News
Win an Award for a New Book Proposal
As a collaborative effort to generate dynamic book proposals and publications from aspiring authors, the General Church of the New Jerusalem and the Swedenborg Foundation, publisher of the theological works of Emanuel Swedenborg, are pleased to announce a new competition, called the Bridge Book Awards. The authors of the winning proposals will receive a cash award in the amount of $1,500, be honored at an awards ceremony, and be guaranteed a review by the Swedenborg Foundation Press editorial board with the possibility of publication. Three runners-up in each category will also receive a cash award of $500 each and possibility of review for publication. The deadline for proposal submission is February 1, 2011. This first annual contest for the Bridge Book Awards will seek book proposals in the following four categories this year; topics may change in coming years. Although the categories are specific, the types of book within each category are not. Genres and formats as varied as inspirational gift books, guidebooks, scholarly research, illustrated books, and both fiction and nonfiction will be considered. The categories are:
- The Afterlife—understanding concepts of heaven and hell, and the impact on our daily lives
- Living a Spiritual Life—focusing on spiritual practices, relationships, marriage, and the workplace
- Biblical Commentary from a Swedenborgian/New Church Perspective—illuminating Bible stories from knowledge of the internal sense
- Swedenborg for Dummies—explaining theological concepts in an accessible and relevant way
Because of the growing interest in the works of Emanuel Swedenborg and increasing enrollment at Bryn Athyn College (www.brynathyn.edu), whose curriculum is based on New Church teachings, the Swedenborg Foundation and the General Church are eager to publish books that are relevant, accessible, and theologically sound. All proposals are valued, and varied perspectives are welcomed. The final selections will be based on a combination of potential usefulness to new readers of Swedenborg, creative interpretation, quality writing, and contemporary relevance.
For further information about the contest and awards, go to www.swedenborg.com or download a PDF file with an entry form and full information.
You can also request proposals from Kristine Medley at Kristine.Medley@newchurch.org or 267-502-4901. If there is enough interest, we will offer a proposal writing workshop to assist interested participants at Bryn Athyn College in early December. To express your interest, please contact Kristine Medley and keep checking the websites listed above for updates.