Writing Contests

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c 1 THE ULTIMATE LISTOFWRITINGCOMPETITIONS CONTESTS WRITING WINNING ENTRY For Your Work! C HOW TO CRAFTA 311 NONFICTION &MEMOIR ontests SHORT STORIES STAGE PLAYS CHILDREN’S SCRIPTS & POETRY NOVELS ccomplete guideto o

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CC22 CONT.inddCONT.indd c2c2 88/10/10/10/10 1:01:161:01:16 PMPM EDITOR’SLETTER COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS THE ULTIMATE EXECUTIVE EDITOR Chuck Sambuchino CONTEST GUIDE ASSISTANT EDITORS Jennifer Benner, Melissa Hill, Scott Francis As writers, one of our funda- DESIGNER Claudean Wheeler mental goals is to simply be WRITER’S DIGEST STAFF read. For that to happen, we EDITOR Jessica Strawser MANAGING EDITOR Zachary Petit need to do more than put our ASSOCIATE DESIGNER Jess Boonstra work away in some desk drawer. ONLINE COMMUNITY EDITOR Brian A. Klems We need to break out—perhaps

F+W MEDIA, INC. with a book deal, or by getting CHAIRMAN & CEO David Nussbaum work published in a journal or CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER James Ogle PRESIDENT Sara Domville magazine. But writers some- PUBLISHER & COMMUNITY LEADER Phil Sexton times forget that a side door SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Phil Graham EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, E-MEDIA Chad Phelps to breakout success exists: writing contests. Winning or placing DIRECTOR, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jim Kuster high in a contest can win you a book deal, get your writing in MANAGER, BUSINESS PLANNING Trent Miller DIRECTOR, AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Debra Westmaas print, catch the attention of agents and editors, and much more. VICE PRESIDENT, AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Tim Langlitz Plus, competitions are a simple way for us to test our mettle and EVENTS DIRECTOR Cory Smith NEWSSTAND DIRECTOR Susan Rose see how our work ranks against qualifi ed peers. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Vicki Whitford Th e only problem with writing contests is that they’re tough ADVERTISING to corral—calls for entries are dispersed in a variety of sources, ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE Nancy Miller (800)283-0963, ext. 11228; [email protected] and it’s diffi cult to tell if better options exist in another guide Fax: (513)531-0798 you just haven’t found yet. Th at very problem is what inspired ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATOR Barb Prill (800)726-9966, ext. 13435; [email protected]; this publication you’re reading: a new, defi nitive guide to writing Fax: (715)445-4087 contests, with more than 300 markets listed. No matter what you write—novels, short stories, poetry, children’s books, nonfi ction WRITER’S DIGEST EDITORIAL OFFICES 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 or scripts—you’ll fi nd oodles of contests here to enter as well as (513)531-2690, ext. 11483; [email protected] myriad prizes to vie for. SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE But before you delve into all those listings, take a moment to Subscription inquiries, orders and address changes can be made at writersdigest.com (click on “Magazine”) or by mail: educate yourself with some inside tips for entering competitions. Writer’s Digest, P.O. Box 420235, Palm Coast, FL 32142. Start with Amy Cook’s “Th e Truth About Writing Contests” on Or call (386)246-3372. Include your address with all inquiries. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery. page 6, and then take some time to learn the secrets of winners NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION who have competed against thousands and come out on top (page Curtis Circulation Co., 730 River Road, New Milford, NJ 07646 18). Th en it’s time to dig in, peruse the markets and see which ATTENTION RETAILERS To carry Writer’s Digest in your store, call Newsstand Sales are right for you. In these pages, you’ll fi nd contests of all shapes Supervisor April Krueger toll free (800)894-4656, ext. 13654; and sizes. Some are free to enter and others charge a nominal fax (715)445-4087 or write: Magazine Retail Sales, P.O. Box 5014, Iola, WI 54945-5014. fee; some will be small and/or regional, while others are national, high-brow competitions that draw more than 10,000 entries. BACK ISSUES As you set forth on your journey to win a contest (or two, or Back issues of Writer’s Digest are available for $5.99, with an additional $2 shipping and handling charge (contact publisher directly fi ve ...), I wish you the best of luck. Perhaps I’ll be at a writers’ event for overseas shipping). Send check or money order to F+W Media Products, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990; or call toll free (800)258- one day when you’re brought up on stage to accept an award. And 0929. Please specify publication, month and year. Back issues may also be ordered at writersdigest.com. then I’ll say to myself: “Th is is a person I need to meet.” PRIVACY PROMISE Occasionally we make portions of our customer list available to other companies so they may contact you about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you prefer we withhold your name, simply photo © Al Parrish send a note with the magazine name to: List Manager, F+W Media, 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

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001CONT_EditorMast.indd1CONT_EditorMast.indd 1 88/9/10/9/10 44:13:45:13:45 PMPM ccompleteomplete guideguide toto WRITING CONTESTS

GETTING STARTED 4 Contest Basics Before you test your mettle, here are 7 things you need to know about submitting to contests. 14 BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO Best in Show 6 Judges give advice on winning a screenwriting contest. The Truth About BY TRAI CARTWRIGHT Writing Contests You can’t win if you don’t enter. But 18 before you do, take a close look at what First Place “winning” really means. BY AMY COOK Meet former contest winners and learn from their stories and paths to success. BY JENNIFER BENNER, SCOTT FRANCIS, 10 MELISSA HILL AND ZACHARY PETIT Polish Your Work Before you send work out to contests, get your writing in tip-top shape to better your chances. BY JAMES SCOTT BELL

2 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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26 WIN A BOOK DEAL Th ese 24 contests reward their winners with a juicy prize: a book contract. COMPILED BY SCOTT FRANCIS

30 F ICTION CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 65 competitions for writers of novels, short stories, novellas and more. COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER

53 C HILDREN’S WRITING CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 45 competitions for writers of young adult, middle grade, picture books and more. COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER

66 POETRY CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 64 competitions for writers of poetry RESOURCES and chapbooks. COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER 114 GLOSSARY OF INDUSTRY TERMS If you’re going to walk the walk, you’ll need to talk the talk. Here’s your guide to industry 85 S CRIPTWRITING CONTESTS terms that savvy writers should know. & AWARDS BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO AND THE EDITORS Here are 49 competitions for writers of screen- OF WRITER’S DIGEST BOOKS plays, stage plays and musicals. COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER PERSPECTIVES

97 N ONFICTION CONTESTS 128 P ERMISSION TO WRITE & AWARDS A TERRIBLE FIRST DRAFT Here are 59 competitions for writers of nonfi c- Get the words down on paper before you tion, books, memoir, articles and more. worry about revision. COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER BY KATE MONAHAN

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BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO

CONTEST BASICS Before you test your mettle, here are 7 things you need to know about submitting to contests.

hether you’ve submitted your work to contests before or this will be your fi rst Wforay into the land of competitions, there are some basic need-to-know tidbits you should review before you drop that package off at the post offi ce. Not all contests are equal, and each one has its own quirks and specifi cations, so make sure you know what you’re getting into. Th ese seven tips will help you get started.

4 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

004-05CONT_IntroToContests.indd4-05CONT_IntroToContests.indd 4 88/9/10/9/10 44:41:49:41:49 PMPM REMEMBER: THE RULES EXIST FOR A REASON. Follow a sample copy of the publication in which the prize- contest entry guidelines to the letter. If, for instance, con- winning article, poem or short story appeared. Attend test rules require your name “on a cover sheet only” so that the staged reading of an award-winning play. Your your submission will be judged anonymously, you will be extra eff ort will be to your advantage in competing with disqualifi ed if you ignore this. In addition, take note of how writers who simply submit blindly. many copies to send. If you don’t send the correct amount, CHECK FOR UPDATES. New contests and awards are by the time you send more, it may be past the submis- announced nearly every day. However, many lose their sion deadline. Plenty of contests require an entry fee, so if funding or fold—and sponsoring magazines go out of you’re going to pay to have your work judged, make sure business just as oft en, so always check their websites (if your don’t waste your money because of failure to respect you can) before submitting. We have contacted the orga- the rules. nizations whose contests are listed in these pages with DON’T BE LATE. Contest deadlines are very impor- the understanding that they are valid through 2010– tant. In the listings throughout this publication, we’ve 2011. In almost all instances, contact names, entry fees included this information where possible. Th ese con- and deadlines have been noted for your convenience. test deadlines were updated and confi rmed at our press NOT EVERY CONTEST APPLIES TO EVERYONE. When deadline, but things change, so be sure to write, call or you peruse a set of guidelines, you will see that some look online for complete information. Also, know that contests are not applicable to all writers. Th e writer’s age, if a contest requires you to mail in your entry and has a previous publication, geographic location and length deadline of Feb. 1, that means the submission must be of the work are common matters of eligibility. Read postmarked by that date. the requirements carefully to ensure you don’t enter a WHEN CONSIDERING THE ENTRY FEE, CONSIDER contest for which you are not qualifi ed. Th e contests THE PRIZE. Contests can be a hit on the wallet, so you and awards listed in this publication are arranged by obviously can’t enter every one. If you’re paying more category (fi ction, nonfi ction, etc.). If you’re writing chil- to enter a competition, make sure the prize is worth it. dren’s books, for instance, you can turn immediately to Beware of contests that charge entry fees disproportion- page 53 and get started. ate to the amount of the prize. For example, contests off ering a $10 prize, but charging $7 in entry fees, are a WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR A waste of your time and money. WORK TO BE “PUBLISHED”? KNOW THAT THE TOUGHER THE COMPETITION, Plenty of contests in this publication are looking for THE MORE PRESTIGIOUS THE VICTORY. What’s more new, “unpublished” submissions. This leads to the impressive: winning fi rst place in the children’s writing question: What does it mean for a piece to be pub- category in a local writers conference contest, or win- lished? First off, if anyone has ever paid you money ning a large contest that drew 2,500 entries? Certainly to print the material or post it online, that would the latter. Larger competitions will have a crowded make it published. If you posted material on your playing fi eld, but coming out on top will be much more blog with no ﬁ nancial compensation, this is a gray impressive than winning a smaller, regional contest. area. If you wanted to submit the work to a contest, DO SOME RESEARCH. Winning a contest or award I would recommend taking it down off the blog per- can launch a successful writing career. Take a profes- manently, so it is not available in any medium at the sional approach by doing a little extra research. Note time of submission. the individuals who are serving as judges. Invest in

CHUCK SAMBUCHINO is the executive editor of Get Your Book Published and the editor of Guide to Literary Agents (guideto literaryagents.com/blog). His humor book, How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack (gnomeattack.com), was released in 2010.

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BY AMY COOK

THE TRUTH ABOUT WRITING CONTESTS You can’t win if you don’t enter. But before you do, take a close look at what “winning” really means.

6 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

006-09CONT_TruthAboutContests.ind66-09CONT_TruthAboutContests.ind6 6 88/9/10/9/10 44:47:47:47:47 PMPM he cash prizes. Th e chance to be published. Th e double-check all information to be sure it’s up to date, bragging rights over everyone who gives you that especially if it came from a book or magazine. look when you say you’re a writer. T 3. IS THE ENTRY FEE REASONABLE? Most contests Th ere are plenty of good reasons to enter writing con- charge fees, usually ranging from $5 to $25. For one tests, but there are also plenty of reasons to be careful thing, it’s time-consuming to administer a contest, but about the ones you choose. How do you know if a con- sponsors may also want to make a profi t. No harm in test is worth its entry fee? How do you know if it’s even that, but you must consider what you’re potentially get- a real contest? ting in exchange for what you’re giving. It’s not unheard Before you enter, protect yourself by answering these of to see something like an entry fee of $25 for a prize of eight important questions. $50. Expect fees to be commensurate with the prize and 1. ARE THE SPONSORS ON THE UP-AND-UP? Look for how big the “names” are judging the contest. contests sponsored by nonprofi t literary groups, estab- 4. WHO’S DOING THE JUDGING? Judges should be published publications, reputable publishing houses, colleges lished writers, past contest winners, editors at publish- and universities. Some small presses run contests simply ing houses or representatives from known literary orga- to fi nd books to publish. While this can be legitimate, be nizations. Sometimes sponsors won’t release the judges’ wary of any contests that have said in past years that they names, however, for privacy concerns. At a minimum, didn’t fi nd anything publishable—yet they kept the entry try to fi nd out if the judges are professors at prestigious money. Annual contests should provide, either on their universities, authors published with recognized houses website or upon request, a list of past winners. or the like. Another important element: Will the judges 2. HAVE YOU READ THE RULES CAREFULLY? Make sure provide a critique? Th is can be arduous for the judges the contest rules clearly state the following: eligibility, (said from personal experience) but highly benefi cial

... be wary of any contests that have said in past years that they didn’t fi nd anything publishable—yet they kept the entry money.

format, fees, prizes, circumstances in which prizes will to the oft en-solitary writer. Contests with constructive or won’t be awarded, judging and what rights, if any, feedback are more oft en easily worth the entry fee. you’re granting. Some competitions are for already pub- 5. HAVE YOU PROTECTED YOUR RIGHTS? Don’t ever lished works, while others specify only unpublished writ- agree to give up the copyright to your work to enter a ings. Is the deadline when entries must be postmarked contest. For some competitions, if you win, you may or received? Are e-mailed entries accepted? Will the have to license some of the rights—one-time publication work be returned? Can you submit a work that’s won or rights, for example. But don’t sign all your rights away. placed in other contests? (If so, that’s a good way to wring I can’t emphasize enough to read the fi ne print of the more money or other perks from one good work.) Follow contest rules. Check if they’re doing a sneaky rights-grab. instructions. Th ere will always be those who think the For instance, there are some contests where the main rules don’t apply to them—but if that’s you, your entry prize is the publication of your book. One such contest’s could be tossed before anyone even reads it. Finally, rules state that, though the winner keeps the copyright,

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the sponsor takes an “irrevocable, exclusive, royalty-free, 6. DO YOU SUSPECT A SCAM? In general, be wary of time-unlimited, and world-wide right to use the work in submitting to contests where your work is published whole or part for any and all purposes related to the com- only online (unless it’s a well-known website) or pub- mercial exploitation of the work.” And this is if you win? lished only in an anthology that winners have to pay to Also, some contest rules state that you “shall receive receive. You may initially be excited to receive a letter a standard sponsor author agreement” if you win the saying your work has been selected to be included in book contract, an agreement that might even set forth a book, only to fi nd you must buy a copy—preferably the advance and royalty rates. But you’d probably be multiple copies—for your friends and family. In some better off simply submitting the work through regular cases, the “winners” could be everyone who enters the channels, and then being able to negotiate your contract contest, and the sponsor makes money through selling like you always should. the books to contest entrants. Finally, see if you can submit your work elsewhere Also beware of contests run by individuals who stand while the contest is being fi nalized. If you can’t, it could to profi t from your work, such as book doctors, or lit- tie up your work for months. erary agencies where the prize is representation but

THE PROOF IS IN THE PAYOFF Entering good contests can pay off in some interesting what she’s gotten out of entering contests, she says, is ways, even if you don’t win. For example: “a lesson in perseverance.”

TEST MARKETING AND MENTORS: Romance writer STEPPING-STONE: Weary met with four maga- Ruth Kaufman says she enters contests to get her work zine editors in New York City upon winning the WD in front of editors and agents who are judging. This way, Annual Writing Competition. This led to an essay pub- she gets an idea of what they think of her work before lished in Good Housekeeping. She says that more than formally submitting to them—in some cases, she’s even merely opening doors, however, winning “gave me received requests for more material. As an unexpected the confi dence to knock where I might not have oth- benefi t, she’s developed friendships with co-fi nalists erwise knocked. As a consequence, one success led to and authors who’ve judged her work. She even found a another.” Also, Weary says an agent eager to see her mentor in one of her favorite authors. work contacted her. This is a common occurrence for winners—agents pay close attention to the bigger con- KICKSTARTS: Other writers don’t enter contests neces- tests for ripe pickings. Like Reed, Weary looks for con- sarily to win, but to give themselves deadlines and a par- tests that have more than one winner or those that pro- ticular assignment. Pat Remick took on a “3-Day Novel” vide a year’s subscription for the entry fee, so she can contest to make a substantial start on a murder mystery study the types of stories that are winning. With short she’d been mulling over for a while. stories, she says you’ll generally make more winning a contest than you would selling to a literary journal CREDENTIALS BOOSTER: Mary Hutchings Reed, a (of course, you do have to win). But it’s not about the novelist, enters contests to provide credentials for her money; “it’s about the validation.” cover letter. She enters the well-known contests on the “off-chance something good will happen.” But generally It helps to be pretty thick-skinned if you’re going to enter she fi nds that those that have several winners—fi ve to contests. But anyone who writes for more than pure 10 runners-up—provide better bang for her buck. She’s personal satisfaction knows that rejection is part of the won one fi rst prize in a “fi rst chapter” contest and deal. As Remick says, “the creative experience is worth some honorable mentions in smaller contests. Mostly the risk.”

8 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

006-09CONT_TruthAboutContests.ind86-09CONT_TruthAboutContests.ind8 8 88/9/10/9/10 44:48:14:48:14 PMPM with heavy “editing fees.” Stay away from contests that reserve the right to award prizes on a pro rata basis (where the prize amounts are determined by the num- In general, be wary ber of entrants). Th ese exist simply to make money for of submitting to the organizer.

7. DOES YOUR WORK SHOUT, “PICK ME! PICK ME!”? contests where your It’s easy for judges to discard the bad and the mediocre. work is published Th en they have their stack of “good.” Once you’re in the good pile, how do you make it to the top? only online (unless Just as you should read back issues of magazines you hope to write for, try to read previous winners’ work. it’s a well-known Most contests list previous winners online. Th is way, website) or published you’ll know what the contest organizers seem to respond to. Th at’s not to say you should change your writing to only in an anthology make it similar to previous entries. But if the winners have a totally diff erent style than yours, you may want that winners have to to reconsider that contest altogether. pay to receive. Any contest sponsor is looking for an original voice, solid writing and a good story. But if it’s a publishing house sponsoring the competition, salability matters Don’t mistake these for minor details. If the judge most. Th ey’re looking for commercial viability, quality likes your work, but it comes down to yours and of research and presentation, and media potential. another great entry that has excellent grammar and Julie Weary, the grand-prize winner of the Writer’s spelling, the professional work wins every time. As Digest Annual Writing Competition in 1997, now Weary says, “I know for a fact that if all things are judges competitions and also continues to enter them. equal, those missteps will mean the diff erence between She says that the writer’s voice and “the ability to hook success and failure.” me right away” are what grab her when judging. “Weak 8. WHAT DO YOU REALLY WIN? Prizes, publication, openings and poor, predictable endings are a sure way publicity, just a simple pat on the back? Money is to be knocked out of the running,” she adds. always welcome. But there are also prizes of publica- When I judged a self-published books contest a few tion (which, again, can be a mixed blessing, depend- years ago, I discovered that looks do indeed count ing on whether you’re allowed to negotiate the con- when narrowing down the choices. Presentation and tract), or having the opportunity to meet with agents appearance are extremely important. Whether you’re submitting a fi nished book or a short story, your pack- or editors who can help your career. Prizes might also age should be professional, clean and attractive. Don’t be products, like books or magazine subscriptions, or bribe contest offi cials; your work should stand on its services such as publicity from an outside PR fi rm or own. No candy, baked goods or fl owers (yes, this hap- manuscript editing. With these sorts of prizes, be sure pens). No hand-written entries, no fancy fonts, no col- the services are free to you and not some back-door ored paper. Read your entry aloud from a hard copy way to get you to pay extra. Winning (or even plac- before sending it in. You’ll be surprised at the typos ing in a contest that names runners-up) can generate and mistakes you’ll catch. invaluable publicity.

AMY COOK (amycooklaw.com) an attorney, freelance writer and seminar leader.

