Local writers are being asked to submit their best work to a Caribbean magazine looking for Bermudian talent.

?The Caribbean Writer?, is a publication put out by the University of the Virgin Islands. It is an international literary anthology with a Caribbean focus.

?The Caribbean should be central to the work, or the work should reflect a Caribbean heritage, experience or perspective,? said managing editor Quilin Mars.

Writers are being asked to submit poems, short stories, personal essays and one-act plays.

The maximum length for short stories and personal essays is 3,500 words or ten pages.

Only previously unpublished work will be accepted. (If self-published, give details.)

Writers should put their name, address, and title of manuscript on separate sheet. Only the title should be on the manuscript.

Mr. Mars also asked for a brief biography and mention of previous publications, if any. Manuscripts should be double-spaced and typed.

The next deadline for submissions will be December 10, 2004.

All submissions are eligible for these prizes:

The Daily News Prize for best poetry ($300)

The Canute A. Brodhurst Prize for best short fiction ($400)

The David Hough Literary Prize to a Caribbean author ($500)

The Marguerite Cobb McKay Prize to a Virgin Island author ($200)

The Charlotte & Isidor Paiewonsky Prize for first-time publication ($200)

Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an envelope and postage. Authors of accepted works will be notified.

Submissions should be mailed to: The Caribbean Writer, University of the Virgin Islands, RR 1, Box 10,000, Kingshill, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00850-9781.

E-mail submissions are accepted: qmarsuvi.edu or submitthecaribbeanwriter.com or check out the magazine?s website at www.thecaribbeanwriter.com.