Aspiring Authors, would you like a chance to have your Jane Austen-inspired story included in the upcoming anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It, edited by the lovely and accomplished Laurel Ann Nattress, doyenne of Austenprose? The anthology is tentatively scheduled to be published by Ballantine in the autumn of 2011, and the Editrix will have her share in the conversation. One lucky author will have a short story chosen for inclusion in the anthology as a result of this contest.

The contest, hosted by the Republic of Pemberley, is open to unpublished authors 18 years of age or older residing in the U.S.* Manuscripts must be submitted between January 1, 2011 and February 13, 2011. Ten finalists will be chosen by voting at RoP, and the editor and publisher will choose the grand prize winner. Grand prize is publication in the anthology, naturally, and payment of $500. Be sure to check out the complete list of rules, and get writing!

*Not in the U.S.? Consider the short-story competition being sponsored by Chawton Library!