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BY JAMES SCOTT BELL

POLISH YOUR WORK Before you start entering contests, REVISIONget your ANDwriting in SELF-EDITING tip-top shape to better your chances. Before you send work out to contests, get your writing in tip-top shape to better your chances.

10 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

110-13CONT_RevSelfEdit.indd0-13CONT_RevSelfEdit.indd 1010 88/10/10/10/10 12:18:3912:18:39 PMPM ubmitting your work without rewriting is like Character playing hockey naked. You’re just not equipped • How can I make my Lead interesting and “jump to put your best, um, face on things. And sooner S off the page” more? rather than later, a well-placed puck is going to hit you • Will readers bond to my Lead because he: where it hurts most. … cares for someone other than himself? Th at puck is the judge’s built-in prejudice against … is funny, irreverent or a rebel with a cause? weak material. Th ey are tuned to say No. Aft er all, they … is competent at something? need just one big winner. Th at’s why you rewrite. You … is an underdog facing long odds without want to take out all those No reasons. giving up? … has a dream or desire readers can relate to? CONDUCTING A FRESH READ … has undeserved misfortune, but doesn’t whine So you have a completed manuscript. Th is is a crucial about it? time. What you must avoid is any temptation to stop … is in jeopardy or danger? and do wholesale revisions before you have read the • Do my characters suffi ciently contrast? Are they entire manuscript once. interesting enough on their own? Th ink of this process as Google Earth. You want to • Is the opposition character just as fully realized as get a complete overview of your “earth.” Your story as a the Lead? Is he as strong or (preferably) stronger whole. You can spin the earth a little here and there to than the Lead, in terms of ability to win the fi ght? get a better view, but stay up top. You’ll tag a few places • Is the opposition’s behavior justifi ed (at least in to visit later, to zoom in on. Th at’ll be the nuts and bolts his own mind)? of revision. First, it’s essential to give yourself a break from the Plot fi rst draft . During this “cooling phase,” try to forget • Is there any point where a reader might feel like about it completely. putting the manuscript down? Th en try to read the manuscript front-to-back in a • Does the plot feel forced or unnatural? couple of sittings. What you want to create is the feeling of being a fresh reader, getting into this story for the The Opening fi rst time. • How do my opening pages so that they conform Don’t stop to make changes at this point. You may jot to Hitchcock’s axiom (“A good story is life with a few things down—notes to yourself and the like—but the dull parts taken out”)? keep going to get the overall impression of the story. Too • What is the story world I’m trying to present? many writers just sit down and read a manuscript page by • What is the tone of my story going to be? Are the page, making changes as they come up. Big or small, each descriptions consistent with that mood? item is dealt with the moment it’s seen. • What happens in Act I that’s going to compel the Much better is to go from large to small. To start with reader to keep reading? the most crucial aspects and work your way down to the • Is there enough confl ict in the setup to run fi nal step, which is Th e Polish. through the whole story?

MAKING BIG-PICTURE REVISIONS The Middle When it comes to revision, I’ve found that most writ- • Do I deepen character relationships? ers need a systematic approach. Th ink of this, then, as • Why should the reader care what’s happening? your ultimate revision checklist. Apply these questions • Have I justifi ed the fi nal battle or fi nal choice to every manuscript you write. that will wrap things up at the end?

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WHAT THE PROCESS LOOKS LIKE Below are two versions of a section from my novel, Sins of the Fathers. Th e fi rst is my original. Th e second shows a little of the thinking process that goes into self-editing.

ORIGINAL VERSION EDITED VERSION First came the children. First came the children. In Lindy’s dream they were running and screaming, In Lindy’s dream they were running and screaming, doz- dozens of them, in some sunlit fi eld. A billowing surge of ens of them, in some sunlit fi eld. A billowing surge of terri- terrifi ed kids, boys and girls, some in baseball garb, others fi ed kids, boys and girls, some in baseball garb, others in var- in variegated ragtag clothes that gave the impression of a iegated ragtag clothes that gave the impression of a Dickens Dickens novel run amok. novel run amok. What was behind them, what was causing the terror, What was behind them, what was causing the terror, was something dark, unseen. In the hovering over visions was something dark, unseen. [Weak sentence structure. that only dreams afford, Lindy sought desperately the Rethink. Check “dark.” I use it a lot!] In the hovering over source of the fear. visions [Confusing.] that only dreams afford, Lindy sought There was a black forest behind the fi eld, like you’d see desperately the source of the fear. in fairy tales. Or nightmares. There was [Sentences starting with “There” are generally She moved toward the forest, knowing who it was, who weak. Rethink.] a black forest behind the fi eld, like you’d see was in there, and she’d meet him coming out. It would [Using “you” in this way can be effective in some places, but be Darren DiCinni, and he would have a gun, and in the overuse is not good. Rethink.] in fairy tales. Or nightmares. dream she kept low to avoid being shot herself. She moved toward the forest, knowing who it was, who Moving closer and closer now, the screams of the was in there, [Awkward.] and she’d meet him coming out. It scattering children fading behind her. Without having would be Darren DiCinni, and he would have a gun, and in to look behind she knew that a raft of cops was pulling the dream she kept low to avoid being shot herself. [See if I up to the scene. can strengthen this dramatic image.] She wondered if she was going to warn DiCinni, or was Moving closer and closer now, the screams of the scattering she just going to look at him? children fading behind her. Without having to look behind she Would he say anything to her, or she to him? knew that a raft of cops was pulling up to the scene. The dark forest had the kind of trees that come alive at She wondered if she was going to warn DiCinni, or was night, with gnarly arms and knotted trunks. It was she just going to look at him? [Tighten.] the place where the bad things lived. Would he say anything to her, or she to him? Lindy didn’t want to go in, but The dark forest had the kind of trees that come alive at she couldn’t stop herself. night, with gnarly arms and knotted trunks. It was the place That’s when the dark where the bad things lived. [Rethink. There’s “dark” again.] fi gure started to materi- Lindy didn’t want to go in, but she couldn’t stop herself. alize, from deep within That’s when [Unneeded verbiage.] the dark fi gure started the forest, and he was to materialize, from deep within the forest, and he [How do running toward her. we know it’s a he?] was running toward her.

12 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

110-13CONT_RevSelfEdit.indd0-13CONT_RevSelfEdit.indd 1212 88/10/10/10/10 12:19:1612:19:16 PMPM • Is there a sense of death (physical, professional, Theme or psychological) that overhangs? • Do I know what my theme is? Has a diff erent • Is there a strong adhesive keeping the charac- theme emerged in the writing? Am I fi ghting it? ters together (such as moral or professional duty, • Have I woven in thematic elements naturally, physical location or other reasons characters avoiding “the lecture”? can’t just walk away)? The Ending POLISHING YOUR WORK Now, before you send off the manuscript, give it one • Are there loose threads left dangling? more going over. Th is won’t take long, but it will add • Do I give a feeling of resonance? that extra sparkle that could make all the diff erence. • Will the readers feel the way I want them to feel? OPENINGS. Can you begin any of your scenes or sec- Scenes tions a little further in? Does the opening grab, have a • Is there confl ict or tension in every scene? hint of confl ict or action? Do most of your scenes begin • Do I establish a viewpoint character? the same way? If so,vary them. • If the scene is action, is the objective clear? If the ENDINGS. See if you can fi nd a place to end a scene scene is reaction, is the emotion clear? earlier. How does it feel? It may be better, it may not. If Voice, Style & Point of View it is, use it.

• Are there sections where the style seems forced DIALOGUE. Is there “white space” in your exchanges? or stilted? Can you cut any words to make the dialogue tighter? • Is the POV consistent in every scene? If writing in WORD SEARCH. Do a word search for those repeated fi rst person, can the character see and feel what it words and phrases you tend to overuse. Th en modify is I describe? If writing in third person, do I slip them accordingly. into the thoughts of other characters than the POV character in the scene? Do I describe some- In addition, look for: thing the character can’t see or feel? • Very. Cut it. • Suddenly. Again, not needed. Setting & Description • Adverbs. Cut them unless absolutely necessary. • Have I brought my setting to life for the reader? • Are my descriptions of places and people too BEING YOUR OWN BEST EDITOR generic and forgettable? Self-editing is the ability to know what makes fi ction • Are my descriptions doing “double duty” by work. You learn to be your own guide so you may, as adding to the mood or tone? Renni Browne and Dave King put it in Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: “See your manuscript the way an editor Dialogue might see it—to do for yourself what a publishing house • Can I put in non sequiturs, or answer a question editor once might have done.” with a question, and so on? By self-editing and revising your work, you’ll be oper- • Can I change some attributions—he said, she ating on all cylinders. Th is is how you become a real said—to action beats? writer. Cutting, shaping, adding, subtracting, working • Does my dialogue have confl ict or tension, even it, making it better, that’s what real writing is all about. between allies? Th is is how unpublished writers become published.

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BY TRAI CARTWRIGHT

BEST ~IN~ SHOW Judges give advice on winning a screenwriting contest.

14 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

114-17CONT_BestInShow.indd4-17CONT_BestInShow.indd 1414 88/10/10/10/10 12:25:1212:25:12 PMPM creenwriting contests, they are a-changin’. Used FORMAT to be, there were only a handful of diff erent con- “I can tell in the fi rst 10 pages if a script is not going to Stests, and winning one scored you a small title move on. A big giveaway is the formatting,” says Chris and a smaller check, but little else for your trouble. Used Sablan, an agent at Original Artists. to be, only story editors and junior executives or their Screenwriting format involves very particular mar- assistants judged most contests, bringing with them lim- gins, plus devices like transitions, parentheticals and ited expertise or interest in the outcome. Used to be, only capitalizations to help explain the action. Mastering this dramatic or indie screenplays had any chance of winning format is the fi rst crucial step to escaping the fi rst-round the fi nal grand prize. But I’ve got some good news for cuts. “If the screenplay is poorly paginated or fi lled with writers out there. typos, that’s a sure sign of a nonprofessional script,” says Times, they have a-changed. Caren Bohrman of Th e Bohrman Agency. While there are still a suspiciously high number of If the ultimate goal is to convince your readers that contests that are, at best, unhelpful to a writer and, at you’re a professional-level writer waiting to be discov- worst, shameless scams, in the past decade, a dynamic ered, then proper formatting goes without saying. If range of industry-minded and increasingly powerful you’re uncertain about the format in your script, con- contests have emerged. It’s the golden era of screenwrit- sider purchasing screenwriting soft ware such as Final ing competitions and there’s never been a better time Draft or Movie Magic. to submit your scripts to (carefully researched) contests NARRATIVE and reap the rewards. A properly written screenplay isn’t just about know- One indicator that things have changed in the con- ing how to center the dialogue, or how to write a slug- test world is that the iron-fi sted rulership of the family line. It’s about narrative, as well. Narrative—or scene drama/coming-of-age/historical biography has ended. description—is the action of the screenplay; it tells us Now, any and every genre has a shot at taking the top exactly what’s happening on the screen. It is also the slot. Why? Because contest-winning screenplays are no second most obvious indicator of a weak writer. “In longer just calling cards to the industry. Th ey are com- scene description, remember to tell us only what is mercial enterprises that get attention and sometimes absolutely necessary to understand what’s going on,” even get made. says script doctor and screenwriter Lance Th ompson. Once the best-kept secret in town, screenwriting “Leave fl owery description to prose writers.” contests are now fertile ground for high-stakes com- Sablan couldn’t agree more: “Writers think that by petition, with future power-scribes duking it out for writing long and beautiful descriptions, that’s going real-money prizes and that crucial all-access industry to make the script better. Maybe for books, but not for pass. As a competitor, it’s more important than ever screenplays. Th e less, the better. Readers tend to focus to submit only your best work. What does it take on dialogue and will scan through description.” to win or place in a contest? What exactly do contest Th e “rule” in screenwriting is that every page should judges look for? What excites them? What turns them be two-thirds white space. Th at means your narrative off ? What’s a guaranteed pass? We’ve lined up a panel must be streamlined and brief, making room for plenty of contest judge superstars to fi nd out—and they of dialogue. Once your script “looks” right and you’re should know. promoted to the second round, your story can really Screenwriting contests our panel has judged shine—or raise more red fl ags. include: Scriptapaloooza, Final Draft Big Break, PAGE Also, if the action is overwritten—for example, too International Screenwriting, Hollywood Outreach much description, citing things that can’t be fi lmed Program, tracking.com, CINE Screenwriting Awards, or inserting camera directions—that’s a good tipoff BlueCat and ScriptShark. that the writer hasn’t developed their craft to the

WritersDigest.com I 15

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professional level yet,” says Bill Lundy, chairman According to Williams, unique, sharp characters emeritus of the Scriptwriters Network. attract cast. Actors look for interesting roles to play, so it’s imperative that the characters and their dialogue STRUCTURE stand out. A winning script at the Scriptwriters Network’s Again, the goal of a winning script is to secure rep- Hollywood Outreach Program is going to have “a com- resentation and/or to sell; why not write characters pelling, well-structured story with interesting twists that attract great actors that help you in that task? But and turns,” says Lundy. Judges want surprises; a pre- before you start reworking your hero just for Will Smith, dictable or derivative story is another reason to pass. keep in mind that great screenwriting means creating Structure is about more than just three well-placed characters that work within your story. acts. It’s the spine, and controls many of the crucial Focus on some basic goals: Create a character that is craft aspects of a script, such as the pacing and tone someone we haven’t seen before, and have him or her of your plot, and the interweaving of your story and drive the action, so they’re not merely reacting to events character arcs. and circumstances. “I think studying the technique of writing a screen- “If the characters are not properly set up, the story play is very important, and it’s easy to see when one won’t move on. But if I fi nd myself thinking about of those elements is off . With a properly structured the characters once I’ve put the script down, that’s a screenplay, many of the other elements will fall into pretty sure bet the script is alive and something I’d place, and be a much better read,” says Eric Williams, like to take to the big screen,” says Bohrman, who has president of Zero Gravity Management. found clients through the contests she judges, which Not sure how to crack this complex concept? Examine include trackingb.com and the CINE Awards. your story in outline form, then consider these three DIALOGUE questions from Th ompson: “I read scripts all year round and I can instantly tell if • Does the story move forcefully toward a well- someone can write. One of the most important things is drawn conclusion, or does it meander and take writing dialogue that when you read it, it feels natural,” too many detours? says Mark Andrushko, co-founder of Scriptapalooza. • Does the character have a clear goal? What makes for great dialogue? Th ompson says to • Does the conclusion of the story tell us not only it should be “lean—not full of exposition or chit-chat.” whether the main character attained his goal, but Lundy says to work for “dialogue that incorporates also give us a deeper insight into the character? subtext and feels ‘real’ in the world of the story. Avoid precise, overwrought or on-the-nose dialogue.” CHARACTERS Blasband cites an even more delicate feat: “I love Th ere is as much riding on your characters as on your when aft er I’ve read a couple pages of a script, I no lon- story, if not more. If a judge can’t relate to your char- ger have to look to see which character is speaking. I acters, she will fall out of your story—and halt its rise just know it, because the characters each have their own beyond the second round. distinct personalities in the dialogue.” “Do I like and care about the characters? Do I feel like I am going on a journey that makes them better peo- CONCEPT ple by the end? How do they relate to the other char- Okay, so you’ve blasted through the fi rst round acters and how do they help each other grow?” Th ese by being a master of the screenwriting basics like are the questions Kat Blasband, director of development format and narrative. Th e second round proved no at Tapestry Films, asks — plus one last one that might challenge to your serious skills with structure, char- surprise contest entrants: “Is the character castable?” acter and dialogue. Congratulations—your script has

16 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

114-17CONT_BestInShow.indd4-17CONT_BestInShow.indd 1616 88/10/10/10/10 12:28:0212:28:02 PMPM made it to the quarter or semifi nals! But is it a winner? This is the place where good scripts stop, but great WINNING SCRIPTS scripts continue on for consideration of that elusive I asked contest judges to share their candid thoughts finalist or semi-finalist status. on what separates the best of the best from the rest of It’s as simple as this: If the script is well written and it’s the pack. It isn’t easy for a contest judge to articulate commercial, it just might win. exactly what tickles their fancy from one story to the “I’ve read so many scripts that have a great idea and next, but here’s what they had to say: terrible execution or incredible writing on a script that could never be made into a movie. It needs to be a “You need to hook your reader in the first 10 pages. great idea,” says Blasband, but “it also needs to be clean, You have to have a great story and great characters. preferably high concept, original and commercial story Here is an easy explanation: If a script is a comedy, that people can wrap their minds around quickly.” it should make me laugh. If it’s a horror, it should Th is emphasis on commerciality might catch contest make me scared. And if it’s a thriller, it should make me tense.” writers off guard, but it’s a theme that came up repeat- —Sablan edly with our judges. Th is is a new twist in a game where the tent-pole picture or high concept fi lm once had lit- “The script I remember most had a main character tle traction against the coming of age or family drama. who was torn between her greed and her native Not every contest has shift ed gears to be more compet- religion, but greed won out. The plot imaginatively itive in Hollywood, but knowing whether the contest supported this dilemma. The action was fast and the you’re submitting to has this objective tells you if you’ve suspense built steadily. Every word of dialogue and targeted the right contest for your script. description was necessary to the story—there was In other words, having a “winning concept” is a mat- nothing wasted. This script was polished, professional and ready to shoot.” ter of perspective. Check out a contest’s winners over —Thompson the last fi ve years. If the scripts are all high concept, then know that this is the place for your globe-trotting “This year’s winner was a writer who knew his craft bio-hazard thriller. If the winners were all gentle dra- and was ready for the big leagues. Each winner in the mas, then you’ve found the best possible arena for your Scriptwriter’s Network 20-year contest history has father-and-son-separated-at-birth story. secured representation.” But, admittedly, every winning script needs to be —Lundy more than the sum of its parts; it needs to be just a little “Last year I found a script I was still thinking about three bit magic. days later. The writing and dialogue were exceptional. With so much to gain as an entrant, there’s no rea- The lead character jumped off the page and was eas- son not to fi nd the right contest for your script and take ily relatable. I’ve gone back and read the screenplay your shot at breakout success. But before you press the maybe ten times.” send button on the submission page, take these judges’ —Williams advice. Knowing what they look for will help you write “I always say great writing ﬂ oats to the top. Right from your best possible screenplay, and sidestep some of the the start, you can tell the winning writer can write but obstacles to winning. Th ey’re waiting for you, and they it’s more than that. It’s the storytelling, the way he don’t just want to give you a trophy and a few dollars; writes. You can’t put it down.” they want to help start your career. Just make sure your —Andrushko work is polished and ready.

TRAI CARTWRIGHT (craftwrite.com) has judged more than a dozen screenplay contests; she is a writing consultant, ﬁ lm and theater producer, and newly minted MFA student.

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BY JENNIFER BENNER, SCOTT FRANCIS, MELISSA HILL AND ZACHARY PETIT

FIRST PLACE Meet former contest winners and learn from their stories and paths to success.

18 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

118-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd8-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd 1818 88/10/10/10/10 12:30:3512:30:35 PMPM hen your piece lines up next to hundreds of get a behind the scenes look at how Benjamin Kowalsky others, what will make it stand out? What used rhythm and pace to engage the judges in his popu- Wdoes it take to win? lar fi ction story winner, “Yusov Assembles a Rifl e.” Need To answer that question, we invite you to meet fi ve win- help with translating the soul of your work onto paper? ning authors for WD’s largest competitions—for poetry, Uncover how passion and experience helped John Moir popular fi ction, short stories, self-published books, and craft his feature article, “Condors in a Coal Mine,” to more. Just like you, these authors faced entry numbers combine true fact with fi ction-like narrative. And don’t ranging from 1,000 to 13,500, and without the help of any pass up a look at how Wendi Christner packed her intervening deities or convenient fairy godmothers, their dynamic voice and unique perspective into fewer than stories, articles and poems shone through the slush pile. 1,500 words to win WD’s short story contest. So how did they do it? On the following pages, these It isn’t everyday that winners of writing contests big winning authors share some key tips that you can utilize and small sit down to talk about their journey and pass to put yourself at the top, too. along advice at the same time. So enjoy these tales of Discover what made Karin Bradberry’s poem “Javelina” winners across genres and styles. And who knows— appeal to poetry expert Robert Lee Brewer; aft er that, next year you might fi nd yourself among them!

