The Santa Fe Writers Project (SFWP) Literary Awards Program is an annual competition that serves as both a contest and an open submission window for its traditional publishing arm. The 2026 iteration is judged by Nikesha Elise Williams, a two-time Emmy award-winning producer, author of The Seven Daughters of Dupree, and host of the Black and Published podcast. SFWP seeks fiction and creative nonfiction of any genre, with past winners encompassing upmarket novels, short story collections, flash fiction, memoir, essays, and magical realism. The program is open to writers regardless of geographic location; no connection to New Mexico or Santa Fe is required. What distinguishes this opportunity is its dual function: all entries are considered for publication by SFWP, a traditional publisher with global distribution. Selected authors receive competitive contracts with full marketing support. SFWP actively pursues subrights and has secured translation, audio, and film/TV deals for numerous titles. The press maintains extensive relationships with trade publications, sales representatives, subrights agents, and bookbuyers worldwide, ensuring that published works reach a broad audience. The curatorial vision is shaped by Williams's editorial perspective and SFWP's commitment to diverse voices and genres. The program does not privilege a single aesthetic; rather, it seeks writing that demonstrates craft, originality, and a compelling narrative voice. The inclusion of translation as a genre indicates an openness to works in translation, though specific guidelines should be consulted. This is a serious opportunity for writers seeking a traditional publishing path, with the added recognition of a literary award.