BATH — The Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance has announced that nominations are open for the Maine Literary Awards, a statewide competition organized to honor writers, publishers and students from across the state for exemplary literary accomplishment.

“Writing in Maine has never been better than it is right now,” said Wesley McNair as he accepted the position of Maine Poet Laureate in early March.

The Maine Literary Awards is the only statewide literary competition recognizing excellence in writing and publishing.

Book awards will be given for books published during 2010. This year’s categories include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s, young adult and anthology.

New to the competition is the “Excellence in Publishing Award,” which honors Maine publishers for general excellence in content or design. Submissions can include a wide range of literary production, from books written by out-of-state authors to Maine-themed photography books.

While those carry modest entry fees, the youth competitions in fiction, poetry and nonfiction are free. Nominations are only open until May 2. The Maine Literary Awards will culminate in an awards ceremony on June 9.

Guidelines and nomination forms can be downloaded at www.mainewriters.org. Entrants may also call 228-8263 and request a nomination form be mailed. For more information, call or contact the MWPA at [email protected].