THE WRITER’S DIGEST 5TH ANNUAL POETRY AWARDS BY ZACHARY PETIT

ut of about 3,350 limericks, acrostics and everything in between, JAVELINA KARIN BRADBERRY’s “Javelina” took fi rst place in the Writer’s We nestled under the willows Digest 5th Annual Poetry Awards, laying claim to $500 and a copy on a sunny December day O like a family of javelina. of the 2010 Poet’s Market. Writer’s Market editor and Poetic Asides blogger Robert Lee Brewer selected the grand-prize entry from among the fi nalists. Walking upriver, we’d inspected “I loved ‘Javelina’ for a few reasons,” he says. “ ‘Javelina’ is a villanelle, but beaver dams. it’s a loose villanelle, which allows the poet to work within an established Amazed by their industry, then sated form but not be confi ned by the form. At the same time, this poem paints by lunch, a picture of a family enjoying a day in nature in a way nature intended.” we nestled under the willows. Th e contest was open to poems of any style that were original, unpub- We’d shufﬂ ed through the dusty leaves, lished and 32 lines or fewer. Th e top 50 entries will be printed in a special seeking a suitable spot to lie down collection, available for $11.95 at bit.ly/9F0sfH. To fi nd out how to enter like a family of javelina. the next competition, visit writersdigest.com/poetryawards. Watching a crested kingﬁ sher on the banks of the Gila River, THE TOP 10 WINNERS we nestled under the willows. 1. “ Javelina” 6. “The Veil” BY KARIN BRADBERRY BY IRIS LEE UNDERWOOD Overcome by the quiet warmth, 2. “ On Silver Street” 7. “Sevenling: Deployed” we fell into gentle snores BY LOUIS WILSON BY SUELLEN WEDMORE like a herd of javelina. 3. “ Inside the New Mall” 8. “Savannah” BY KELLY FINEMAN BY DAWN CULVERWELL No boundaries between us, 4. “ Rosary Beads and Tarot Cards” 9. “Tethered” Three sisters, a mate and a son, BY MARCIA BROOKS BY JULIE A. PIERCE we nestled under the willows 5. “ Simonetta’s Pearls” 10. “Poppies” BY IRIS LEE UNDERWOOD BY MELISSA GOODWIN like a family of javelina. — Karin Bradberry

WritersDigest.com I 19

118-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd8-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd 1919 88/10/10/10/10 12:30:4812:30:48 PMPM 118-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd 20 8 - 2 5 C O A N 20 I GETTING Novel &Short Story Writer’s Market Fiction Awards, out of more than 1,000entries infi Kowalsky says. “If you follow steps, allthe it you leads BY MELISSA HILL thriller—one piece at atime. Th thrillers, and it’sthrillers, rhythm this that Kowalsky’s helped earn that moves reader the from to beginning middle to end, fully craft mark builds asniper rifl POPULAR FICTIONPOPULAR AWARDS THE WRITER’S DIGEST rhythm that builds and tension, eases rhythm that care- reader one footstep boot-clad at atimeto end. athrilling inexorably to conclusion.” aparticular piece grand the prize Writer’s inthe Digest Popular claimed $2,500,$100worth of and WDbooks 2010 the categories. For home taking top honors, Kowalsky will or poetry, writers know that stories have it, too—rhythm of weapon assembly paceand the to tone. set of hisown. As clock ticks, the Benjamin Kowalsky’s short story isolatesstory two Russian enemiesinthe Revolution above acrowded theater rhythm and methodical the uses T _ iswinner assembled apowerful “An assembly manual islogical. It’s purposeful,” M And thus in“Yusov Assembles aRifl While people normally associate rhythm with music COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITINGCONTESTS e e t W i n young assassin poses as the protégéyoung asthe poses assassin of hertar- to make the kill. Meanwhile, piece by piece, her get, slowly deceiving himto get enough close n e s tone. It’s rhythm this that shapes best the r s STARTED . i n d d

2 0 e and prepares out to carry ahit . e,” the steers he ve ve you’re given guy and good the you’re just supposed to root visit ters with rich backgrounds. “I really wanted to play with with play to wanted “I really backgrounds. rich with ters for him.People are much so more complex than that.” rhythmic plot beat for the to set confl he tried. he says heprobably couldn’t ever stop writing, even if people’s sympathies,” hesays. “I don’t like stories where scriptwriting and aspires to alawyer—though become Th Apart from fi hisshort To read and hiswinning story an expanded Q&A, e part-time writer from Boulder, Colo., his used WritersDigest.com/article/popﬁ Kowalskyction, dabbles in ction-10 ict-ridden charac- ict-ridden . 88/10/10 12:31:12 PM / 1 0 / 1 0

1 2 : 3 1 : 1 2

P PHOTO © SHOWCASEREFLECTIONS.COM M “Steinbeck had been dead for years when my mom was reading me that story, and yet he’d just taught me something about human mortality in a way that no one else could. Maybe that’s what good stories are supposed to do: lead us from innocence to experience.”

WINNER’S SPOTLIGHT: BENJAMIN KOWALSKY, Boulder, Colo.

ON INSPIRATION: I have this memory of my mother Does that sound pretentious? I always think that what reading me “Th e Red Pony” by John Steinbeck. I remem- I’m doing is literary fi ction while I’m doing it. Now ber becoming so upset during the part where this red that sounds pretentious. pony dies and her bones are bleaching in the sun. And ON STRUGGLES: Besides just the practical aspect of writ- then I thought about my mom and how she was going ing on a consistent basis, one of the things that I’ve strug- to die, too. … It’s moments like that which inspired me gled with—that I think I’ve nearly overcome—is the emo- to write. Steinbeck had been dead for years when my tional distance I’ve tried to put between myself and my mom was reading me that story, and yet he’d just taught stories. A friend of mine used to say that I was like a poker me something about human mortality in a way that player who never showed his hand. It was cheap of me. I no one else could. Maybe that’s what good stories are would keep on raising stakes, but I would never bring any- supposed to do: lead us from innocence to experience. thing to a conclusion. I was just bluffi ng the whole time, ON RESEARCH: Th e purpose of researching anything and didn’t satisfy the reader in any sort of way. Th at’s been is to gain confi dence about what I’m saying. It’s so that slowly improving. I think “Yusov” is a good example of me I know what I’m talking about to the fi nest possible trying to write my way out of that problem. details—and then I’ll tell the reader about 5 percent of ON GETTING WRITING IDEAS: I steal ideas and phrases what I know. from my friends. I steal their outfi ts and their faces. ON GENRE: I try not to pick a genre before writing. Or I steal something that happened between us and I Aft er writing, I try to fi gure out what the story is. I’ve put it in there. I steal from the family treasure mine of ended up doing things like fantasy, historical fi ction, stories and I use them. … Th is whole answer I’m giv- experimental fi ction and some erotica, too. (Th ough ing you? I stole that from a professor I had in Creative whenever I’m writing erotica I always get giggly and Writing 101. But that’s nothing new. I’m a total thief. I I can never fi nish.) For me, genre is an aft erthought. think most people who write are like that.

Enter your story (4,000 words or fewer) in the sixth annual Writer’s Digest Popular Fiction Awards contest. Categories are horror, science ﬁ ction/fantasy, mystery/crime, thriller/suspense and romance. For more information, visit WritersDigest.com/popularﬁ ctionawards.

WritersDigest.com I 21

118-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd8-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd 2121 88/10/10/10/10 12:31:2212:31:22 PMPM GETTINGSTARTED

78TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST WRITING COMPETITION Grand-prize winner John Moir’s love for the environment turned into a smart move for his writing career. BY SCOTT FRANCIS

everal years ago, while watching a group of cir- focus more and more on material that combines his cling condors during a trip to the Big Sur coastline, journalism background with his love of nature. He now SJohn Moir became intrigued by the endangered mainly writes narrative nonfi ction about science and birds and felt compelled to write a series of newspaper environmental issues. articles about their plight. In 2004, Birding magazine Moir has won numerous writing awards and is the asked him to write a feature story on the condor recov- author of Return of the Condor: Th e Race to Save Our ery program, and he was hooked. He went on to devote Largest Bird From Extinction and Just in Case: Disaster a large portion of his writing career to the subject—and Preparedness and Emergency Self Help. Learn more at it’s paid off in more ways than one. returnofthecondor.com. Moir’s feature article “Condors in a Coal Mine”— originally published on Smithsonian.com—beat out WINNER’S SPOTLIGHT: more than 13,500 entries across 10 categories to win JOHN MOIR, Santa Cruz, Calif. the grand prize in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest WHAT MAKES FOR A SUCCESSFUL FEATURE ARTICLE? Writing Competition. Th e piece chronicles the dangers A feature article isn’t much different from any other type to condors from eating area wildlife killed or injured of writing. It comes down to captivating readers beginning by hunters’ lead ammunition, as well as the political with the fi rst word and keeping that momentum going right battle in California to ban lead bullets, and the poten- through to the end of the story. That happens best with tial hidden threat to humans from the ammunition. compelling characters and an engaging narrative. His engrossing narrative begins with characters befi t- HAVE YOU ALWAYS FOCUSED ON WRITING NONFIC- ting a work of fi ction and draws the reader into the TION, OR DO YOU EXPLORE OTHER GENRES? About real-life drama surrounding the birds. Moir has a gift the only genre I haven’t attempted to write is screenplay. The for storytelling that conveys a true sense of the setting diversity of my writing experience has been helpful in honing and scope of his tale. my craft, and my narrative nonfi ction work draws heavily on “My earliest memories are of stories—hearing them, read- my background writing fi ction and poetry. ing them, creating them,” he says. “I have always been par- In recent years, I’ve focused more and more on narra- tial to books about nature and loved authors such as Ernest tive nonfi ction. I love being able to take real events and use Th ompson Seton, Colin Fletcher and John Steinbeck.” fi ction techniques to bring a story alive for readers. Moir has worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher and freelance journalist, and his current part-time posi- WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER WRITERS? tion as a staff writer for the National Science Teachers Be persistent. Keep improving your craft. Have faith that every- Association allows him time to work on other writing thing will work out even when clouds darken the horizon. projects. During the past few years he has been able to Love your work. Keep coming back to your writing chair.

The winner of this contest gets $3,000 and a trip to New York City to meet with editors and agents. Want to throw your hat in the ring and enter this year’s contest? Visit WritersDigest.com/competitions.

22 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

118-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd8-25CONT_MeetWinners.indd 2222 88/16/10/16/10 4:36:434:36:43 PMPM 10TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION Th e latest winner of WD’s short short story competition proves that even confi ned spaces can hold the most powerful of messages. BY ZACHARY PETIT

irst, you have to recreate the sea. WINNER’S SPOTLIGHT: To do that, you can take some putty and craft a WENDI CHRISTNER, Tampa, Fla. few frothy waves, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy: F LIFE STORY IN BRIEF: I grew up in the north Florida You have to do it all through the opening of a bottle. Pan-handle near the Gulf Coast. My rural and coastal roots And it only gets harder from there. You have to build the inﬂ uence every part of my life and my writing. I’m sort of the ship, tediously craft ing every piece to scale. Cut. Sand. Shellac. Th read wire and string, and so on, until fi nally female Kenny Chesney, minus the guitar, voice and fame. you have a jumbled little pile that you carefully—care- WRITING HISTORY: I decided to make writing my career fully—wedge into the opening of the bottle. about ﬁ ve years ago, but I’ve been writing for as long as I can Th en, if you did everything right, you can pull the remember. I think my parents still have the only copy of “My thread and, mysteriously, almost magically, it happens: Marvelous Mammal, Tut,” circa fourth grade. A sea vessel emerges from the wreckage. All that cutting, planning, dedication and piecemeal PUBLICATIONS: My novel The Water Bearer is published perfection—even though she’s never tried to build a with BookStrand, and I regularly write erotic romance as ship in a bottle, Wendi Christner imagines it’s a lot like Wendi Darlin. writing the shortest of stories. INSPIRATION FOR THE WINNING ENTRY: There’s a line “I like the challenge of trying to fi t all the story pieces in the story: “Hold it between the ditches.” My grandma, into only a few words,” Christner says. who never learned to drive, used to say those words every In that challenge, she succeeded: As the grand-prize time she got in a car. That memory somehow evoked a winner of the 10th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short vision of [my protagonist] riding along, looking for her Story Competition, judges selected her piece “Th rowing baby near the riverbank. The magic that sparks a story Stones”—“the story of a young grieving mother who lets from a random memory or observation is a great mystery go of her deceased child the only way she can”—from to me, but I love to be a part of the process. 8,050 entries for its descriptive style, original voice and tight Southern narrative. And, of course, the full-time STYLE: My style has a Southern twist, and with that usually writer and Florida native pulled off the winning tale in comes some grit. Even my lighter pieces tend to contain fewer than 1,500 words, fl ash-fi ction style. elements that rub a little against the senses. As legend William Faulkner said concerning the ON SHORT-STORY SUCCESS: I think the secret to a great discipline of writing short, “Almost every word has got story of any length is to engage the reader’s emotions. to be almost exactly right. In the novel you can be careless but in the short story you can’t.” HOW TO CAPTIVATE A READER WITH THE FORM: I try In other words, ships aside, putting a message in a to start strong and let every word carry its weight, even more bottle is no small feat, either. so than in a novel. Scenes have to make their point quickly.

KELLY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY YOUNG KELLY Enter your bold, brilliant and brief ﬁ ction (1,500 words or fewer) in the 11th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition. For more information, or to enter online, visit WritersDigest.com/short. PHOTO © PHOTO

WritersDigest.com I 23

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17TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST INTERNATIONAL SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK AWARDS Daryl Pinksen took matters into his own hands to bring a controversial book to a niche market—and earned top honors in WD’s self-published book competition. BY ZACHARY PETIT

n some circles of the literary world, doubting that and the fascinating, careful case he builds for his Shakespeare wrote his plays can be downright premise. As competition judge and author Anthony Iblasphemous—and, as Daryl Pinksen learned, Flacco notes, “Whether or not one accepts Pinksen’s hard to publish. position that Christopher Marlowe was actually When he submitted proposals for Marlowe’s Ghost: William Shakespeare, his arguments are precise, The Blacklisting of the Man Who Was Shakespeare— thorough and compelling.” a compelling book presenting a case that play- Th e subject originally drew Pinksen’s interest aft er wright Christopher Marlowe authored Shakespeare’s he saw the documentary Much Ado About Something works after faking his own death—Pinksen got, well, on PBS’ “Frontline.” Seduced by the drama of the story, rejected. Agents liked the project, but believed he Pinksen wrote a paper on Shakespearean scholarship lacked the platform necessary to make it marketable. while working toward his master’s degree, and later He had a master’s in science education and degrees expanded his research into a 10,000-word exit paper. in physics and English lit, but no Ph.D. No previous But by then, he couldn’t stop. Aft er he graduated, the publications. No ready-made following. No celeb- work continued to bloom. rity endorsements. Moreover, Pinksen believed the “Th is book was unplanned,” he says. “It happened material was too unorthodox for university presses, spontaneously, driven by my own curiosity.” and his audience too widely scattered for small Pinksen went on to spend an estimated 3,000 hours publishing houses. researching, writing, rewriting and editing. Aft er So, the Newfoundland, Canada, researcher and making the decision to self-publish, he devoted another educator decided to move forward on his own. six months to working with iUniverse to perfect and “Th e best option, I felt, was to self-publish using polish the manuscript. print-on-demand technology, and then try to get the While he says the project has been a labor of love, he book, and myself, noticed,” he says. believes it has the potential to fi nd its audience, and Pinksen did just that through iUniverse—and hopes Marlowe’s Ghost will create an opportunity for took home $3,000 and other prizes for beating out him to write other books. 2,600 entries in the 17th Annual Writer’s Digest “Th is is the greatest story that no one has ever heard International Self-Published Book Awards. His book of,” he says. “Given the chance to hear about it, I think was selected for its solid writing, functional design many people will agree.”

24 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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5 PHOTO © RANDY DAWE C O N T 1. CHOOSEAPUBLISHINGPARTNER WISELY. 3. TRUSTTHEPROCESS. 2. INVESTINYOURBOOK. WINNER’S SPOTLIGHT: 5 what you pay for. Sure, you canget your bookprintedfora you standards,you wantyour have booktomeetindustry to script to iUniverse, I thought it was in near-pristine condition. condition. script toiUniverse, Ithoughtitwasinnear-pristine It was sent back to me with thousands ofrecommended gram- It wassentbacktomewiththousands decide to place yourdecide toplace trustinaself-publishingcompany, you DARYL PINKSEN, pay toget ittothatcondition. money. Competent interior andcover designcostsmoney. If really wasn’t thatbad. matical changes. Iwasmortiﬁed, butmy editorreassured meit low, low price,butnotifyou wantitdoneright. for. You willretain control andmake theﬁnal decisionatall times, whichmeansyou canignore theirrecommendations and take fulladvantage thatyou oftheexpertise are paying have totrustthem. Listen totheadvice,swallow your pride _ M e Additional rounds [ofediting]costmoney. Indexingcosts TIPS FORSELF-PUBSUCCESS TIPS e t W i n n e r s visit WritersDigest.com/competitions. Enter your self-publishedbookinthisyear‘s contestand bethenextbreakout successstory. For more information, . i n d d

2 5

Newfoundland, Canada This oneistough:Onceyou When Isubmittedmy manu- You get 4. FOCUSONTHEPOSITIVES. 5. BEPREPARED. sense. There are noriskyandexpensive printrunspiledin nimble. Traditional publishersare going behindif toget left ofself-publishers.Theyness practices are efﬁ cient, sleekand publishing isagamble,andtheoddsofturningproﬁt are they don’t catertotheneedsofawired generation ofwriters. to get yourself noticedinspiteofit.Understandthatself- Ifyouthis practice. doself-publish,acceptitandtake steps they know theindustry. all rights.Allthedecisionsare yours. against you. if you wish.Try toremember thatwhileyou know your book, boxes, lyinginwarehouses. You have totalcontrol. You retain book. Bookstores willnotstockit.It’s pointlesstobemoan beware: Newspapers and magazines willnotreview your If traditionalpublisherslookahead,they willstudythebusi- If you’re toself-publish, planning

Print-on-demand makes WritersDigest 88/10/10 12:32:13 PM .com / 1 0 / I25 1 0

1 2 : 3 2 : 1 3

P M CONTESTROUNDUP

COMPILED BY SCOTT FRANCIS WIN ~a~ BOOK DEAL Th ese 24 contests reward their winners with a juicy prize: a book contract.

