manuscript.
Can you accept mailed submissions?
Only submissions through the SmarterSelect portal will be accepted.
What if I’ve already been published?
This prize is for emerging writers who have not yet published a full-length manuscript. Applicants remain eligible if they have published essays, short stories, journals, or other online or print publications.
Is this prize taxable?
The extent to which the prize is taxable depends on a number of factors, including whether you are a candidate for a degree at a qualified educational organization and the manner in which you use the prize funds. More information is available at https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc421. We recommend you consult with your own CPA or other tax advisor regarding your particular tax situation.
What if I have a second job?
No problem! As long as you continue to work at the bookstore/comic shop where you are currently employed, you can use the prize to cover any expense that enhances your ability to focus on completing a manuscript.
Do I have to prove I finished my project or show how I spent the money?
The recipients will be responsible for no other deliverables beyond attesting to receipt of funds and continued employment at a bookstore or comic shop.
