2025 Aurora Polaris Award in Creative Nonfiction

Ends on

The Aurora Polaris Creative Nonfiction Award is open to ALL living authors, regardless of publication history. 

Notification of our winners and finalists is posted on our web page and announced through social media during the summer months.  Please check our website for results. If you are a finalist, semi-finalist, or the winner, you will be personally notified.  


  • Manuscripts must be 45,000 - 80,000 words of creative nonfiction (excluding title page, table of contents, and all front matter), written in English by a person residing within the U.S.
  • No submissions from those living outside of the United States, unless they plan to reside in the US for the year following the publication of the book.
  • No submissions are accepted that are written by the deceased.
  • Submissions generated using AI in whole or in part are prohibited.
  • Translations are not eligible for publication, nor are previously published or self-published books. If the book has an ISBN, it is considered to be published.
  • Manuscripts must be sent in a single file. We accept Word and PDF files.
  • Include and upload your cover letter with your bio and contact information in the cover letter option area.
  • Include an acknowledgement page of excerpts published within the manuscript.  The manuscript as a whole must not be previously published.
  • Multiple award submissions are accepted as long as a $25 fee accompanies each award submission.
  • Simultaneous submissions are accepted as long as we are notified immediately if your manuscript is chosen elsewhere.
  • Relatives and current or former students of Trio House Press editors, staff, or Board members are not eligible for awards or publication during our contest submissions period.
  • No edits can be made to manuscripts after you submit your manuscript.  However, if chosen for award or publication, edits will be made prior to final proofs.
  • Your submission acknowledges that you understand and agree to all guidelines and to being contacted via our distribution list.
We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
Create Your Account Have An Account? Sign In