26 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

226-29CONT_BookDeal.indd6-29CONT_BookDeal.indd 2626 88/10/10/10/10 12:33:5012:33:50 PMPM hether you write fi ction, poetry or nonfi ction, a good fi t for you, your writing and your goals. Th is if you’re serious about getting a book published, roundup of 24 contests is a great place to start—and, of Wyou’re probably already querying agents and course, you can fi nd others by searching online or con- publishers—or in the stages of preparing to. But you may sulting a resource like WritersMarket.com. Who knows? not know there are other routes to publication. One of them could be that creative route to publication Contests for book-length works are a way to test your you’ve been looking for. Good luck! skills as a writer—and maybe even get published by a small press. While there’s no guarantee you’ll win, there FICTION are lots of reasons to try. Besides publication and prize money, winning or placing in a book contest can pro- AWP AWARD SERIES IN THE NOVEL vide a nice addition to your author credentials, help GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of at least 60,000 you get your foot in the door with an agent, build your words. ENTRY FEE: $10 for members of Th e Association author platform (winners oft en are invited to do read- of Writers & Writing Programs; $25 for nonmembers. ings or give lectures at universities) and otherwise give PRIZE: $2,000 and book publication by New Issues Press. your writing career that crucial boost it needs to gain DEADLINE: Feb. 28. LEARN MORE: awpwriter.org/con momentum. Plus, the guidelines of these contests say tests/series.htm they oft en off er contracts to other fi nalists, as well. Most of these contests are sponsored by a university THE BELLWETHER PRIZE FOR FICTION press, an academic institution, or an established literary GUIDELINES: Considers novel manuscripts of at least publisher or journal. New writers need not be shy about 80,000 words; author must have record of at least four entering—in fact, many of these contests are intended published pieces. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $25,000 to be a way to search out fresh talent. Th ey’re open to and book publication by designated publisher (in 2009, all submissions that follow their guidelines, but keep in Algonquin Books). DEADLINE: Not yet announced; bell mind you’ll most likely be required to pay an entry fee. check website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: wetherprize.org/appl.html Remember, before you ever submit to any contest: • As with traditional submissions, competition is fi erce, so enter only your best work. You’ll need THE GRACE PALEY PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–300 a complete manuscript—and fi rst draft s are probably just a waste of your entry fee. Submit only pages. ENTRY FEE: $10 for AWP members; $25 for non- revised, polished work you’d be proud to publish. members. PRIZE: $4,000 and book publication by the • Make sure the publisher sponsoring or partner- University of Massachusetts Press. DEADLINE: Feb. 28. awpwriter.org/contests/series.htm ing with the contest is reputable (as those listed LEARN MORE: here are). Also be sure it’s in line with your goals. THE IOWA SHORT FICTION AWARD If you have your heart set on a big New York GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of at least 150 City publisher, don’t enter a contest that would pages; entries must be unpublished as a collection, publish your book on a smaller scale. but individual stories may have been previously pub- • Be wary of unusually high entry fees. lished. ENTRY FEE: None. PRIZE: Book publication by • Make sure to fi nd out what kind of rights the University of Iowa Press. DEADLINE: Manuscripts the publisher acquires from the winner (e.g., received Aug. 1–Sept. 30 each calendar year are consid- fi rst-time publication rights are standard). ered. LEARN MORE: uiowapress.org/authors/iowa-short- • Research any royalty packages that are part of ﬁ ction.htm the winnings to make sure you’d be amenable to the terms. THE JUNIPER PRIZE FOR FICTION Just as you would when evaluating a potential agent GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–350 pages; or market, do your research to be sure each contest is novels, novellas and short-story collections are eligible.

WritersDigest.com I 27

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ENTRY FEE: $25.PRIZE: $1,500 and book publication by DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check website for latest the University of Massachusetts Press. DEADLINE: Not info. LEARN MORE: ewupress.ewu.edu/shortprize.htm yet announced; check website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: umass.edu/umpress/juniper_ﬁ ction.html POETRY

THE KATHERINE ANNE PORTER THE AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW/ PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION HONICKMAN FIRST BOOK PRIZE GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 27,500–50,000 GUIDELINES: Considers book-length manuscripts. words. ENTRY FEE: $20. PRIZE: $1,000 and book ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $3,000 and book publication by publication by the University of North Texas Press. Copper Canyon Press. DEADLINE: Not yet announced; DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check website for the check website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: aprweb. latest info. LEARN MORE: web3.unt.edu/untpress/poten org/aprhonickman-ﬁ rst-book-prize tial_authors.cfm#subkap A. POULIN, JR. POETRY PRIZE THE MARY MCCARTHY GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 48–100 pages. PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $1,500 and book publication by GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–250 pages. BOA Editions. DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $2,000 and book publication website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: boaeditions. by Sarabande Books. DEADLINE: Manuscripts received org/submissions/A_Poulin_Prize.html Jan. 1–Feb. 15 each calendar year are considered. LEARN MORE: sarabandebooksorg/?page_id=1105 BRITTINGHAM AND FELIX POLLAK PRIZES IN POETRY MILKWEED EDITIONS GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 50–80 pages; NATIONAL FICTION PRIZE each manuscript submitted will be considered for GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–400 both prizes. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $1,000 cash prize, pages; novels, novellas and short-story collections are $1,500 honorarium to cover expenses of reading in eligible. ENTRY FEE: None. PRIZE: Book publication by Madison, Wis., and book publication by Th e University Milkweed Editions and cash advance of $5,000 against of Wisconsin Press. DEADLINE: Manuscripts received royalties. DEADLINE: Rolling. LEARN MORE: milkweed. Sept. 1–Oct. 1 each calendar year are considered. org/content/view/22/72 LEARN MORE: uwpress.wisc.edu/poetryguide.html

THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY THE DONALD HALL PRIZE IN POETRY PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of a minimum GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–300 pages; of 48 pages. ENTRY FEE: $10 for AWP members; $25 submissions may include short stories, novellas or both (a for nonmembers. PRIZE: $4,000 and book publication single novella is not eligible). ENTRY FEE: $20. PRIZE: Book by University of Pittsburgh Press. DEADLINE: Feb. 28. publication by Th e Ohio State University Press and $1,500 LEARN MORE: awpwriter.org/contests/series.htm as an advance against royalties. DEADLINE: Manuscripts must be postmarked in January each year. LEARN MORE: LENA-MILES WEVER TODD POETRY ohiostatepress.org SERIES BOOK COMPETITION GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of a minimum of THE SPOKANE PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION 48 pages; entries must be unpublished as a collection, but GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of at least 98 pages individual poems may have been previously published. and three stories. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $2,000 and ENTRY FEE: $20. PRIZE: $1,000 and book publication by book publication by Eastern Washington University Press. Pleiades Press. DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check

28 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

226-29CONT_BookDeal.indd6-29CONT_BookDeal.indd 2828 88/10/10/10/10 12:34:2012:34:20 PMPM website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: www.ucmo. specify “Poetry Prize” or “Fiction Prize” on the edu/englphil/pleiades/guidelines.html entry envelope. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: Book publication by Autumn House Press and $2,500 ($1,000 NEW ISSUES POETRY PRIZE against royalties and $1,500 travel grant to partici- GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of a minimum of 48 pate in the Autumn House Master Authors Series in pages. ENTRY FEE: $15. PRIZE: $2,000 and book publica- Pittsburgh). DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check tion by New Issues Poetry & Prose. DEADLINE: Not yet website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: autumn announced; check website for the latest info and updated house.org/contest-submissions guidelines. LEARN MORE: www.wmich.edu/newissues/ NewIssuesPoetryPrize.html THE HUDSON PRIZE GUIDELINES: Considers unpublished collections of THE WALT WHITMAN AWARD poems or short stories. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $1,000 GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 50–70 pages. and book publication by Black Lawrence Press, plus 10 ENTRY FEE: $20. PRIZE: $5,000, book publication by author copies. DEADLINE: March 31 annually. LEARN Louisiana State University Press and a one-month resi- MORE: blacklawrencepress.com dency. DEADLINE: Check website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: poets.org/page.php/prmID/110 THE MANY VOICES PROJECT GUIDELINES: Book-length manuscripts of poetry, cre- THE WHITE PINE PRESS POETRY PRIZE ative nonfi ction and fi ction all eligible. ENTRY FEE: $20. GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 60–80 pages. PRIZE: $1,000 honorarium and book contract with New ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $1,000 and book publication Rivers Press. DEADLINE: Not yet announced; check by White Pine Press. DEADLINE: Not yet announced; website for info. LEARN MORE: newriverspress.com check website for the latest info. LEARN MORE: white pine.org/poetry_prize.php PRAIRIE SCHOONER BOOK PRIZE GUIDELINES: Considers fi ction manuscripts of at CREATIVE NONFICTION least 150 pages and poetry manuscripts of at least 50. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $3,000 and book publication AWP AWARD SERIES IN by University of Nebraska Press. DEADLINE: Not yet CREATIVE NONFICTION announced; check website for the latest info. LEARN GUIDELINES: Considers manuscripts of 150–300 MORE: prairieschooner.unl.edu/prizes/index.html pages. ENTRY FEE: $10 for AWP members; $25 for nonmembers. PRIZE: $2,000 and book publication by Th e THE ST. LAWRENCE BOOK AWARD University of Georgia Press. DEADLINE: Feb. 28. LEARN GUIDELINES: Considers unpublished collections of MORE: awpwriter.org/contests/series.htm poems or short stories; open only to writers who have not yet published a full-length collection of poems or MULTIPLE GENRES short stories. Th is is a contest for talented unpublished writers who want a legitimate shot at getting their work THE AUTUMN HOUSE POETRY/FICTION PRIZE published in book form. ENTRY FEE: $25. PRIZE: $1,000 GUIDELINES: Considers poetry manuscripts of 50–80 and book publication by Black Lawrence Press, plus 10 pages and fi ction manuscripts of 200–300 pages (nov- author copies. DEADLINE: Aug. 31. LEARN MORE: black els, novellas, short-story collections are all eligible); lawrencepress.com

SCOTT FRANCIS is an associate editor for Writer’s Digest Books. Prior to turning his focus to editing he served as marketing manager for WD. He is the author of Monster Spotter’s Guide to North America and co-author of The Writer’s Book of Matches. He blogs at seescottwrite.wordpress.com.

WritersDigest.com I 29

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COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER

FICTION CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 65 competitions for writers of novels, short stories, novellas and more.

ublication is not the only way to get your work recognized. Contests and awards can also be great ways to gain recognition in the industry. PNew writers who win contests may be published for the fi rst time as a result, while more experienced writers can gain valuable public attention for previously published work. Grants off ered by large writing organizations can also off er monetary recognition to writers—giving them more fi nancial freedom as they work on projects. Winning a contest or award can launch a successful writing career—so why not try your luck. On the following pages you will fi nd complete listings for 65 contests and awards for writers of adult fi ction (literary fi ction, popular fi ction and everything in between). Th ese contests off er you the opportunity for your work to be judged on the basis of quality alone without the outside factors (like budgets, trends and the marketplace) that sometimes infl uence publishing decisions. Some focus on form, such as short stories, novels or novellas, while others feature writing on particular themes or topics. Chances are, no matter what type of fi ction you write, there is a contest or award program that may be a good match for you. Th e most important thing when submitting your work is to follow the guidelines with religious fervor. Th ings like word count, pagination and whether or not your staple is horizontal or vertical may seem like pointless minutia, but following instructions to the letter proves to the judges that you’re serious about both your own work and their contest. Pay attention to whether or not each competition is applicable to you and your work before submitting. Th en, submit the best entry you can—and keep your fi ngers crossed. Good luck!

ABBREVIATIONS ISBN: Industry standard book number MS.: Manuscript MSS.: Manuscripts SAS: Self addressed stamped (as in postcard) SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope TBA: To be announced

30 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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6 0 FICTION CONTESTS : 5 3 : 1

0 l- I 31 1 / ed 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:35:06 PM sheila. Entries Entries $1,000 DEADLINE: americanliter GUIDELINES: WritersDigest E-MAIL: PRIZE: er. er. Submission period GUIDELINES: E-MAIL: www.engl.unt.edu/alr. www.engl.unt.edu/alr. ction.” ction.” $15. $12 per entry; 2; $25 $20 for DEADLINE: First place: $300; second place: $300; second place: place: First WEBSITE: Winners announced in December. in December. announced Winners

Award is “to give short story writers story short writers give is “to Award

PRIZE: en don’t know what we’re looking for for looking we’re what know en don’t ENTRY FEE: ENTRY ENTRY FEE: ENTRY is composed of savvy, college-aged readers; readers; college-aged savvy, of is composed ed, character-driven stories will have the best will have stories character-driven ed, address, phone, e-mail, word count and novel excerpt/ novel and count word e-mail, phone, address, and Jonis Agee. Agee. Jonis and and publication. Judged by rotating outside writer. Past Past writer. outside rotating by Judged publication. and able for SASE. For guidelines, send SASE or visit web- visit or guidelines, send SASE For SASE. for able SHORT FICTION AWARD FICTION AWARD SHORT COMPETITION STORY SHORT story title. Writers may submit own work. “Send us your us your “Send work. own submit may story Writers title. site. Accepts inquiries by email and phone. phone. and email by inquiries Accepts site. pled poetically and honestly with issues of race, sexual- race, issues of with honestly poeticallypled and by fax, e-mail, phone. Cover letter should include name, name, include should letter Cover phone. fax, e-mail, by best work; weoft by mail and phone in February. List of winners avail- winners of List in February. phone and mail by e-mail, and on website. on and e-mail, dent judges. judges. dent chance for success.” Winners announced and notifi and announced Winners success.” for chance ditional and experimental in its approaches. Our edi- approaches. experimental in its and ditional us.” best wow to do your for 3; $30 for 4; $5 each entry 4; $5 each thereaft 3; $30 for for more exposure.” exposure.” more must be unpublished. Contest open to anyone not affi not anyone open to Contest be unpublished. must September 1. September until we read it. Historically, winning work has grap- work winning Historically, it. read we until time. We appreciate your patience.” Accepts inquiries inquiries Accepts patience.” your appreciate We time. torial staff judges have included Marly Swick, Antonya Nelson Nelson Antonya Swick, Marly included have judges individual attention we devote to each manuscript takes each manuscript to devote we attention individual is May 1–October 1. is May iated with the University of North Texas. “Only sol- “Only Texas. North of the University with iated craft idly ity, patriotism, politics, the environment and language language and the environment politics, patriotism, ity, tra- short, and is both long that work publish We itself. [email protected]. [email protected]. [email protected]. $100; third place: $50. Judged by a panel of indepen- of a panel by $50. Judged place: $100; third Results made available to entrants with SASE, by fax, by fax, by by SASE, with entrants to made available Results For guidelines, send SASE, fax or e-mail. Contest Contest e-mail. fax or guidelines, send SASE, For P.O. Box 311307, University of North Texas, Denton Denton Texas, North of Box 311307, University P.O. AMERICAN LITERARY REVIEW AMERICAN LITERARY NEWSLETTER AMERICAN MARKETS TX 76203-1307. (940)565-2755. 1974 46th Ave., San Francisco CA 94116. Francisco San 1974 46th Ave., “To award excellence in short fi excellence award “To

c- e randy.

ction, cre- aj@prescott. Guidelines Guidelines

ENTRY FEE: ENTRY E-MAIL: www.arts.state.

E-MAIL: Fearnside, manag- March 1 and applica- 1 and March Categories: fi Categories: Jeff 1–2 $5,000 fellowships 1–2 $5,000 fellowships regarding the status of of the status regarding GUIDELINES: WEBSITE:

PRIZE: (334)240-3269. ction. All entrants receive a per- receive All entrants ction. None. DEADLINE: (928)776-5137. FAX: CONTACT: CONTACT: GUIDELINES: www.prescott.edu/highlights/alligator_ ed by mail. List of winners available available winners List of mail. ed by Randy Shoults, literature program program literature Randy Shoults,

1 FAX: 3

d Winner receives $500 and publication. publication. $500 and receives Winner d n i . ction, poetry. Entries should be unpublished. be unpublished. should Entries poetry. ction, ENTRY FEE: ENTRY s g n i t each members, 2 faculty by is overseen is class s CONTACT: i WEBSITE: PRIZE: L

o i t c i F _ juniper/index.html. NATIONAL WRITING CONTEST WRITING CONTEST NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP FELLOWSHIP ARTIST INDIVIDUAL and discussed by advanced writing students at Prescott Prescott at students writing discussedand advanced by awarded. awarded. available in January. For guidelines, fax, e-mail, visit visit guidelines, fax, e-mail, For in January. available ative nonfi ative and a list of published works with reviews, if available. reviews, if available. with works published a list of and sonal letter from 1 of our staff our 1 of from letter sonal of whom is a working writer in the genres of poetry, fi poetry, of in the genres writer working is a whom of [email protected]. class. Th copies of the following should be submitted: a résumé a résumé be should submitted: the following of copies date of publication.” Judged by independent peer panel. peer independent panel. by Judged publication.” of date manager. “To recognize the achievements and poten- and the achievements recognize “To manager. for SASE, fax, e-mail or visit website. website. visit or e-mail fax, SASE, for name and date. If published, indicate where and the and where indicate published, If date. and name their submission. We usually inform in late January. Th January. in late inform usually We their submission. tion and creative nonfi creative and tion tions can be submitted by egrant. Winners announced announced Winners egrant. by be can submitted tions tial of Alabama writers.” writers.” Alabama of tial than 20 pages. Please label each page with title, artist’s artist’s title, with page each Please label 20 pages. than ing editor. Annual. Competition/award for short sto- short for Competition/award Annual. editor. ing in June and notifi and in June ries. residency required. residency required. edu. al.us. $15 (includes copy of issue). Make checks payable to to payable checks issue). Make of copy $15 (includes website. Accepts inquiries by fax, e-mail and phone. “2 phone. and fax, e-mail by inquiries Accepts website. Finalists are published and receive copies. copies. receive and published are Finalists College enrolled in the Alligator Juniper practicum Juniper in the Alligator enrolled College Competition receives 25 submissions annually. 2-year 2-year annually. 25 submissions receives Competition 30 pages; poetry 5 poems or less. “All entries are read read are entries poetry30 pages; “All less. 5 poems or 201 Monroe St., Montgomery AL 36130-1800. (334) AL 36130-1800. Montgomery St., 201 Monroe 242-4076, ext. 224. ALLIGATOR JUNIPER’S ALLIGATOR ALABAMA STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS ARTS ON THE COUNCIL STATE ALABAMA (928)350-2012. Alligator Juniper. Juniper. Alligator Anyone may enter contest. Prose should be should few than Prose contest. enter may Anyone Alligator Juniper, 220 Grove Ave., Prescott AZ 86301. Prescott Ave., 220 Grove Juniper, Alligator A minimum of 10 pages of poetry or prose, but no more no more poetry of but 10 pages of prose, or A minimum T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 31 CONTESTROUNDUP

off ered biannually. Published and unpublished stories October 1 (postmark). Winners’ list will be published are actively encouraged. Add a note of where and when on the Art Aff air website in December. previously published. Open to any writer. “All kinds of fi ction are considered. We especially want women’s THE ART OF MUSIC ANNUAL pieces—romance, with a twist in the tale—but all will WRITING CONTEST be considered.” Accepts fi ction and nonfi ction up to Th e Art of Music, Inc., P.O. Box 85, Del Mar CA 92014- info@ 2,000 words. Entries are eligible for cash prizes and all 0085. (619)884-1401. FAX: (858)755-1104. E-MAIL: theartofmusicinc.org. www.theartofmusicinc. entries are eligible for worldwide syndication whether WEBSITE: org. they win or not. Send double-spaced manuscripts with CONTACT: Elizabeth C. Axford. Off ered annu- your story/article title, byline, word count and address ally. PRIZE: Cash, trophy, certifi cate, publication in on the fi rst page above your article/story’s fi rst para- the anthology titled Th e Art of Music: A Collection of Writings, and copies of the book. Judged by a panel of graph (no need for separate cover page). Th ere is no published poets, authors and songwriters. ENTRY FEE: limit to the number of entries you may send. DEADLINE: $20 fee. GUIDELINES: Guidelines and entry form for June 30 and December 31. Results announced within 3 SASE, on website or by e-mail. Categories are: essay, months of deadlines. Winners notifi ed by mail if they short story, poetry, song lyrics and illustrations for cover include SASE. art. Open to any writer. “Make sure all work is fresh and ART AFFAIR SHORT STORY AND original.” All writings must be on music-related topics. WESTERN SHORT STORY CONTESTS Th e purpose of the contest is to promote the art of music through writing. Acquires 1-time rights. All entries P.O. Box 54302, Oklahoma City OK 73154. E-MAIL: must be accompanied by an entry form indicating cat- [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.shadetreecreations. egory and age; parent signature is required of all writers com. CONTACT: Barbara Shepherd. Th e annual Art under age 18. Poems may be of any length and in any Aff air Writing Contests include (general) short story, style; essays and short stories should not exceed 5 dou- mystery and western categories and off er PRIZE: First: ble-spaced, typewritten pages. All entries shall be previ- $50 and certifi cate; second: $25 and certifi cate; and ously unpublished (except poems and song lyrics) and third: $15 and certifi cate in all 3 categories. Honorable the original work of the author. Inquiries accepted by mention certifi cates will be awarded at the discretion e-mail, phone. DEADLINE: June 5. Results announced of the judges. ENTRY FEE: $5 per story. Make check to October 31. Winners notifi ed by mail. For contest Art Aff air. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on website. results, send SASE or visit website. Open to any writer. All short stories must be unpublished. Multiple entries accepted in both categories with ARTIST TRUST FELLOWSHIP AWARD separate entry fees for each. Submit original stories on 1835 12th Ave., Seattle WA 98122. (209)467-8734 any subject and timeframe for general short story cat- ext 9. FAX: (206)467-9633. WEBSITE: artisttrust.org. egory, submit original mystery (or suspense) short sto- CONTACT: Monica Miller, director of programs. ries for mystery category, and submit original western “Artist Trust Fellowship awards practicing professional stories for western category—word limit for all entries Washington State artists of exceptional talent and is 5,000 words. (Put word count in the upper right-hand demonstrated ability.” Annual. PRIZE: $7,500. ENTRY corner of fi rst page; mark “Mystery” or”Western” if FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available around applicable). All mss must be double-spaced on 8.5×11 December; please check website. Accepts inquiries white paper. Type title of short story on fi rst page and by e-mail, phone. “Th e Fellowship awards are multi- headers on following pages. Include cover page with disciplinary awards. Th e categories for 2011 are liter- writer’s name, address, phone number and ms title. Do ary, music, media and craft . Accepted genres for lit- not include SASE; mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: erary are poetry, fi ction, graphic novels, experimental

