The Maine Literary Awards is an annual competition sponsored and coordinated by the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance.

Nominations are open to all Maine residents (including part-time seasonal residents). The statewide competition is for published books, as well as drama, short works (either published or unpublished), and student writing. Maine writers may self-nominate, or be nominated by others.

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Maine Literary Awards Submissions

The 2026 Maine Literary Awards were open for nominations from December 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026. All submissions must be postmarked and / or received digitally between these dates. This award cycle honors books published during the 2025 calendar year. Please review the submission guidelines before you submit.

MLA Archives 

2021

2020

2019

2018

 Sponsors

The 2024 Maine Literary Awards are generously supported by the John N. Cole Family, Maine Authors Publishing, Maine Poetry Society, and University of Southern Maine.

Further questions about the Maine Literary Awards may be directed to Taryn Bowe.