The Cosmographia Prize for Spiritual Fiction

The Cosmographia Prize for Spiritual Fiction seeks full-length literary manuscripts that engage spiritual, metaphysical, or soulful questions with artistic rigor, narrative depth, and intellectual seriousness.

We are drawn to fiction that does not simply affirm spiritual ideas, but examines them—through character, conflict, history, and consequence. The spiritual dimension may be central or subtle, but it should be integral to the work’s vision, not ornamental or prescriptive.

Spiritual fiction can take many forms. We welcome work that is speculative, historical, realist, or hybrid in form. Previous touchstones include After Color by Malaika Favorite, Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse—not as templates, but as examples of fiction in which spiritual inquiry is inseparable from story, voice, and craft.

We are not seeking inspirational or didactic fiction, nor work that offers spiritual conclusions without tension, complexity, or ambiguity. We are most interested in manuscripts that trust readers to grapple with uncertainty and that reward close, attentive reading.

What matters most is that the writing is compelling, cohesive, and well-crafted, and that the spiritual themes—however interpreted—are handled with coherence, depth, and intention.

Award & Publication

The winner will receive $400 USD and publication with Cosmographia Books.

Submissions received prior to February 5, 2026 will remain eligible for the original prize amount under which they were submitted.

Cosmographia publishes a limited number of titles each year and is committed to working closely with authors whose manuscripts align strongly with our editorial vision.

Cosmographia Books reserves the right not to award the prize or to decline publication if no submitted manuscript meets the editorial standards of the press.

Submission Details

•  Deadline: May 31, 2026
•  Entry fee: $30 USD
•  Open to international submissions in English
•  Judged by Nina Alvarez and Daniel Herd 

Please paste your cover letter and author bio into the Submittable form.

Upload your full manuscript along with a brief synopsis (no more than one page).

To ensure unbiased review, do not include your name anywhere in the manuscript file.

About Cosmographia Books

Founded in 2015 by Nina Alvarez, Cosmographia Books is an independent press dedicated to publishing soulful, ambitious books that explore the complex terrains of self, spirit, history, and human connection.

Inspired by its namesake—a historical atlas mapping the physical, social, and imaginative features of place—Cosmographia seeks works that chart inner and outer worlds with curiosity, care, and craft.

About the Founding Publisher

Nina Alvarez is the founder and publisher of Cosmographia Books. With nearly 25 years of experience in publishing and literary editing, she has overseen the publication of more than 50 books and journal issues and curated 16 titles under the Cosmographia imprint to date.

Her work as a culture creator and writer has been supported by the Creatives Rebuild New York grant. She is especially interested in fiction that explores spiritual and existential questions through innovative narrative forms and grounded imagination.

About the Managing Editor

Daniel Herd has previously worked as Director of Adult Programs at Writers & Books Literary Center and as Assistant Producer for the Rochester Fringe Festival. A Penn State English graduate, Dan brings a deep love of literature to his editorial work—one reflected in his voracious reading and thoughtful engagement with storytelling across genres.

Previous Recipient

After Color by Malaika Favorite (2025)

Guidelines

Would you like professional feedback on your manuscript’s beginning? Cosmographia editor and Famous Orphans Short Book Series curator Dan Herd will review the first 25 pages (or opening chapter) of your manuscript and provide a focused editorial letter (1–2 pages).

The review will address:

• How effectively your opening pages hook a reader
• Voice, clarity, and pacing
• Character introductions and initial setup
• Big-picture strengths and opportunities for revision

Details:

• Cost: $50
• Length: Please submit up to 25 double-spaced pages, or one full chapter (whichever comes first).
• Formatting: Use standard manuscript format (double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman or similar, 1-inch margins, page numbers).
• Please submit a statement including an overview of the full project, what you're trying to achieve, and who you feel the audience is.
• 2-3 questions about what you'd like me to focus on, or what is or isn't working

Turnaround: Feedback will be returned within 4–6 weeks of submission.

Please note: This feedback is independent from Cosmographia’s curatorial decisions. Choosing this service does not affect whether your manuscript is selected for the Famous Orphans series.

Manuscripts not being submitted to the Famous Orphans series are also welcome.