32 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 1 I 33 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:35:22 PM Puerto , ction, 1 Each will Each GUIDELINES: Open WritersDigest Tampa ReviewTampa Hayden’s Ferry Hayden’s , PRIZE: www.awpwriter.org. www.awpwriter.org. None. Any length under Any on on OH 45817-2104. Colorado ReviewColorado , ction and poetry. Judged Judged poetry. and ction Quarterly West WEBSITE: , Any length under 12,000Any Any length from 2,000 length from Any to ENTRY FEE: ENTRY . es that the enclosed nominations are by by are the enclosed nominations es that be must 3 poems. Nominations ction and OUR COMPETITIONS in Associated students for is is a prize Susan Streeter Carpenter. Winners will will Winners Carpenter. Streeter Susan [email protected]. Short Story Award for New Writers: for New Award Short Story only to writers whose fiction has not appeared in a print over with a circulation publication Prizes: length under 12,000 words. Any 5,000. – 2nd/3rd and publication; 1st place – $1200 Held in $500/$300 publication. and possible and November. August, May, February, Fiction Open: 1st Prizes: Open to all writers. 20,000 words. – 2nd/3rd place – $2000 and publication; in Held $1000/$600 publication. and possible and December. September, June, March, Award: Short Fiction Very and 1st place – $1200 Prizes: 3,000 words. – $500/$300 2nd/3rd and possible publication; and July. Held in January publication. Matters: Family and 1st place – $1200 Prizes: words. – $500/$300 2nd/3rd and possible publication; April and October. Held in publication. Mid-American Review Controlled Burn Controlled , , Artful Dodge and accompanied by a cover letter from the program direc- the program from letter a cover by accompanied E-MAIL: head of the creative writing department. Each school department. writing the creative head of by AWP. “Th by AWP. be contacted in the spring of 2010. 2010. of in the spring be contacted may nominate no more than 1 work of nonfi of than 1 work no more nominate may tor, which verifi tor, journal and a $100 cash honorarium. Winning works works Winning cash honorarium. a $100 and journal receive an award letter, publication in a participating in a participating publication letter, award an receive CONTACT: CONTACT: del Sol del writing programs only. Authors are nominated by the by nominated are Authors only. programs writing short of work fi will appear in the fall or winter issues of issues of winter the in fall or will appear One University Drive, Blufft Drive, One University nonfi short stories, Categories: AWP INTRO JOURNALS PROJECT JOURNALS INTRO PROJECT AWP Review Writing Programs (AWP) member university creative creative university member (AWP) Programs Writing In a , of the , lm scripts . Of those ten, three three Of those ten, . ed by mail. New Yorker e Fellowship awards are ction, and up to 20 pages pages 20 to up ction, and , more than any other publication in other publication than any more , The Best American Short Stories The Best ction, screenplays, fi screenplays, ction, ction, graphic novels, experimen- novels, ction, graphic lm scripts and teleplays. All mss All mss teleplays. and lm scripts distinguished short stories,” ten appeared in ten appeared distinguished short stories,” 3 3

Glimmer Train Press, Inc. Press, Train Glimmer #207, NW Glisan, 1211 97209 OR, Portland, www.glimmertrain.org Approximately the 4th Friday of January. January. of the 4th Friday Approximately d d 100 n i . s g n i t We pay out over $45,000 to writers each year, $45,000 to writers out over each year, pay We of that to emergingnearly a third writers. recent edition of recent top “ Glimmer Train Glimmer Train Stories including the the country, first stories accepted for publication. those authors’ were short stories to submit your you invites Train Glimmer sisters two we at our site (www.glimmertrainpress.com); story If your all online submissions ourselves. read it will be is accepted for publication, and in one of the most respected presented handsome short-story journals in print. work! your welcome We s i L n o i t c i F ed in the guidelines. Winners are selected by a mul- selected by are ed in the Winners guidelines. _ announced in the spring. Winners notifi Winners in the spring. announced and teleplays.” Receives approximately 175 entries per per 175 entries approximately Receives teleplays.” and statement and resume with name, address, phone, e- phone, address, name, with resume and statement DEADLINE: pages for poetry, fi poetry, for pages highly competitive. Please follow guidelines with care.” care.” guidelines with Please follow competitive. highly category. Entries are judged by work samples as speci- samples work by judged are Entries category. for screenplays, fi screenplays, for can- and larger size or be font typed 12-pt with must mail and novel/story title. “Th title. novel/story and mail not be single-spaced (except for poetry). Include artist poetry). artist for be (except single-spaced not Include tal works and creative nonfi creative and tal works tidisciplinary panel of artists and arts professionals. arts professionals. artists and tidisciplinary of panel works, creative nonfi creative works, Results available to entrants on website. on entrants to available Results fi Entries can be unpublished or previously published. published. previously or be can unpublished Entries Website should be consulted for the exact date. Results Results the exact date. for be should consulted Website Washington State residents only. Length: up to 15 15 to Length: up only. residents State Washington T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 33 CONTESTROUNDUP

students currently enrolled in the university’s creative apply: You live outside of North America or Europe; the writing program. In the letter, the program must pro- cost of postage would be prohibitive from your home vide a permanent address for each nominated student.” country, the post offi ce system in your country is dread- Open to students in AWP Member University Creative ful (U.S. does not count); the content of your submission Writing Programs only. Accepts inquiries by e-mail, fax may be illegal to send via postal mail in your home coun- and phone. Guidelines available for SASE or on web- try. Accepts both previously published and unpublished site. DEADLINE: First week of December (postmark). material, but does not accept simultaneous submissions Entries must be unpublished. Results announced in to another annual erotica anthology. Open to any writer. spring. Winners notifi ed by mail in spring. For contest All submissions must include SASE or an e-mail address results, send SASE or visit website. for response. If no e-mail address, then please include SASE. No mss will be returned. DEADLINE: Email for BARD FICTION PRIZE exact deadline. P.O. Box 5000, Annandale-on-Hudson NY 12504-5000. (845)758-7087. FAX: (845)758-7043. E-MAIL: bfp@ BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY JOHN GARDNER bard.edu. WEBSITE: www.bard.edu/bfp. CONTACT: FICTION BOOK AWARD Irene Zedlacher. Th e Bard Fiction Prize is intended to P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902. (607)777-2713. encourage and support young writers of fi ction to pur- FAX: (607)777-2408. E-MAIL: [email protected]. sue their creative goals and to provide an opportunity WEBSITE: english.binghamton.edu/cwpro. CONTACT: to work in a fertile and intellectual environment. PRIZE: Maria Mazziotti Gillan, director. Award’s purpose is “to $30,000 cash award and appointment as writer-in-resi- serve the literary community by calling attention to out- dence at Bard College for 1 semester. ENTRY FEE: None. standing books of fi ction.” PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: GUIDELINES: Entries must be previously published. None. GUIDELINES: Open to any writer. Categories: Open to U.S. citizens aged 39 and below. Cover letter novels and short story collections. Entry must have should include name, address, phone, e-mail and name been published in book form with a minimum press of publisher where book was previously published. run of 500. Each book submitted must be accompanied Guidelines available by SASE, fax, phone, e-mail or on by an application form, available online or send SASE website. Judged by committee of 5 judges (authors asso- to above address. Submit 3 copies of the book; cop- ciated with Bard College). DEADLINE: July 15. Results ies will not be returned. Publishers may submit more announced by October 15. Winners notifi ed by phone. than 1 book for prize consideration. Judged by “rotat- For contest results, e-mail or visit website. ing outside judges.” DEADLINE: March 1. Entries must have appeared in print between January 1–December 31 BEST LESBIAN EROTICA of the year preceding the award. Results announced in BLE, 31-64 21st St., #319, Long Island City NY 11106. summer. Winners notifi ed by e-mail or phone. For con- E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Kathleen test results, send SASE or visit website. Warnock, series editor. PRIZE: Publication in contest anthology. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Categories: JOHN W. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL AWARD FOR novel excerpts, short stories, other prose; poetry will be BEST SCIENCE FICTION NOVEL OF THE YEAR considered but is not encouraged. Include cover page English Department, University of Kansas, Lawrence with author’s name, title of submission(s), address, KS 66045. (785)864-3380. FAX: (785)864-1159. phone, fax, e-mail. All submissions must be typed and E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.ku.edu/~sfcenter. double-spaced. You may submit double-sided copies. CONTACT: James Gunn, professor and director. Award Length: 5,000 words. You may submit 2 diff erent pieces to “honor the best science fi ction novel of the year.” of work. Submit 2 hard copies of each submission. Will PRIZE: Trophy. Winners receive an expense-paid trip only accept e-mail copies if the following conditions to the university to receive their award. Th eir names

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0 1 I 35 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:35:41 PM www. PRIZE: e best e ers ers honor- ENTRY FEE: ENTRY WritersDigest Toasted Cheese Toasted April. “Th WEBSITE: . Also off e-mail. ed by DEADLINE: DEADLINE: e contest is a winter-themed is a winter-themed e contest Th Guidelines available in November in November available Guidelines Toasted Cheese Toasted

cates in the amount of $20, $15 and $20, $15 and of in the amount cates certifi [email protected]. ction contest with a new topic each year. each year. a new with topic ction contest GUIDELINES: theme. a supernatural toward geared is usually e topic DEAD OF WINTER DEAD OF WINTER a smart, original story. We have further have guidelines on We story. a smart, original able mention. Categories: short stories. short stories. Categories: mention. able toasted-cheese.com. E-MAIL: horror fi horror e-mail, word count and title. Judged by 2 by Judged title. and count word e-mail, on website. Topic and word limit announced Nov. 1. Nov. announced limit word and Topic website. on the website.” Cover letter should include name, address, address, name, include should letter Cover the website.” time to submit is December–April.” Results announced announced Results is December–April.” submit time to torial board. Entries should be submitted electronically. electronically. be submitted should Entries board. torial in late summer. Winners notifi Winners summer. in late $10; publication in $10; publication None. Entries must be unpublished. Word limit varies each year. year. each varies limit Word be unpublished. must Entries Open to any writer. Accepts inquiries by e-mail. “Write “Write e-mail. by inquiries Accepts writer. Open any to Guidelines available online. online. available Guidelines Th Amazon gift Amazon

. rst ction ction None. Crucible WEBSITE: ered ered annu- $150 (fi ENTRY FEE: ENTRY PRIZE: Categories: fi Categories: ENTRY FEE: ENTRY

[email protected]. Categories: novels. Judged by a by Judged novels. Categories: E-MAIL: 5 3 Open to any writer. any Open to

d Terrence L. Grimes, editor. Off editor. L. Grimes, Terrence d See website. Results announced in July. For For in July. announced Results See website. n i . s g n i t GUIDELINES: GUIDELINES: s i L Entries must be previously published. Open to any Open any to published. be previously must Entries n

o i t c i F _ ally for unpublished short stories. stories. short unpublished for ally are also engraved on a permanent trophy. trophy. a permanent on also engraved are so when publishers would not. Send for list of jurors.” jurors.” list of Send not. for would so when publishers should be 8,000 words or fewer. Judged by in-house edi- in-house by Judged fewer. or be 8,000 words should DEADLINE: publishers should submit work, but authors have done done have authors but work, submit should publishers prize); $100 (second prize) and publication in publication and prize) $100 (second prize); www.barton.edu/academics/english.crucible.htm. www.barton.edu/academics/english.crucible.htm. contest results, send SASE. results, contest jury. CONTACT: CONTACT: GUIDELINES: None. Barton College, College Station, Wilson NC 27893. NC Wilson Station, College College, Barton writer. Accepts inquiries by e-mail and fax. “Ordinarily fax. “Ordinarily and e-mail by inquiries Accepts writer. Competition receives 300 entries. 300 entries. receives Competition AND FICTION COMPETITION AND FICTION COMPETITION THE CRUCIBLE POETRY POETRY THE CRUCIBLE (252)399-6343. T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 35 CONTESTROUNDUP

editors who blind judge each contest. Each judge uses editor. “Contest for short stories, poetry and creative her own criteria to rate entries. DEADLINE: December nonfi ction.” Annual. PRIZE: $1,000 and publication; 21. Results announced January 31. Winners notifi ed by runners-up receive publication. ENTRY FEE: $10 for fi rst e-mail. List of winners on website. entry, $5 for each 1 thereaft er. Make checks payable to Georgetown Review. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available DELAWARE DIVISION OF THE ARTS in July. Entries should be unpublished. Contest open to 820 N. French St., Wilmington DE 19801. (302)577- anyone except family or friends of the editors. Cover 8278. FAX: (302)577-6561. WEBSITE: www.artsdel.org. letter and ms should include name, address, phone, e- CONTACT: Kristin Pleasanton, art and artist services mail, novel/story title. Writers may submit own work. coordinator. Award “to help further careers of emerg- “We’re just looking to publish quality work. Sometimes ing and established professional artists.” PRIZE: $10,000 our contests are themed, so check the website for details.” for masters; $6,000 for established professionals; Accepts inquiries by e-mail. Receives approximately 400 $3,000 for emerging professionals. ENTRY FEE: None. entries for each category. Entries are judged by the edi- GUIDELINES: For Delaware residents only. Guidelines tors. DEADLINE: November 15. Results announced available aft er May 1 on website. Accepts inquiries by February or March. Winners notifi ed by e-mail. Results e-mail, phone. Expects to receive 25 fi ction entries. made available to entrants with SASE. “Follow all instructions and choose your best work sample.” Judged by out-of-state, nationally recognized pro- GIVAL PRESS NOVEL AWARD fessionals in each artistic discipline. DEADLINE: August P.O. Box 3812, Arlington VA 22203. (703)351-0079. 1. Results announced in December. Winners notifi ed by E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.gival mail. Results available on website. press.com. CONTACT: Robert L. Giron, publisher. “To award the best literary novel.” Annual. PRIZE: $3,000, EATON LITERARY AGENCY’S ANNUAL publication and author’s copies. ENTRY FEE: $50. Make AWARDS PROGRAM checks payable to Gival Press, LLC. GUIDELINES: P.O. Box 49795, Sarasota FL 34230. (941)366-6589. FAX: Categories: literary novel. Entries should be unpub- (941)365-4679. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: lished. Open to any author who writes original work www.eatonliterary.com. CONTACT: Richard Lawrence, in English. Length: 30,000–100,000 words. Cover let- vice president. PRIZE: $2,500 (more than 10,000 words); ter should include name, address, phone, e-mail, word $500 (fewer than 10,000 words). ENTRY FEE: None. count and novel title. Only the title and word count GUIDELINES: Entries must be unpublished. Open to should appear on the actual ms. Writers may submit any writer. Off ered biannually. Guidelines available for own work. “Review the types of mss Gival Press has SASE, by fax, e-mail or on website. Judged by an inde- published. We stress literary works.” Receives 100–120 pendent agency in conjunction with some members of entries per category. Final judge is announced aft er win- Eaton’s staff . Accepts inquiries by fax, phone and e-mail. ner is chosen. Entries read anonymously. Guidelines DEADLINE: March 31 (mss fewer than 10,000 words); with SASE, by phone, by e-mail or on website. Accepts August 31 (mss more than 10,000 words). Results inquiries by e-mail. DEADLINE: May 30, each year. announced in April and September. Winners notifi ed Results announced late fall of same year. Winners noti- by mail. fi ed by phone. Results made available to entrants with SASE, by e-mail and on website. GEORGETOWN REVIEW PRIZE 400 East College St., Box 227, Georgetown KY 40324. GIVAL PRESS SHORT STORY AWARD (502) 863-8308. FAX: (502)863-8888. E-MAIL: gtown P.O. Box 3812, Arlington VA 22203. (703)351-0079. [email protected]. WEBSITE: georgetown E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.gival review.georgetowncollege.edu. CONTACT: Steve Carter, press.com. CONTACT: Robert L. Giron, publisher. “To

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0 1 I 37 / ed 0 rst/ 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:36:00 PM www. ered ered twice ENTRY FEE: ENTRY . WritersDigest er the close of er the close of WEBSITE: by Peter Selgin by Peter Contest open the open Contest Open to all writers. all writers. Opento Contest open during during open Contest Susan Burmeister-Brown, Burmeister-Brown, Susan ered quarterly for unpub- for quarterly ered DEADLINE: Off and 20 copies of that issue; fi issue; that of 20 copies and (503)221-0837. By Cunning & Craft DEADLINE: Glimmer Train Stories Train Glimmer GUIDELINES: GUIDELINES: CONTACT: CONTACT: First place: $2,000, publication in publication $2,000, place: First FAX: $15. PRIZE: GUIDELINES: gorgeous view of the towers of Wall Street, silent and Street, of Wall of the towers view gorgeous ignore. passengers that all but a few gleaming, a view —Excerpted from —Excerpted each contest. er the close of bage? The above description makes the reader do all the reader description makes The above bage? imprecise. What about that sunset? What sort of gar-imprecise. the heavy lifting. We long for eye candy; instead we get get we candy; instead long for eye lifting. We the heavy aft and results will be posted 2 months aft will be posted 2 months results and a year for unpublished stories about family. Word count count Word family. about stories unpublished for a year unfolds, like the proverbial falling tree, in a vacuum, with falling tree, the proverbial unfolds, like to experience or interact with it; it is a scene no one there narrator as of the scenery. only increases the author’s obligation to evoke character obligation to evoke the author’s only increases second runners-up: $1,000/$600 (respectively) and pos- and $1,000/$600 (respectively) second runners-up: in publication sible should not exceed 12,000. exceed not should lished stories on any theme. Word count should not not should count theme. Word any on lished stories ENTRY FEE: ENTRY epithets: gorgeous. Furthermore, as written, the scene Furthermore, epithets: gorgeous. Not an awful description, but perfunctory, inert and Not an awful sible, a contradiction. That this is a ﬁ rst-person narrative sible, a contradiction. That this is a ﬁ each competition. each exceed 20,000. Make your submissions online (www. online submissions your Make 20,000. exceed co-editor. co-editor. months of April and October. Winners will be notifi Winners October. and April of months with no character(s)—which is, if not altogether impos- with no character(s)—which is, if not altogether with each line, to make this as much a description of the this as much a description of with each line, to make glimmertrain.org). glimmertrain.org). the months of March, June, September and December. December. Septemberand June, March, of the months glimmertrain.com. GLIMMER TRAIN’S FICTION OPEN FICTION OPEN GLIMMER TRAIN’S $20/story. $20/story. Make your submissions on the website. Off the website. on submissions your Make Glimmer Train Stories Train Glimmer (503)221-0836. Winners will be called and results announced 2 months 2 months announced results will be called and Winners 1211 NW Glisan St., Suite 207, Portland OR 97209. OR 207, Portland Suite St., 1211 NW Glisan

