NYMF executives extended the deadline through Nov. 12 to give writers more time in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, which left many in the New York metro area without power. Slots are open to writers whose work has not been professionally produced in New York City. The festival will run July 8-28, 2013, in Manhattan.

Submissions will be judged by a professional panel including Josh Bergasse ("Smash"), composer-lyricist Jeff Bowen ([title of show]), Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris (Evita), Tony-winning playwright-librettist Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden), Tony-winning producer Joey Parnes (End of the Rainbow, Hair), Tony-winning actress Tonya Pinkins (Caroline or Change, Jelly's Last Jam), director Scott Schwartz (Rooms, Bat Boy), Tony nominee Tony Sheldon (Priscilla Queen of the Desert) and Tony-nominated composer Lucy Simon (The Secret Garden).

The ten works accepted for the Next Link Project benefit from the Next Link dramaturg team, as well as writer support resources, including industry networking and producer "matchmaking" events, and financial assistance through discounted technical support and production subsidies.

Writers must provide a demo recording of their songs, a detailed synopsis of their show, a 15-page script sample (in addition to a complete script), lyrics to one song and, if applicable, proof of rights to adapt underlying material.

Next Link works are selected through an open-submission, blind-evaluation process. NYMF success stories include Next to Normal, [title of show], Altar Boyz, Yank!, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Big Voice: God or Merman, Captain Louie, Gutenberg! The Musical, Meet John Doe, Nerds:// A Musical Software Satire and Shout! The Mod Musical. For complete Next Link guidelines visit NYMF.