A prize of $1,000 is given annually to honor a first novel published in the previous year. The winner also receives an all-expenses-paid trip to Richmond with his or her editor, agent, or publicist to participate in the Virginia Commonwealth University First Novelist Forum. Publishers and authors may submit three copies of novels published in 2007 by January 31. There is no entry fee. Call, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.