. rst/ $25. www. PRIZE: DEADLINE: GUIDELINES: WEBSITE: ENTRY FEE: ENTRY Glimmer Train Stories Train Glimmer Susan Burmeister-Brown, Burmeister-Brown, Susan ed by phone. Results available available Results phone. ed by (503)221-0837. and 20 copies of that issue; fi issue; that of 20 copies and CONTACT: CONTACT: First place: $1,200, publication in publication $1,200, place: First FAX: FAX: 7 3

d d PRIZE: n i . s as the ferry pulls away from the terminal, serving from a up as the ferry pulls away By the time the ferry leaves it is lateBy the time the ferry afternoon; leaves the sun is setting. Seagulls wheel over the garbage-strewn waves waves the garbage-strewn setting. Seagulls wheel over g n i t s i citon. “We publish literary works.” literary works.” publish “We citon. Here’s a description I labored on for some time, of a trip a description I labored Here’s L n o i but describing something that’s happening to someone. but describing something that’s inert. If I write, “A warm breeze blew through the open through blew warm breeze inert. If I write, “A from that subject. from nothing. If I write, “The breeze through the open window nothing. If I write, “The the open window through breeze people, no description should exist separate and apart like items in a glass case, curious but museum display like on the Staten Island Ferry at dusk. This was my fi rst go: fi at dusk. This was my on the Staten Island Ferry on Martha’s Vineyard,” I’m not just shooting the breeze not just shooting the breeze I’m Vineyard,” on Martha’s Because fi ction one subject, has but and that subject is Because fi warmed Maggie’s skin and made her think of summers warmed Maggie’s window,” that breeze blows strictly blows for itself and affects that breeze window,” Cut off character and action, from our descriptions read AVOID INERT DESCRIPTION INERT AVOID t c i F _ and possible publication in possible publication and award the best literary short story.” Annual. Annual. the best literary short story.” award second runners-up receive $500/$300 (respectively) $500/$300 (respectively) receive second runners-up same year. Winners notifi Winners year. same lished. Receives about 100–150 entries per category. per category. 100–150 entries about Receives lished. online, via e-mail or by mail. Entries must be unpub- must Entries mail. by or via e-mail online, own fi own co-editor. co-editor. count should be found on ms. Writers may submit their submit may Writers ms. on be should found count glimmertrain.org. glimmertrain.org. GLIMMER TRAIN’S FAMILY MATTERS $1,000 and publication on website. website. on publication $1,000 and with SASE, by e-mail, on website. on e-mail, by SASE, with word count, title on cover letter. Only the title and word word and the title Only letter. cover on title count, word writes original short stories in English. Length: 5,000– stories short original writes Make checks payable to Gival Press, LLC. LLC. Press, Gival to payable checks Make Entries are judged anonymously. Open to anyone who Open anyone to anonymously. judged are Entries Category: literary short story. Guidelines available available Guidelines Category: literary short story. Glimmer Train Stories Train Glimmer (503)221-0836. 1211 NW Glisan St. Suite 207, Portland OR 97209. OR 207, Portland Suite St. 1211 NW Glisan 15,000 words. Include name, address, phone, e-mail, e-mail, phone, address, name, Include 15,000 words. August 8, every year.Results announced in the fall of the in the fall of announced 8, every year.Results August T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 37 CONTESTROUNDUP

GLIMMER TRAIN’S SHORT STORY GLIMMER TRAIN’S VERY SHORT AWARD FOR NEW WRITERS FICTION AWARD 1211 NW Glisan St., Suite 207, Portland OR 97209. 1211 NW Glisan St., Suite 207, Portland OR 97209. (503)221-0836. FAX: (503)221-0837. WEBSITE: www. (503)221-0836. FAX: (503)221-0837. WEBSITE: www. glimmertrain.com. CONTACT: Susan Burmeister-Brown, glimmertrain.com. CONTACT: Susan Burmeister-Brown, co-editor. PRIZE: First place: receives $1,200, publica- co-editor. PRIZE: $1,200 and publication in Glimmer tion in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 copies of that issue. Train Stories and 20 author’s copies (fi rst place); fi rst/ First/second runners-up receive $500/$300 (respec- second runners-up: $500/$300 (respectively) and pos- tively) and possible publication in Glimmer Train sible publication. ENTRY FEE: $15/story. GUIDELINES: Stories. ENTRY FEE: $15/story. GUIDELINES: Off ered Award to encourage the art of the very short story. “We quarterly for any writer whose fi ction hasn’t appeared want to read your original, unpublished, very short story—word count not to exceed 3,000 words.” Open to in a nationally-distributed publication with a circula- all writers. Make your submissions online at www.glim- tion over 5,000. Word count should not exceed 12,000 mertrain.org. DEADLINE: Contest open in the months words. Stories must be previously unpublished. Make of January and July. Winners will be called and results your submissions online at www.glimmertrain.org. “We announced 2 months aft er the close of each contest. are very open to the work of new writers. Of the 100 distinguished short stories listed in a recent edition of GRANTS FOR ARTIST’S PROJECTS the Best American Short Stories, 10 fi rst appeared in 1835 12th Ave., Seattle WA 98122. (206)467-8734. FAX: Glimmer Train Stories—more than in any other publi- (206)467-9633. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: cation, including the New Yorker. 3 of those 10 were the www.artisttrust.org. CONTACT: Monica Miller, director author’s fi rst publication.” DEADLINE: Contest open in of programs. “Th e GAP Program provides support for the months of February, May, August and November. artist-generated projects, which can include (but are not Winners will be called and results announced 2 months limited to) the development, completion or presentation aft er the close of each contest. of new work.” Annual. PRIZE: Maximum of $1,500 for

EDIT FOR TENSION The most tense ﬁ ction is pared down to the essentials, • Does the opening create intense curiosity? with every word in every sentence having a distinct pur- • Is there a single dramatic question that focuses pose, every sentence in every paragraph being necessary the story? to the whole, and every scene contributing to the story • Is the story overpopulated? line. Every writer has a different approach to editing, but • Does the story locale contribute to the tension? generally it’s best to edit in stages, examining separate • Are the subplots a source of tension? elements or effects in each stage of editing. • Do ﬂ ashbacks contain tension, or do they meander No matter your system, your goal should be to backward in time? decide what’s essential and what’s gratuitous to—or • Is there a major reversal or surprise midway? otherwise a digression from—the essence of your story. • Is there too little or too much foreshadowing? Begin by casting an eye at overall flow and pacing, • Have you withheld information from the reader both of which are linked to tension. To give your story until the last moment? • Are the stakes high while the consequences for the best chance of catching contest judges’ attentions, failure dreadful? consider these questions: • Have you begun the story at the last possible moment? —Excerpted from Between the Lines by Jessica Page Morrell

38 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 1 I 39 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:36:17 PM Guidelines Guidelines . Committee WritersDigest class. Writers Writers class. ction, poetryction, non- and GUIDELINES: co- party are and e reading rst edition is published by by is published edition rst t writers for whom a trip to to a trip whom for t writers beyond…) (or fourth third, second, or rst $10. Send credit card information or make make or information card $10. Send credit class on a topic of their choice for a small group a small group for their choice of a topic on class class, and please plan it as a 2-hour gathering gathering as a 2-hour it please plan and class, Each winner receives a $1,000 honorarium and and a $1,000 honorarium Each winner receives ction. Accepts inquiries by fax, e-mail and phone. phone. and fax, e-mail by inquiries ction. Accepts a Friday night reading/book party at Grub Street’s event event Grub Street’s party at reading/book night a Friday available in June. Categories: fi Categories: in June. available award committee especially encourages writers pub- writers especially encourages committee award artistic director. “Supports writers who are publishing publishing who are writers “Supports artistic director. space in downtown Boston. Th space in downtown which will bookstore, a local independent by sponsored infor- will lead a 2-hour Winners the event. sell books at letter should include name, address, phone, e-mail and and e-mail phone, address, name, include should letter lishing with small presses, writers of short story short of col- writers small presses, with lishing also Grub Street apply. to color of writers and lections, PRIZE: FEE: ENTRY published or under contract. Publication date must be must date Publication under contract. or published reside primarily not must and eligible), not publication beyond theirbeyond fi Annual. England.” New of outside who live book, and of aspiring Grub Street writers. Winners also invited as also invited Winners writers. Grub Street aspiring of checks payable to Grub Street. Grub Street. to payable checks ful way. Please give careful thought to your proposal for for proposal your to thought careful Please give ful way. mal craft all for accommodations provides Grub Street ference. members negotiate their top picks at a meeting facili- a meeting at picks their top negotiate members is criterion top Street’s “Grub work. own submit may guest authors to Muse and the Marketplace literary con- the Marketplace and Muse to guest authors nal must be available to booksellers by the time of the the time of booksellers to by be available nal must a curriculum a Also and include title. vitae novel/story the craft time in Boston and covers all travel and meal expenses. and all travel covers time in Boston and the contest as long as the as fi as long the contest tated by the guest judge. Entries should be previously be previously should Entries the guest judge. by tated the submitted, the work of literary merit the overall in 2010 or 2011, and the hardcover or paperback origi- paperback or the hardcover 2011, and in 2010 or Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, states: in the following readers drawn from the Grub Street staff the Grub Street from drawn readers Boston will likely expand their readership in a meaning- their readership expand will likely Boston winner’s visit to Boston. Galleys may be submitted for for be Boston. submitted Galleys to may visit winner’s wants the award to benefi to the award wants fi May 1, 2011. All applicants must have at least 1 pre- at have must All applicants 1, 2011. May viously published novel or short story (self- or collection novel published viously Entries are judged by a guest judge and committee of of committee and a guest judge by judged are Entries Connecticut, New Hampshire or Rhode Island. Cover Cover Rhode or Island. Hampshire Connecticut, New Competition/award for short story collections, novels. novels. story short collections, for Competition/award 500-word synopsis of the proposed craft the proposed of synopsis 500-word

c- ed WEB- None. shackel PRIZE: lm scripts Entries can can Entries DEADLINE: ction, creative ction, creative E-MAIL: ENTRY FEE: ENTRY lm scripts and tele- and scripts lm Christopher Christopher Castellani, Greg Wegner. Wegner. Greg GUIDELINES: [email protected]. [email protected]. July 25. Open to any writer. writer. 25. Open any to July (734)661-2349. None. E-MAIL: CONTACT:

ed by mail. Results made available to to available made Results mail. by ed CONTACT:

FAX: 9 Guidelines available online. Award for for Award online. available Guidelines 3

DEADLINE: ction, screenplays, fi screenplays, ction,

d ction, graphic novels, experimental works, experimental works, novels, ction, graphic d n i . s ENTRY FEE: ENTRY g n i t s i c panel of artists and artist professionals. artist professionals. artists and of c panel grubstreet.org. L

(617)695-0075. ction; up to 12 pages for screenplays, fi screenplays, for 12 pages to up ction; ction and poetry. Writer must be nominated by by be nominated must Writer poetry. ction and n o i t c i F rst publication, 1 in each category of fi of category 1 in each publication, rst _ NEW WRITERS AWARD NEW WRITERS AWARD announced in winter. announced are poetry, fi poetry, are and teleplays. All mss must be typed with a 12-pt font be font typed a 12-pt with must All mss teleplays. and [email protected]. size or larger and cannot be single-spaced (except for for be (except single-spaced cannot and larger size or specifi FAX: publisher or can submit work if self-published. Accepts Accepts if self-published. work submit can or publisher projects. projects. poetry). Include application with project proposal and and proposal project with application poetry). Include Accepted care.” with guidelines Please follow petitive. phone. Submission period is May–June. plays. Entries are judged by work sample as specifi sample work by judged are Entries plays. be consulted for exact date. Results announced in the announced Results exact date. for be consulted budget, as well as résumé with name, address, phone, phone, address, name, with as résumé well as budget, be unpublished or previously published. Washington Washington published. previously or be unpublished ber colleges. ber colleges. orarium of $500 will be guaranteed the author by each each by author the be $500 will guaranteed of orarium entrants by mail and on website. on and mail by entrants e-mail and novel/story title. “GAP awards are highly com- are awards “GAP title. novel/story and e-mail creative nonfi creative SITE: fall. Winners notifi Winners fall. Submit 4 copies of the book to Greg Wegner. Results Results Wegner. the book Greg of to 4 copies Submit State residents only. Length: 8 pages max for poetry, fi poetry, max for Length: 8 pages only. residents State nonfi nonfi tion, graphic novels, experimental work and creative creative and experimental work novels, graphic tion, inquiries by e-mail. Judged by professors from mem- from professors by Judged e-mail. by inquiries in the guidelines. Winners are selected by a discipline- selected by are in the Winners guidelines. GUIDELINES: GREAT LAKES COLLEGES ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION LAKES COLLEGES GREAT fi GLCA member college they visit. they visit. college member GLCA Guidelines available in May. Accepts inquiries by mail, mail, by inquiries Accepts in May. available Guidelines 535 W. William, Suite 301, Ann Arbor MI 48103. 301, Ann Arbor Suite William, 535 W. THE GRUB STREET BOOK PRIZE IN FICTION BOOK PRIZE IN FICTION STREET THE GRUB (734)661-2350. Winners are invited to tour the GLCA colleges. An hon- colleges. theGLCA tour to invited are Winners 160 Boylston St., Boston MA 02116. (617)695-0075. St., 160 Boylston Approximately the 4th Friday of June. Website should should Website June. of the 4th Friday Approximately T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 39 CONTESTROUNDUP

for a group of 15 adult writers of mixed experience.” 5,000 words max per entry. Cover letter should include DEADLINE: Diff erent deadlines apply for each cate- name, address, phone, e-mail, story title, place(s) gory. Results announced 2–3 months aft er submission where story was previously published (if any). Only the deadline. Previous winners: Alan Cheuse’s To Catch the title should be on the actual ms. Writers may submit Lightning, Dinty W. Moore’s Between Panic and Desire own work. “Read past winning entries at www.winnin and Rick Barot’s Th e Darker Fall. gwriters.com/contests/tomstory/ts_pastwinners.php. We received 1,641 entries for the 2009 contest.” Judged LORIAN HEMINGWAY by a former journalist and magazine editor, John H. SHORT STORY COMPETITION Reid. Mr. Reid has judged literary contests for more P.O. Box 993, Key West FL 33041-0993. (305)294-0320. than15 years. He has published several novels, a col- E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.short lection of poetry, a guide to winning literary contests storycompetition.com. CONTACT: Jeff Baker, co-director; and 15 books of fi lm criticism and movie history. He Joanne Denning, contest development director. Award is assisted by Dee C. Konrad, a leading educator and to “encourage literary excellence and the eff orts of writ- published author, who served as Associate Professor of ers whose voices have yet to be heard.” PRIZE: $1,000 English at Barat College of DePaul University and dean (fi rst prize), $500 (second prize), $500 (third prize), of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the year 2000–2001. honorable mentions. Th e Saturday Evening Post will DEADLINE: March 31. Results announced September be in addition to the fi rst-place prize of $1,000. ENTRY 15. Winners notifi ed by e-mail. Results made available FEE: $12. GUIDELINES: Competition for short stories. to entrants on website. Judged by a panel of writers, editors and literary scholars selected by author Lorian Hemingway. Guidelines THE JULIA WARD HOWE/BOSTON available in January for SASE, by e-mail or on website. AUTHORS AWARD DEADLINE: See website. 79 Moore Rd, Wayland MA 01778. (617)783-1357. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.boston TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID authorsclub.org. CONTACT: Alan Lawson. Th is annual SHORT STORY CONTEST award honors Julia Ward Howe and her literary friends (866)946-9748. FAX: (413)280-0539. E-MAIL: johnreid who founded the Boston Authors Club in 1900. It also @mail.qango.com. WEBSITE: www.winningwriters.com. honors the membership over 111 years, consisting of Th is award honors the best short stories, essays and novelists, biographers, historians, governors, senators, other works of prose being written today.” Annual. philosophers, poets, playwrights and other luminar- PRIZE: $3,000 (fi rst prize), $1,000 (second prize), $400 ies. PRIZE: $1,000 in each category. ENTRY FEE: None. (third prize), $250 (fourth prize). Th ere will also be GUIDELINES: Th ere are 2 categories: trade books and 5 High Distinction Awards of $200 each and 6 Most books for young readers (beginning with chapter books Highly Commended Awards of $150 each. Th e top 10 through young adult books). Works of fi ction, nonfi c- entries will be published on the Winning Writers web- tion, memoir, poetry and biography published in cur- site and announced in Tom Howard Contest News and rent year are eligible. Authors must live or have lived the Winning Writers Newsletter. ENTRY FEE: $15 per (college counts) within a 100-mile radius of Boston. entry. Make checks payable to Winning Writers (U.S. Subsidized books, cook books and picture books are not funds only, please). GUIDELINES: Guidelines avail- eligible. DEADLINE: January 15. able in July on website. Prefers inquiries by e-mail. Categories: All entries are judged in 1 group. “Both INDIANA REVIEW ½ K (SHORT-SHORT/ published and unpublished works are accepted. In the PROSE-POEM) CONTEST case of published work, the contestant must own the BH 465/Indiana University, 1020 E. Kirkwood Ave., online publication rights.” Open to all writers. Length: Bloomington IN 47405-7103. (812)855-3439. FAX:

40 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 I 41 1 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:36:35 PM WritersDigest —James Scott Bell “You think you can get away with that?” away can get you think “You works.” “Whatever too.” “Disbarment works, what that’ll that? Know to try want to prove “You what I will or will not do.” to know presume “Don’t wife, Phil.” better than your you “I know make you look like?” you make Don’t let your scenes fall into cliché or monotony. fall into cliché or monotony. scenes let your Don’t If you’re stuck on a scene in the revision process, try process, stuck on a scene in the revision If you’re I once wrote a scene between competing lawyers. competing lawyers. a scene between I once wrote All that just from playing with dialogue. Try it, and with dialogue. Try playing All that just from mail. ed by his wife. with dialogue, writing up your Liven there. were know back and fi about. out what the scene is really gure back and fi gator on Phil for six months. And had pictures and gator on Phil for six months. And had pictures and it out, of course, but it seemed far better to explore to explore it out, of course, but it seemed far better across the page, but unless they are engaged in engaged are they but unless the page, across and keep readers (and contest judges) reading. (and contest judges) readers and keep the implications. What that led to was a plot point the implications. What that led to was a plot point pitched battle, the reader just won’t care. just won’t pitched battle, the reader dia- your just that is to make do nique to help you story into your through and brings readers ow logue fl places and dates Phil would not want revealed to to places not want revealed and dates Phil would much about it. When you’re fi nished, you can look nished, you fi much about it. When you’re Part of it went like this: like of it went Part characters’ speech, words and rhythm. speech, words characters’ did the character say that? I could have just edited edited just did the character say that? I could have scenes to prop it up. Colorful characters can fl it it up. Colorfulscenes to prop characters can fl you’ll discover undercurrents for your scene you didn’t didn’t scene you for your undercurrents discover you’ll where the one lawyer revealed he’d had an investi- he’d revealed the one lawyer where writing it using only dialogue. Let it fl ow. Don’t think Don’t ow. writing it using only dialogue. Let it fl USE GOOD DIALOGUE TO COLOR COLOR TO DIALOGUE USE GOOD Always look for ways to freshen them up. One tech- to freshen look for ways Always A great story stand without solid will not A great premise YOUR SCENES YOUR That last line of dialogue came out of nowhere. Why Why That last came out of nowhere. line of dialogue mid-October. Results announced in January. Winners Winners in January. announced Results mid-October. notifi

