2023 application period: October 2 to December 4
Antenna Press accepts proposals for thoroughly developed book projects through the Antenna Press Publishing Award. We are specifically interested in publishing ideas at the intersection of gender and identity, the environment, equity, renewable resources, abolition, restorative justice, and the histories of the Gulf South.
Projects can be unique and creative interpretations of all types of publications including but not limited to artist books, chapbooks, graphic novels, photo books, comics, graphic novels, guidebooks, and how-to guides.
Emerging and established artists and writers from all disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We welcome submissions from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, immigrants, and LGBTQ-GNC+ artists, including those with disabilities. We are committed to publishing the voices of artists known and unknown, particularly those who interpret ideas through the lens of New Orleans or have connections to the City or the Gulf South region.
We award five book project proposals a year. Four awards are given to individuals or groups based in the state of Louisiana or the Gulf South region (Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Texas). One award per year is given to a national applicant. We do not accept applications from international applicants at the moment.
Awards are decided by a jury of individuals with diverse backgrounds in culture, writing, publishing and visual art. Jurors score submissions according to this rubric. The jury panel is announced when the application period begins.
Awardees receive:
- $1000 stipend (to be split among any authors/artists/collaborators)
- Up to 20 hours of design and layout assistance from Paper Machine staff.
- 25 of copies of the first edition of 75 copies. The remaining 50 copies will be sold through Antenna Press. The author can purchase additional copies at cost. Additional editions will be produced once the first edition sells out, and the author/artist will receive an additional $75 grant at the reprinting of additional editions.
Project Proposals
Project proposals consist of well-developed content that is close to completion. Proposals are accepted during the application period through Submittable.
We encourage you to include in your application:
- A clear description of the proposed project, including:
- Historical narrative about the project’s development.
- Any desired production processes and materials.
- Examples of final page designs, or manuscript of any text and/or image that may be included in the proposed project.
- Samples of relevant or related past work.
- A bio or artist statement
- A brief description of your interest in publishing in the Gulf South.
Available Production Processes
9 x 12 inches is the maximum publication size, with a limit of 250 page count. Our printer is a Ricoh ProC7210 digital laser printer with capability to print color, black and white as well as foil and white toner.
We offer perfect glue binding, staple/saddle stitch binding, and spiral binding.
Artist/authors are required to scan or otherwise digitally render and finalize images and illustrations and are responsible for the editing and finalization of any text in the book.
Info sessions:
Please attend one of our informational sessions to learn more and ask questions.
October 19, 2023 5-6p.m. at Paper Machine: Come see past projects, ask questions, and see the equipment used to print and bind the books!
Lunchtime Zoom session, Thursday, November 9, 2023, 12-1 p.m. CST
Please email publications@antenna.works with any questions.
