The Creative Writing MFA program in the College of Arts and Sciences has partnered with the independent publishing company Running Wild, LLC to launch the inaugural Running Wild Press Writing Contest. The contest will give one talented member of the Drexel community the opportunity to win a professional book publishing contract.
All Drexel undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni, are welcome to submit a book-length manuscript (at least 50,000 words) of an original work of fiction to be eligible. Finalists will be selected and judged by acquisition editors from Running Wild Press and RIZE Press. The author of the winning manuscript will receive a standard Running Wild book contract, which includes an upfront award of $200; net revenue of 40% for paperback, ebook and audiobook sales and the opportunity to offer the story for licensing.
Drexel alum Lisa Kastner is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Running Wild, LLC. Kastner graduated from Drexel with a BS in communication in 2000 and went on to earn an MBA from Penn State and an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University.
Kastner founded Running Wild on the belief that we can change the world through story. The publishing company amplifies stories that do not fit neatly in a box and gives voice to authors who are often underrepresented in the traditional publishing industry.
As a Drexel undergrad, Kastner valued the opportunity to explore coursework in both creative and logical subjects, as well as the sense of community among students, faculty and the city of Philadelphia. When Kastner learned that Drexel now offers an MFA degree in creative writing, she was eager to help support the program.
“I was trying to think of how I could give back to the Drexel community, because I believe my time at Drexel changed my life,” Kastner said. “It enabled me to pursue a variety of things that I previously didn’t allow myself to pursue.”
Submissions for the Running Wild Press Writing Contest are open now and will close September 8, 2024. The winning selection will be announced in November.
“I am looking forward to reading the stories and seeing all this great work come out,” Kastner said. “We have some really strong writers who have already sent work in.”
