Call for Manuscript Submissions

Salaam Cultural Museum invites submissions for the Scott C. Davis Memorial Writer’s Award, established to honor the legacy of Cune Press founder and writer Scott C. Davis and to support emerging voices whose work reflects the richness, complexity, and humanity of the Middle East and North Africa.

Cune Press is an independent publisher based in Seattle, Washington. We are passionate about publishing diverse voices and covering a wide range of topics, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa.

Now part of Salaam Cultural Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Cune Press is dedicated to promoting the rich cultures and traditions of the Middle East. Your tax-deductible donation can help support our mission of fostering cross-cultural understanding and aid the development of the Scott C. Davis Memorial Writers Fund, which supports emerging writers sharing stories about the Middle East.

Purpose of the Award

The Scott C. Davis Memorial Writer’s Award aims to recognize and encourage up‑and‑coming writers who are:

  • From the broader Middle East, or
  • Addressing important topics related to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Eligibility Criteria

Submissions must meet the following criteria:

Writer Requirements

  • Must be a new writer, preferably unpublished
  • Any age is welcome
  • Applicants may reside anywhere globally, but write in English

Manuscript Content Requirements

Topics must relate to the Middle East and North Africa, including (but not limited to):

  • History
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • Culture and cultural identity
  • Traditions
  • Fiction or nonfiction narratives connected to the region

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

To ensure consistent evaluation, all manuscripts must follow these formatting standards:

  • Document Format:
    • Submit as a PDF or Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) file
  • Page Size:
    • Format on U.S. Letter size (8.5” × 11”)
  • Spacing:
    • Double‑spaced throughout, including references
  • Font & Margins:
    • Standard, readable font (e.g., Times New Roman or Calibri, 11–12 pt)
    • 1‑inch margins on all sides
  • Length:
    • No minimum or maximum length unless specified by genre; focus on clarity, depth, and literary merit
  • Language:
    • Must be in English

Call for Entries

Writers are invited to submit their manuscripts for consideration. Submissions should reflect original thought, strong storytelling or research, and a meaningful connection to the Middle East or North Africa.

How to Submit:
Email your manuscript to brenda.pierce@cunepress.com 

Subject line: Scott C. Davis Memorial Writer’s Award – [Your Name]

Submission Deadline:
August 15, 2026

Selection Process

All submissions will be reviewed by the Salaam Cultural Museum’s selection committee, which includes:

  • Published, award‑winning writers
  • Members of the community
  • Publishers
  • Supporters of Salaam Cultural Museum’s mission

The committee will evaluate submissions based on originality, craftsmanship, relevance to the MENA region, and contribution to cultural understanding.

Award

Selected recipients will receive:

  • Grant award: $1,000
  • A publishing contract for the manuscript
  • Royalties from sales of the published work

If you have any questions at all, please reach out to brenda.pierce@cunepress.com