FAX: FAX: and and WEB-

ENTRY ENTRY Results Results

staff WEBSITE: DEADLINE: Alessandra Alessandra Review $1,000 plus $1,000 plus

June. ction and prose prose ction and ed by mail. mail. ed by PRIZE: Alessandra Simmons, Simmons, Alessandra Indiana Entries must be unpub- must Entries Indiana Review CONTACT: CONTACT: Entries must be unpub- must Entries

DEADLINE: $15 fee (includes a year’s a year’s (includes $15 fee [email protected].

and outside judges. judges. outside and CONTACT: CONTACT: [email protected]. [email protected]. staff subject. any on style and ction in any GUIDELINES: E-MAIL: ENTRY FEE: ENTRY . 1 GUIDELINES: E-MAIL: 4

d d n i . s g n i t $1,000, publication in the $1,000, publication s i www.indianareview.edu. L

$15 fee for no more than 3 pieces (includes a a (includes 3 pieces than no more for $15 fee n o Indiana Review i t c i F _ INDIANA REVIEW FICTION CONTEST INDIANA REVIEW FICTION CONTEST a good idea to obtain copies of issues featuring past win- issues featuring of a good copies idea obtain to anonymously. For contest results, send SASE. “We look “We send SASE. results, contest For anonymously. announced in August. Winners notifi Winners in August. announced site for detailed guidelines. for site subscription). subscription). lished. Mss will not be returned. No previously pub- previously No be returned. Mss will not lished. eligi- elsewhere, are forthcoming works or lished work, letter should include name, address, phone, e-mail, e-mail, phone, address, name, include should letter lished. Guidelines available in March for SASE, by by SASE, for in March available Guidelines lished. FEE: PRIZE: publication, contributor’s copies and a year’s subscrip- a year’s and copies contributor’s publication, phone, e-mail, on website or in publication. Length: Length: in publication. or website on e-mail, phone, poems no longer than 500 words. 500 words. than poems no longer by ble. Simultaneous submissions accepted, but in the event in the event but accepted, submissions Simultaneous ble. www.indianareview.org. www.indianareview.org. only in the cover letter, as all entries will be considered will be considered as all entries letter, in the cover only of entrant withdrawal, contest fee will not be refunded. be refunded. will not fee contest withdrawal, entrant of outside judges. judges. outside editor. Contest for fi for Contest editor. contest results, send SASE or visit website. See web- website. visit or send SASE results, contest contributor’s copies. Judged by by Judged copies. contributor’s SITE: for.” See website for updates to guidelines. to updates for Seewebsite for.” for a command of language and structure, as well as a well as structure, and language of a command for It’s matter. subject unusual and compelling with facility ms. “We look for command of language and form.” For For form.” and language of command look for “We ms. Simmons, editor. Competition for fi for Competition editor. Simmons, ners to get a more concrete idea of what we are looking are we what idea of concrete a more get to ners number and title of story. Entrant’s name should appear appear should name Entrant’s story. of title and number tion. All entries considered for publication. Judged Judged publication. for considered All entries tion. Length: 35 pages maximum, double-spaced. Open to any Open any to double-spaced. maximum, Length: 35 pages BH 465/Indiana University, 1020 E. Kirkwood Ave., Ave., 1020 E. Kirkwood University, BH 465/Indiana IN 47405-7103. (812)855-3439. Bloomington writer. Cover letter must include name, address, phone phone address, name, include must letter Cover writer. word count and title. No identifying information on on information identifying No title. and count word year’s subscription, 2 issues). Make checks payable to to payable checks 2 issues). Make subscription, year’s 500 words, 3 mss per entry. Open to any writer. Cover Cover writer. Open any to per entry. 3 mss 500 words, Indiana Review (812)855-4253. (812)855-4253. (812)855-4253. T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 41 CONTESTROUNDUP

E.M. KOEPPEL SHORT FICTION AWARD an eff ort to get published.” PRIZE: Off ers cash prizes, P.O. Box 140310, Gainesville FL 32614-0310. WEBSITE: see rules and guidelines for details. ENTRY FEE: See www.writecorner.com. CONTACT: Mary Sue Koeppel, guidelines. GUIDELINES: Competition for short stories editor. Award for short stories. PRIZE: $1,100 fi rst prize, and novels. Guidelines available aft er February 15 for and $100 for editors’ choices. Winning stories published SASE or on website. Accepts inquiries by fax, e-mail on website. ENTRY FEE: $15 fi rst story, $10 each addi- and phone. Entries must be unpublished. Open to any tional story. Make checks payable to Writecorner Press. writer. “Separate categories include speculative fi ction, GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or on web- children’s and teens’ books, plus full-length book cat- site. Entries must be unpublished. Open to any writer. egories and more.” Judged by professional authors, edi- Send 2 title pages: 1 with title only and 1 with title, tors and publishers. “Read the contest rules and guide- name, address, phone, e-mail, short bio. Place no other lines. Don’t skim over them. Rules change and are identifi cation of the author on the ms that will be used revised from year to year. Don’t forget to enclose your in the judging. Accepts inquiries by e-mail and phone. entry fee when mailing your entries.” DEADLINE: June Expects 300+ entries. Judged by award-winning writ- 16. Winners announced at the Annual Writers Roundup ers. DEADLINE: October 1–April 30. Winners notifi ed in September. List of winners available aft er September by mail or phone in July (or earlier). For results, send 30 for SASE. SASE or see website. LESBIAN WRITERS FUND LEAGUE OF UTAH WRITERS CONTEST 116 E. 16th St., 7th Floor, New York NY 10003. (212)529- P.O. Box 1359, St. George UT 84771. (435)619-0331. 8021. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.luwrite. www.astraeafoundation.org. “Th is award is to support the com. CONTACT: Mary Barnes, membership chair. “Th e work of emerging lesbian writers, and to acknowledge LUW Contest has been held since 1935 to give Utah the contributions of established writers to our move- writers an opportunity to get their works read and cri- ment and culture.” Annual. PRIZE: First place awardees tiqued. It also encourages writers to keep writing in and 2 runners-up in the poetry and fi ction categories

BUILD MOMENTUM IN YOUR FICTION Did you ever get lost in the middle of writing a manuscript? 2. Identify whatever this character feels most strongly in Have you ever wondered, deep in revisions, if your story this scene. Fury? Futility? Betrayal? Hope? Joy? Arous- holds together or any longer makes sense? Have you ever al? Shame? Grief? Pride? Self-loathing? Security? lost steam? 3. Recall your own life. What was the time when you Steal from life. That’s what it’s for, isn’t it? How often, most strongly felt the emotion you identiﬁ ed in the when something bad happened to you, did you think last step? to yourself, at least this will be good material for a story 4. In this experience from your life, what twisted the some day? knife or put the icing on the cake? It would have Well, now’s your chance. What has happened to you, its details and speciﬁ cs, are tools with which you can stirred this feeling anyway, but what really provoked make every scene personal and powerful. it was … what? Use the following prompts whenever you are stuck, or 5. Give the details of your experience to your charac- if inspiration simply is low. ter, right now, in this very scene. 1. Choose any scene that seems weak or wandering. — Excerpted from The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose and Who is the point-of-view character? Techniques to Make Your Novel Great by Donald Maass.

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0 1 I 43 / ed ed 0 1 / swr@ .com 88/10/10 1:36:52 PM ENTRY ENTRY Entries Entries ll, ll, senior WEBSITE: E-MAIL: Linda Hengst. Hengst. Linda WritersDigest www.smu.edu/

$1,000 and publi- $1,000 and January 31. Winner 31. Winner January ered annually for Edward Estlin, con- Edward [email protected]. [email protected]. GUIDELINES: Off PRIZE: Jennifer Cranfi Jennifer WEBSITE: CONTACT: CONTACT: None. [email protected]. (214)768-1408. E-MAIL: January 15. Winners notifi 15. Winners January DEADLINE: prize), $300 (second prize), rst CONTACT: CONTACT: (fi FAX: er the process has been completed. has been er the completed. process CONTACT: CONTACT: GUIDELINES: E-MAIL:

ENTRY FEE: ENTRY ction. Open to any writer. Guidelines Guidelines writer. Openction. any to DEADLINE: July 15. Entries may be published or unpub- or be published may 15. Entries July (614)728-6974. www.ohioana.org. www.ohioana.org. Literal Latté Latté Literal $1,000. FAX: FAX: ed in May or June. Award given in October. given Award June. or ed in May $10/story. $10/story. mail. ed by DAVID NATHAN MEYERSON NATHAN DAVID PRIZE FOR FICTION LITERAL LATTÉ FICTION AWARD FICTION AWARD LITERAL LATTÉ available for SASE, by e-mail or on website. Entries Entries website. on or e-mail by SASE, for available anonymous until aft until anonymous lished. Results announced in December. Winners noti- Winners in December. announced Results lished. FEE: PRIZE: DEADLINE: DEADLINE: publication and recognition.” recognition.” and publication by phone. List of winners available in late April for for April in late available winners List of phone. by www.literal-latte.com. www.literal-latte.com. of prose may be submitted; maximum 60 pages, mini- 60 pages, maximum be submitted; may prose of on website. smu.edu; [email protected]. southwestreview. cation in cation must be unpublished. Open to unpublished authors born authors Open unpublished to be unpublished. must type. Guidelines 12-pt double-spaced, 10 pages mum for SASE or on website. must be unpublished. Length: 8,000 words maximum. maximum. Length: 8,000 words be unpublished. must WEBSITE: Southwest Review, P.O. Box 750374, Dallas TX 75275- P.O. Review, Southwest SASE or by e-mail. by or SASE notifi unpublished fi unpublished tributing editor. Award “to provide talented writers writers talented provide “to Award editor. tributing in Ohio or who have lived in Ohio for a minimum of 5 of a minimum in Ohio for lived who have in Ohio or 0374. (214)768-1037. $200 (third prize), up to 7 honorable mentions. mentions. 7 honorable to up prize), $200 (third with 3 essential tools for continued success: money, money, success: continued for tools 3 essential with fi years of age or younger.” Competition for short stories. for Competition younger.” or age of years years. Must be 30 years of age or younger. Up to 6 pieces 6 pieces to Up younger. or age of be 30 years Must years. WALTER RUMSEY MARVIN GRANT GRANT MARVIN RUMSEY WALTER Judged by the editors. Accepts inquiries by e-mail or or e-mail by inquiries Accepts the editors. by Judged 3831. 274 E. First Ave., Suite 300, Columbus OH 43201. (614)466- OH 300, Columbus Suite Ave., 274 E. First 200 East 10th St. Suite 240, New York NY 10003. NY 10003. York 240, New 200 East Suite 10th St. (212)260-5532. Award “to encourage young, unpublished writers 30 writers unpublished young, encourage “to Award ed nal- ction sub- Competition/ ction, screen- and board mem- $5. Make checks pay- checks $5. Make GUIDELINES: ction. Your submission is a submission ction. Your ed by mail. All applications will be All applications mail. ed by ENTRY FEE: ENTRY cation number provided with appli- with provided number cation or announcement an include is may rst-place winners are eligible to apply. apply. to eligible are winners rst-place 3 4

t. Th

d d n ction sample in English (nonfi ction sample to be known will not applicants of e names i . s g Submit up to 20 pages from a novel or a col- or a novel from 20 pages to up Submit n i t

s i L n le in our website and newsletter. All previous fi All previous newsletter. and website le in our o i t c i F _ award for short stories, novels, story collections and and story collections novels, short stories, for award able to Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. Accepts Accepts Justice. for Foundation Lesbian Astraea to able a newspaper, magazine, journal, anthology or profes- or anthology journal, magazine, a newspaper, awarded, you agree to be acknowledged publicly as a publicly be to acknowledged agree you awarded, satisfy all of the following: You are a lesbian-identifi are You the following: satisfy all of submitted work includes some lesbian content (e.g. les- (e.g. content lesbian some includes work submitted sional web publication (excluding personal or self-pro- or personal (excluding publication web sional lection of short stories. Mss must be double-spaced. be double-spaced. must Mss short stories. lection of lished at least 1 piece of your writing (in any genre) in genre) (in any writing your of least 1 piece lished at lesbian writer and agree to have your work publicized as publicized work your have to agree and writer lesbian poetry. poetry or fi poetry or plays or plays are ineligible). You reside in the U.S. Your Your in the U.S. reside You ineligible). are plays or plays pages, so that the judges gain a deeper understanding a deepergain understanding the judges sopages, that profi bian desire, identity and/or perspective). You have pub- have perspective). You and/or identity desire, bian by a publisher, but has not been published yet, you are are you yet, been has not published but a publisher, by bers of the Astraea Foundation are ineligible to apply.” apply.” to ineligible are Foundation the Astraea bers of of your work.” Name should not appear on ms; all pages all pages ms; on appear not should Name work.” your of cation. Writers must submit own work. “To be eligible “To work. own submit must Writers cation. duced homepages). You have not published more than than more published not have You homepages). duced cants have been notifi have cants for an award from the Lesbian Writers Fund, you must must you Fund, Writers the Lesbian from award an for missions, we recommend that you submit at least 10 at submit you that recommend we missions, identifi have must for runners-up). runners-up). for not eligible to apply. Published books or anthologies books anthologies Published or apply. to eligible not guidelines and application instructions. Each year a Each instructions. year application guidelines and An independent reviews applications. new judges set of team of 2 judges in each genre selects anon- the winners genre in each 2 judges of team the judges until the decisions are made and all appli- made and are the decisions until the judges inquiries by e-mail, phone. phone. e-mail, by inquiries ists, except for fi for ists, except reviewed by a panel of lesbian writers who will remain who will remain writers lesbian of a panel by reviewed writer of poetry of fi writer and/or will receive cash awards ($10,000 for awardee; $1,500 awardee; for ($10,000 cash awards will receive with a publisher. If a second book has been If accepted a publisher. with Past judges are excluded. Current staff Current excluded. are judges Past you have edited do not count towards the maximum. If If the maximum. towards count not do edited have you ymously. Th ymously. Write to [email protected] for complete complete for [email protected] to Write 1 book, including a chapbook, in any subject or genre genre or subject in any a chapbook, 1 book, including Astraea sees fi Astraea T “While there is no minimum page limit for fi for limit page is no minimum there “While N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 43 CONTESTROUNDUP

editor. PRIZE: $1,000 and publication in the Southwest Manuscripts should be of high literary quality and Review. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: Open to writ- must be double-spaced and between 150–400 pages ers who have not yet published a fi rst book of fi ction. in length. Milkweed Editions prefers submissions Submissions must be no longer than 8,000 words. Work through its online submissions manager. Winner will should be printed without the author’s name. Name be chosen from the mss Milkweed accepts for publi- and address should appear only on the cover letter. cation each year. All mss submitted to Milkweed will Submissions will not be returned. DEADLINE: May 1. automatically be considered for the prize. Submission Winner announced in August. For notifi cation of the directly to the contest is no longer necessary. Must winning submission, include a SASE. be written in English. Judged by Milkweed Editions. Catalog available on request for $1.50. Guidelines for A MIDSUMMER TALE SASE or online. DEADLINE: Rolling. Entries must be E-MAIL: [email protected]; amtsummer10@ unpublished. Previous winners: Th e Father Shore, by toasted-cheese.com. WEBSITE: www.toasted-cheese. Matthew Eck; Visigoth, by Gary Amdahl; Crossing com. A Midsummer Tale is a summer-themed creative Bully Creek, by Margaret Erhart; Ordinary Wolves, by nonfi ction contest. Topic changes each year. PRIZE: Seth Kantner; Roofwalker, by Susan Power—”this is First: $20 Amazon gift certifi cate, publication; second: the caliber of fi ction we are searching for.” Winners are $15 Amazon gift certifi cate, publication; third: $10 notifi ed by phone. Amazon gift certifi cate, publication. Some feedback is oft en given to entrants. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: MILLION WRITERS AWARD Categories: creative nonfi ction. Guidelines are avail- 5603B W. Friendly Ave., Suite 282, Greensboro NC able May 1 on website. Open to any writer. Judged by 27410. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. 2 Toasted Cheese editors who blind-judge each contest. storysouth.com. CONTACT: Jason Sanford, editor emeri- Each judge has her own criteria for selecting winners. tus. Contest “to honor and promote the best fi ction pub- Send entries to: [email protected] lished annually in online journals and magazines. Th e with the subject line: A Midsummer Tale Contest Entry. reason for the Million Writers Award is that most of Stories must be about something that took place during the major literary prizes for short fi ction (such as the the warm months of the year. Th e word range is 3,000– O. Henry Awards) ignore Web-published fi ction. Th is 5,000 words. Check website for current focus and word award aims to show that world-class fi ction is being limit. “We usually receive around 20 entries.” Accepts published online and to promote this fi ction to the inquiries by e-mail. DEADLINE: June 21. Entries must larger reading and literary community.” PRIZE: Cash be unpublished. Results announced July 31 on website. prize and publicity for the author and story. Categories: Winners notifi ed by e-mail. short stories. Judged by StorySouth judges. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: All stories must be 1,000 words or MILKWEED EDITIONS NATIONAL longer. Open to any writer. Cover letter should include FICTION PRIZE e-mail address, word count, title and publication where 1011 Washington Ave. S., Suite 300, Minneapolis MN story was previously published. Guidelines available in 55415. (612)332-3192. FAX: (612)215-2550. E-MAIL: winter on website. DEADLINE: Varies. Entries must be [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.milkweed.org. previously published. Results announced in spring on CONTACT: Th e editors. Annual award for unpublished website. Winners notifi ed by e-mail. works. “Looking for a novel, novella or a collection of short stories.” PRIZE: Publication by Milkweed Editions NATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION and a cash advance of $5,000 against royalties agreed NOVEL WRITING CONTEST upon in the contractual arrangement negotiated at the 10940 S. Parker Rd #508, Parker CO 80134. (303)841- time of acceptance. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: 0246. FAX: (303)841-2607. E-MAIL: [email protected];

44 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 1 I 45 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:37:15 PM Colorado Colorado DEADLINE: . 15 entries entries . 15 WritersDigest $15. Send credit $15. Send credit ction (short story (short ction $1,500 plus publica- $1,500 plus by Lisa Lenard-Cook nal judge. Cover letter letter Cover nal judge. and actively engaging in engaging actively and PRIZE: ’s editorial staff ENTRY FEE: ENTRY . Competition/award for short short for Competition/award The Mind of Your Story The Mind of Your ction.” Annual. Annual. ction.” Colorado Review Colorado GUIDELINES: Colorado Review Colorado . Payment also accepted via PayPal link from link from via PayPal also accepted . Payment house sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter, hotter, it was house sagged in the square. Somehow, naps, and by noon, afterbefore their three-o’clock and sweet talcum. and sweet mules hitched to Hoover carts fl icked fl ies in the swel- fl icked carts fl mules hitched to Hoover of sweat soft with frostings like teacakes nightfall were to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the court- on the sidewalks, slop; grass grew to red day; bony then: a black dog suffered on a summer’s stiff oaks on the square. Men’s tering shade of the live when I fi rst knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned the streets weather it. In rainy rst knew when I fi Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town old town but it was a tired was an old town, Maycomb collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed and 3) telling details to immerse us in her world and the and 3) telling details to immerse us in her world author of an outstanding short story each year, we hope we short story each outstanding year, an of author a second with only the title of the story. Manuscripts Manuscripts the story. of the title only a second with appear not should names so authors’ ‘blind,’ read are sub- may Writers else in the manuscript.” anywhere are selected to be sent on to a fi to on be sent selected to are stories. Entries must be unpublished and less than 50 less than and be unpublished must Entries stories. novel/ and e-mail phone, address, name, include should sheets: 1 2 cover provide should story “Authors title. pages. Anyone may enter contest. All entries are read read are All entries contest. enter may Anyone pages. 900 stories. approximately Receives phone. her love of fi of her love In this brief paragraph, Lee use 1) accuracy, 2) originality In this brief paragraph, Lee use 1) accuracy, blind by by blind story—and is an intrigued reader. the result degree in literature in 1992. By giving an award to the to award an giving in 1992. By in literature degree card information or make checks payable to to payable checks make or information card collections, literary magazines, annual prize antholo- prize annual magazines, literary collections, mit own work. “Successful short story writers are those are story short writers “Successful work. own mit gies), reading about the craft about gies), reading to honor Liza Nelligan’s life, her passion for writing and and writing for her passion life, Liza Nelligan’s honor to tion in tion the practice of writing.” Accepts inquiries by e-mail, e-mail, by inquiries Accepts writing.” of the practice with name, address, phone, e-mail and title of story, and and story, of title and e-mail phone, address, name, with fi short contemporary reading who are website. Review —Excerpted from —Excerpted $35. about about colorado www.nation reveals

