Paper Submission
English Honor Societies 2027 Convention
Milwaukee, WI March 10–13, 2027.
Deadline: 10/27/2026.
Eligibility
Eligible student and alumni members are invited to submit one original critical essay or one creative work (creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, flash fiction, drama, or screenplay) to be considered for presentation at the annual convention. Critical essays on any topic of interest in the discipline are welcome; papers on the works of our featured speakers or on the Convention theme are especially encouraged.
This year’s theme—Technê (Τεχνη)—explores craft, art, and the knowing of it in an age reshaped by generative AI. Submissions are accepted in a wide range of categories, but those wishing to engage with the convention theme might consider:
- Featured convention speakers and their works, themes, or genres
- The relationship between human craft and machine generation
- Authorship, attribution, and authenticity in the AI era
- Apprenticeship, mastery, and the teaching of craft
- Tools and techniques as bearers of meaning
- Banned books / threats to literature and education
Submissions for the Common Reader
In addition to a submission on any other topic, individuals may submit one additional critical or creative work on How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz to be considered for presentation at the annual convention. This second submission will follow the guidelines for Critical Essays or Creative Works; it must include an explanation of fewer than 100 words, which will not count against your word count total, clarifying the connection between the submitter’s own work and the Common Reader.
Paper Submission Guidelines
- Submissions should not exceed the word limit or the 15-minute time limit. Longer works or collections may be disqualified and will be ineligible for any awards. Prose submissions should not exceed 2,000 words; poetry submissions should take no more than 15 minutes to present.
- Because very long titles may be abbreviated for the program and app, we strongly encourage you to limit your title.
- Members describe their works using keywords during the submission process—a topic/genre keyword, up to three themes, methodology (for critical essays), and up to two author keywords. See the full Keywords list.
- Submitters should submit only unpublished works.
- Submissions remain anonymous for evaluators.
- Members must remove all identifying information on submitted documents.
- Decisions of the judges are final.
- Members must be present at the convention to read their own submissions.
- All works accepted and presented at the convention will automatically be considered for convention awards.
2027 Submission Cycle
Submitters will receive confirmation, acceptance, and registration information at the email address provided. Use an address you check regularly and that will be active through April 2027.
09/22/2026
Portal Opens
10/27/2026
Submission Deadline
12/07/2026
Decisions Released
01/15/2027
Presenter RSVP