Key West Literary Seminar

Recognizes and supports writers who possess exceptional talent and demonstrate potential for lasting literary careers.

Writers of any age who live in the United States and have not yet published a book with a major publisher are eligible to apply. If you are the author of a book that is self-published, published with an independent press, or had a print run of 500 or fewer copies, you may or may not be eligible. If you think your eligibility could be called into question, please provide relevant details about prior publications as part of your cover letter. We reserve the right to make all final decisions regarding eligibility.


Scotti Merrill Award

Writers of any age who live in the United States and have not yet published a book with a major publisher are eligible to apply.

Winners of the 2025 Emerging Writer Awards received full tuition support for our January Seminar and Writers’ Workshop Program, round-trip airfare, lodging, a $500 honorarium, and appeared on stage during the Seminar. 

Scotti Merrill Award

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