In 2009 CV2 collaborated with The Muses’ Company to hold a new contest called “Show Me the Book,” where the winning manuscript would be fast-tracked through the publication process. Second and third place winners received cash prizes and feature spreads in CV2.
First Prize
Michelle Elrick for her manuscript “To Speak”
$400.00, silver medallion, feature spread in CV2 and a book publishing contract with The Muses’ Company: Poetry imprint of J. Gordon Shillingford Publishing.
To Speak by Michelle Elrick is now available in bookstores and online at McNally Robinson
Second Prize
Richard Osler for his manuscript “Golgotha and the Dance Floor”
$300.00, feature all expense paid spread in CV2
Third Prize
Jenna Butler for her manuscript “The Seldom Seen Road”
$200.00, feature all expense paid spread in CV2
Notes from the judge:
I would like to offer my congratulations to all of the winners of Show Me the Book, and I would like to commend all of the entrants to this contest. It is no easy feat to put together a collection of work. The mechanics of putting together a large selection of poems is a complex, time consuming endeavour. There were many solid efforts submitted for this contest and choosing the winners was not an easy process.
There were many new and talented voices in the entries I read, and a lot of great poems. But, a publishable or winning manuscript is about the package, and Michelle Elrick, Richard Osler and Jenna Butler submitted very impressive packages. I encourage all those who entered the contest to keep working on their manuscripts because while they might not be ready for prime time right now, they will be in time. I would like to thank all of the entrants for allowing me the opportunity to read their work. Keep up the great work and keep on sending to CV2!
Best to all,
Clarise Foster
Editor, CV2
Poetry Editor for the Muses Company