The publishing firm, Creative Nonfiction, is seeking new essays that explore death, dying, and end-of-life care, for a collection to be published by Southern Methodist University Press.

Creative Nonfiction seeks stories that transcend the "I" and find universal meaning in personal experiences. They hope to include stories representing a wide variety of perspectives-from physicians, nurses, hospice workers, social workers, counselors, clergy, funeral directors, family members, and others. The book will feature narratives that capture, illustrate, and/or explain the best way to approach the end of life, as well as stories that highlight current features, flaws, and advances in the healthcare system and their impact on professionals, patients, and families.

Essays must be vivid and dramatic; they should combine a strong and compelling narrative with a significant element of research or information. Well-written prose, rich with detail and a distinctive voice, is preferred.

Creative Nonfiction editors will award one $1,500 prize for Best Essay, and two $500 prizes for runners-up.

Essays must be

* unpublished

* 5,000 words or less

* postmarked by December 31, 2009, and

* clearly marked "End of Life" on both the essay and outside the envelope.

There is a $20 reading fee (or send a reading fee of $25 to include a 4-issue CNF subscription); multiple entries are welcome ($20/essay) as are entries from outside the United States (although subscription shipping costs do apply).

Please send manuscript, accompanied by a cover letter with complete contact information, self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), and payment to

Creative Nonfiction

Attn: End-of-Life Stories

5501 Walnut St, Suite 202

Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Please share this announcement with anyone who might be interested in submitting work. Please e-mail any questions to [email protected].