Local Authors named finalists in state-wide writing competition

Three talented yet not well-known Illinois writers just moved closer to well-earned recognition and fame. And it's because of the growing partnership between writers and librarians.

The Soon to Be Famous Illinois (STBF) Author Project Manuscript competition is proud to announce this year's three finalists: Annemarie Mannion of Darien for Veritas, Danny Sain of Skokie for The Daughter of Ruin and Patti Sherry-Crews of Evanston for The Lake House,

Now in its third year, the STBF Manuscript competition, conceived, organized and run by Illinois librarians, seeks out the best unpublished adult and young adult fiction by Illinois writers. These librarians, experts at identifying and recommending compelling, well-written stories for their patrons, serve as volunteer judges. After each entry is read and evaluated by multiple judges, the field has been narrowed to these three outstanding manuscripts. The winning author will receive a cash prize, professional cover design, and professional editing services, plus the opportunity to work with previous contest winners and benefit from their experiences. Plus, should the winning author decide to self-publish their manuscript, it will be entered into the 2021 STBF self/indie-published book contest as a semi-finalist.

But the benefits of winning go beyond the actual prizes. When last year's winner Kate Robards learned that her manuscript The Songbird Baby had been selected, she commented, "Just to know that some people have already read [the manuscript] and believe in it is heartwarming. It's such a boost to my writing career and my dreams of being an author. I feel closer to that dream now."

The winner will be announced in April.

For more information on the Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project and its competitions, please visit soontobefamous.info.