An important part of Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe's opus are novellas. To celebrate this format the Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine have partnered to sponsor the Black Orchid Novella Award.>

The Third Annual Black Orchid Novella contest entry period is ended as of May 31, 2009. The winner will be announced* at the 2009 Black Orchid Banquet on December 5, 2009.

Want to submit an entry for the 2010 contest? It's important that you read the rules and follow the procedures carefully.

The initial announcement in 2006 was greeted with enthusiasm by the mystery community. Jane Cleland, long-term Wolfe Pack member, is the chair of the event. "At every mystery conference and event I attend, people are excited about the opportunity to write a novella—and they're excited about the great prize—$1,000 from Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine—plus, of course, publication in the magazine!"

Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine editor, Linda Landrigan, explains, "We're delighted to be associated with the Wolfe Pack. And we're thrilled to participate in this award." (Read the announcement to the media!)

Heed the words of Linda Landigran, editor-in-chief of AHMM. She says, "We need to stress that a novella is not a padded short story. A novella needs to be as tight and fast-paced as a short story or a novel. Authors need to ensure that the story they want to tell is properly sized for whatever format they choose."

For additional Information, see: