The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and The Historic New Orleans Collection are seeking proposals for a book about the history of queer communities of color in New Orleans. The author of the selected proposal will be offered a book contract and will receive $10,000 in startup funding.  

This book is intended for a general reading audience. It should be a work of research and reporting rather than a memoir. We invite your ideas on the historical eras the book might cover; the type of research you propose to conduct (archival research, oral histories, etc.); and the specific topics to be discussed (e.g., Mardi Gras, political engagement, profiles of prominent members of the community). Our parameters are wide, and we want to hear how you plan to tackle the project! 

Proposals should include the following: 

1. A 1,000-word abstract, outlining the scope of the proposed manuscript. 
2. A brief personal reflection, of 500 words or less, discussing your interest in the topic and your personal connection with it, including your experience with queer communities of color in New Orleans. 
3. A CV or resume. 
4. A nonfiction writing sample of at least 2,500 words, preferably from published work. 

Prospective authors are invited to attend an informational session on January 31, 2023, at 7 PM Central Standard Time, to be hosted on Zoom by the sponsoring organizations. To register for this session, please email Siobhán McKiernan.

Proposals should be submitted to Terri Simon by March 1, 2023.