April 1. Opens 1. Opens April ENTRY FEE: ENTRY First place: $500; place: First WEBSITE: ’s multiple narrators narrators multiple ’s Stephanie G’Schwind, G’Schwind, Stephanie : Hogwarts WEBSITE:

PRIZE: Sandy Whelchel, director. director. Whelchel, Sandy DEADLINE: CONTACT: CONTACT: Fiction Short for Prize e Nelligan The Poisonwood Bible The Poisonwood 5 CONTACT: CONTACT: To Kill a Mockingbird To Categories: open to any genre or cate- or genre any to open Categories: 4

[email protected]. [email protected].

d d n i . s g n i als about t s i When creating a vivid palette, it’s important to choose a vivid palette, it’s When creating E-MAIL: ts section of website. ts section website. of L n o i have previously considered. It matters, for example, if It matters, for example, if considered. previously have bia reveals for Rick Moody’s or Ann Beattie’s characters or Ann Beattie’s for Rick Moody’s bia reveals immediate connection with your reader, immersing her immersing her reader, immediate connection with your at once in your story’s particular universe. story’s at once in your and plots. And it also matters if you want to make an an want to make and plots. And it also matters if you and their stories, even what a largely unnamed subur- what a largely and their stories, even the answer yes, it’s true in far more ways than you may may than you ways in far more true it’s yes, the answer ters and plot. Think about what reve example, is Scout Finch in the opening pages of Harper example, is Scout Finch in the opening pages Lee’s classic Lee’s Harry Potter and his friends and their story, what Africa what Africa their story, and his friends and Harry Potter Does it matter where your story your unfolds? Not only is Does it matter where details that are right for your particular story. Here, for Here, particular right for your story. details that are you want to use your setting to help reveal your charac- your setting to help reveal want to use your you USE SETTING AS STORY t c i F _ review.colostate.edu. review.colostate.edu. [email protected]. NELLIGAN PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION FICTION PRIZE FOR SHORT NELLIGAN any writer. Entry form and information available on on available information and Entry form writer. any sheets sent to each entry with SASE. Entries must be must Entries entry SASE. each with to sheets sent second place: $300; third place: $200. place: third $300; second place: lication of novel manuscripts.” manuscripts.” novel of lication benefi editor and friend of many in Colorado State University’s University’s State in Colorado friend many and of editor ognize and reward outstanding ability and to increase increase to and ability outstanding reward ognize and editor/director. “Th editor/director. State University, FortState Collins University, CO(970)491- 80523-9105. unpublished. Length: 20,000–100,000 words. Open to Length: 20,000–100,000 words. unpublished. gory. Judged by editors and agents. Judges’ evaluation evaluation Judges’ agents. and editors by Judged gory. the opportunity for the marketing and subsequent pub- subsequent and the marketing for the opportunity GUIDELINES: alwriters.com. alwriters.com. December 1. was established in memory of Liza Nelligan, a writer, a writer, in memory Lizawas established Nelligan, of English Department, where she received her master’s her master’s received she where English Department, 5449. 9105 Campus Delivery, Dept of English, Colorado English, Colorado of Dept Delivery, 9105 Campus Annual contest “to help develop creative skills, to rec- skills, to creative develop help “to contest Annual T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 45 CONTESTROUNDUP

March 12, 2011. Results announced in July of each year. in September. Winners notifi ed by phone. For contest Winners notifi ed by phone. Results made available to results, send SASE, e-mail or visit website. entrants with SASE. NEW MILLENNIUM WRITING AWARDS NEW LETTERS LITERARY AWARDS Room M2, P.O. Box 2463, Knoxville TN 37901. (423)428- 5101 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City MO 64110-2499. 0389. FAX: (865)428-2302. E-MAIL: DonWilliams7@char ter.net. www.newmillenniumwritings.com/ (816)235-1168. FAX: (816)235-2611. E-MAIL: newlet WEBSITE: awards.html. [email protected]. Award to “fi nd and reward good writ- CONTACT: Don Williams, editor. Award ing from writers who need the recognition and support.” “to promote literary excellence in contemporary fi c- tion.” PRIZE: $1,000 (fi ction, poetry, nonfi ction and PRIZE: First place: $1,500, plus publication; all entries short-short fi ction, 1,000 words or fewer); winners are considered for publication. Judged by 2 rounds of published in NMW and on website. ENTRY FEE: $17 regional writers (preliminary judging). ENTRY FEE: for each submission. GUIDELINES: Off ered twice annu- $15/entry (includes year’s subscription). Make checks ally for unpublished fi ction, poetry, essays or nonfi c- payable to New Letters or send credit card information. tion prose to encourage new fi ction writers, poets and GUIDELINES: Guidelines available in January for SASE, essayists and bring them to the attention of the pub- e-mail, or on website. Award has 3 categories (fi ction, lishing industry. Entrants receive an issue of NMW in poetry and creative nonfi ction) with 1 winner in each. which winners appear. Judged by novelists and short Off ered annually for previously unpublished work. story writers. Entries must be unpublished. Biannual Entries must be unpublished. Open to any writer. Cover competition. Length: 1,000–6,000 words. Guidelines letter should include name, address, phone, e-mail available year round for SASE and on website at www. and title. Winners picked by an anonymous judge of writingawards.com. “Provide a bold, yet organic open- national repute. DEADLINE: May 18. Results announced ing line, sustain the voice and mood throughout, tell an

PAY ATTENTION TO LANGUAGE Telling your good story well often demands a careful exam- • Inappropriate use of introductory phrases contain- ination of the words, the sentences, the paragraphs, the ing infinite verbs chapters, and how they work together to serve the greater • Shifts in diction level or the use of distracting diction whole. Maybe multiple flashbacks aren’t in keeping with • Lack of sentence variety the kind of story you’re telling, with the characters you’re • Lack of sentence focus presenting. Maybe less florid writing would showcase the • Faulty rhythm simplicity of your story and its plotline. Removing clumsy • Accidental rhyme writing, however, is always advisable. • Needless explanation Gardner speaks at length on this subject in the art of • Careless shifts in psychic distance fiction, stating that clumsy writing removes the reader • Mannered writing from the fictional dream as well as undercuts the writer’s Once you’ve finished your second draft, tuck it away in a authority: “where lumps and infelicities occur in fiction, drawer for a while, so you can re-read it a few weeks later the sensitive reader shrinks away a little, as we do when with thoroughly refreshed eyes. Consider recording your an interesting conversationalist picks his nose.” text, then playing it back later, while looking and listen- Gardner’s obvious forms of clumsiness are worth noting: ing for the story’s flow and sentence rhythm. • Inappropriate or excessive use of the passive voice —Esther Hershenhorn

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0 1 I 47 / 0 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:37:30 PM ction ction None. WEBSITE: DEADLINE: and 10 cop- and GUIDELINES: WritersDigest On the Premises Premises On the Pearl ENTRY FEE: ENTRY ective, ective, uncluttered . Results made available available made . Results Marilyn Johnson, fi Johnson, Marilyn $10/story. $10/story. in the small writers ction ed via newsletter and with with and ed via newsletter [email protected]. First prize is $140, second prize is $140, second prize prize First ed. Above all, clearly use the con- clearly all, Above ed. ction, we look most favorably on on look most favorably ction, we CONTACT: April 1–May 31 (postmark). Results Results 31 (postmark). 1–May April ed narratives containing interesting, interesting, containing ed narratives ENTRY FEE: ENTRY PRIZE: $250, publication in $250, publication E-MAIL: On the Premises On the Submissions are accepted by e-mail only. only. e-mail by accepted are Submissions PRIZE: : Marilyn Johnson, Joan Jobe Smith, Barbara Barbara Smith, Jobe Joan Johnson, : Marilyn .” DEADLINE: Pearl Pearl ed if story is accepted elsewhere. Judged by the editors the editors by elsewhere. Judged ed if story is accepted PEARL SHORT STORY PRIZE PRIZE STORY PEARL SHORT and writing experience. “Write something compelling, compelling, something experience. “Write writing and ative, compelling stories told in eff told stories compelling ative, to writers challenges Each contest prose. evocative and site. Include a brief bio and SASE for reply or return return or reply for SASE and bio a brief Include site. should include name, address, e-mail, novel/story title, title, novel/story e-mail, address, name, include should lished. Open everyone.lished. Length: to 1,000–5,000. E-mail publishing opportunities for fi for opportunities publishing publication the continuing support help to and press publication of of publication produce a great story based on a broad premise that our our that premise story a broad based on a great produce believable characters in meaningful situations.” Length: situations.” in meaningful characters believable blindly by a panel of judges with professional editing editing professional with judges of a panel by blindly www.pearlmag.com. www.pearlmag.com. of mss. Entries must be unpublished. “Although we are are we “Although be unpublished. must Entries mss. of fi all types to of open of editor. Award to “provide a larger forum and help widen help and forum a larger “provide to Award editor. of editors supply as part of the contest.” Competition/award Competition/award the contest.” as part of supply editors coherent, well-craft coherent, creative and well-craft and creative ms. Writers may submit own work. Entries are judged judged are Entries work. own submit may Writers ms. magazine in HTML and PDF format. format. PDF and magazine in HTML for short stories. short stories. for See website. Contests held every Contests See 4 months. website. unknown writers who can write what we feel are cre- are feel we what write who can writers unknown test premise. Results announced within 2 weeks of con- of 2 weeks within announced Results premise. test notifi deadline. Winners test to entrants on website and in publication. in publication. and website on entrants to ies of the journal. the journal. ies of GUIDELINES: $100, third prize $70, and honorable mentions recieve recieve mentions honorable $70, and prize $100, third in published are winners $25. All prize with ms attached. No name or contact info should be in should info contact or name No attached. ms with Hauk. Hauk. fi Open to any writer. Guidelines for SASE or on web- on or SASE for Guidelines writer. Open any to Check website for exact dates. Entries should be unpub- should Entries exact dates. for website Check 3030 E. Second St., Long Beach Long 3030 E. Second CA 90803-5163. St., (562)434-4523. 4,000 words or fewer. Accepts queries by e-mail or fax. or e-mail by queries Accepts fewer. or 4,000 words Accepts simultaneous submissions, but asks to be asks to noti- but submissions, simultaneous Accepts On Tarl New $1,000. $1,000. ohioana@ lled with CONTACT: CONTACT: cant contribu- ed by letter in in letter ed by PRIZE: CONTACT: CONTACT: E-MAIL: Recipient must have have must Recipient : November 17 and June June 17 and : November ur pages brim with prize- with brim ur pages www.ohioana.org. www.ohioana.org. ction, essays and other specula- other and ction, essays [email protected]. [email protected]. is a forward-looking periodical is a forward-looking (614)728-6974.

DEADLINE GUIDELINES: on, John Updike, Sharyn McCrumb, Sharyn McCrumb, Updike, John on, : December 31. Results announced announced : December 31. Results FAX: 7 4

WEBSITE:

aims to promote newer and/or relatively relatively and/or newer promote to aims

d None. d E-MAIL: n i ered to an author whose body of work has has whose body work of author an to ered . www.onthepremises.com. www.onthepremises.com. s g nd their work displayed alongside such well- such alongside displayed nd their work n i t DEADLINE s i L n o i t c i F ed by mail and phone. All entrants will receive a list of a list of will receive All entrants phone. and mail ed by _ known writers as Shel Silverstein, Khaled Hosseini, Ted Ted Khaled Hosseini, Silverstein, as Shel writers known literature has been encouraged and children have have children has been and encouraged literature ENTRY FEE: ENTRY poetry from writers at all stages of their careers. First- their careers. of all stages poetry at writers from become involved with reading. Nomination forms for for forms Nomination reading. with become involved been born in Ohio or lived in Ohio at least 5 years. least 5 years. been in Ohio at lived born in Ohio or e-mail. Off e-mail. entertaining and vital story with a strong ending. ending. story vital a strong with and entertaining outstanding poetry, fi poetry, outstanding made, and continues to make, a signifi make, to continues and made, for writers and lovers of good reading. It is fi It good reading. of lovers and writers for WEBSITE: SASE. SASE. tion to literature for children or young adults through through adults young or children for literature to tion and administrator or teacher as a writer, their work in children’s service, interest their community through ter-sized SASE with entry for list. entry with for SASE ter-sized tions on subjects both topical and timeless about life life timeless about and both topical subjects on tions fi timers in August or September. Winners notifi Winners September. or in August in our astonishing times. O times. astonishing in our ohioana.org. ohioana.org. ON THE PREMISES CONTEST ON THE PREMISES CONTEST the Premises Premises the Linda Hengst, executive director. director. executive Linda Hengst, Lee Smith, Norman Mailer, Madison Smartt Bell and Smartt Madison Mailer, Norman Lee Smith, winners, plus a copy of the annual anthology. Send let- anthology. the annual of copy a plus winners, Roger Kudrick or Bethany Granger, co-publishers. “ co-publishers. Granger, Bethany or Kudrick Roger winning essays, humor, illustration, writing advice and and advice writing illustration, humor, essays, winning fi May. For contest results, call or e-mail. call or results, contest For May. Kooser, Lucille Clift Lucille Kooser, Guidelines for SASE. Accepts inquiries by phone and and phone by inquiries Accepts SASE. for Guidelines Cormac McCarthy.” Cormac McCarthy.” 262-2168. 274 E. First Ave., Suite 300, Columbus OH 43201. 43201. OH 300, Columbus Suite Ave., 274 E. First AWARD FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD (614)466-3831. Millennium Writings 4323 Gingham Court, Alexandria VA 22310. (202) Court, VA Alexandria 4323 Gingham 17. Results announced October and April. Winners noti- Winners April. October and announced 17. Results (ALICE WOOD MEMORIAL) OHIOANA MEMORIAL) OHIOANA (ALICE WOOD T N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 47 CONTESTROUNDUP

announced in September. Winners notifi ed by mail. For PUSHCART PRIZE contest results, send SASE, e-mail or visit website. P.O. Box 380, Wainscott NY 11975. (516)324-9300. WEBSITE: www.pushcartprize.com. CONTACT: Bill KATHERINE ANNE PORTER Henderson, president. Award to “publish and rec- PRIZE IN SHORT FICTION ognize the best of small press literary work.” PRIZE: 1155 Union Cir., #311336, Denton TX 76203-5017. Publiegories: short stories, poetry, essays on any subject. (940)565-2142. FAX: (940)565-4590. E-MAIL: karen. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: cation in Pushcart Best [email protected]. WEBSITE: web3.unt.edu/untpress. of the Small Presses anthology. CatEntries must be previ- CONTACT: Laura Kopchick, Univ. of Texas at Arlington. ously published. Must have been published during the Contest is off ered annually. Prize is awarded to a col- current calendar year. Open to any writer. Nomination lection of short fi ction.” PRIZE: $1,000 and publica- by small press publishers/editors only. tion by University of North Texas Press (standard DEADLINE: December 1. author contract). ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: See website. All entries should contain identifying mate- THE SCARS EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARDS edi rial only on the 1 cover sheet. Entries are read anon- 829 Brian Court, Gurnee IL 60031-3155. E-MAIL: [email protected]. scars.tv. ymously. Entries may include both unpublished and WEBSITE: CONTACT: Janet previously published stories, but collection as a whole Kuypers, editor/publisher. Award “to showcase good has to be previously unpublished. In years when the writing in an annual book.” PRIZE: publication of story/ essay and 1 copy of the book. ENTRY FEE: $18/entry. judge is announced, we ask that students of the judge GUIDELINES: Categories: short stories. For contest not enter to avoid a perceived confl ict. Judged by a dif- results, send SASE or e-mail or look at the contest page ferent eminent writer each year. Some prefer to remain at website. Entries may be unpublished or previously anonymous until conclusion of contest. DEADLINE: published. Open to any writer. For guidelines, visit web- postmarked May 1–June 30. site. Accepts inquiries by e-mail. Length: “We appreciate PRAIRIE SCHOONER BOOK PRIZE SERIES shorter works. Shorter stories, more vivid and more real storylines in writing have a good chance.” DEADLINE: 201 Andrews Hall, P.O. Box 880334, Lincoln NE 68588- Revolves for appearing in diff erent upcoming books as 0334. WEBSITE: prairieschooner.unl.edu. CONTACT: winners. Results announced at book publication, online. “Attn: Fiction.” Annual. Competition/award for story Winners notifi ed by mail when book is printed. collections. PRIZE: $3,000 and publication through the University of Nebraska Press for 1 book of short fi ction A. DAVID SCHWARTZ FICTION PRIZE and 1 book of poetry. ENTRY FEE: $25. Make checks pay- Dept. of English; University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, able to Prairie Schooner. GUIDELINES: Entries should be Milwaukee WI 53201. (414)229-4708. E-MAIL: info unpublished. Send full manuscript (the author’s name @creamcityreview.org. WEBSITE: www.creamcityreview. should not appear anywhere on the ms). Send 2 cover org. CONTACT: Jay P. Johnson, editor-in-chief. Purpose: pages: 1 listing only the title of the ms, and the other “to recognize what the judge determines to be the most listing the title, author’s name, address, telephone num- original, well-craft ed work of previously unpublished ber and e-mail address. Send SASE for notifi cation of short fi ction. We are devoted to publishing memorable results. All mss will be recycled. You may also send an and energetic fi ction, poetry and creative nonfi ction by optional SAS postcard for confi rmation of receipt of new and established writers. Cream City Review is par- ms. DEADLINE: Submissions are accepted January 15– ticularly interested in publishing new voices; our repu- March 15; check website for updates. Winners notifi ed tation and long publishing history attracts well-known by phone or e-mail. Results made available to entrants writers, oft en leading to unpublished writers appear- on website and in publication. ing next to poet laureates. Our contest is open to all

48 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 1 I 49 / 0 1 / .com Arun 88/10/10 1:37:47 PM PRIZE: PRIZE: June 20. June WEBSITE: cate, sub- PHONE/FAX: PHONE/FAX: WritersDigest Pat MacAodha. MacAodha. Pat CONTACT: CONTACT: $15 fee; no fee for for no fee $15 fee; DEADLINE: Categories: short sto- Categories: Guidelines for #10 SASE, SASE, #10 for Guidelines rec- and er encouragement CONTACT: CONTACT: [email protected]. [email protected].

ENTRY FEE: ENTRY [email protected]. $3/entry, make checks payable to to payable checks make $3/entry, GUIDELINES: E-MAIL: GUIDELINES: . E-MAIL: ed by mail. For contest results, visit web- visit results, contest For mail. ed by “off to annually ered www.skippingstones.org. www.skippingstones.org. ENTRY FEE: ENTRY KAY SNOW WRITING AWARDS WRITING AWARDS SNOW KAY available by SASE, e-mail or on website. Accepts inqui- Accepts website. on or e-mail SASE, by available able for winners. For contest results, send SASE, e-mail e-mail send SASE, results, contest For winners. for able as multicultural and nature awareness in youth.” in youth.” awareness nature and as multicultural appear in our newsletter. newsletter. in our appear SKIPPING STONES YOUTH AWARDS AWARDS YOUTH SKIPPING STONES scription to magazine, plus 5 multicultural or nature nature or 5 multicultural plus magazine, to scription sitive to cultural diversity.” Cover letter should include include should letter Cover diversity.” cultural to sitive student writers. writers. student site. Everyone who enters receives the issue which fea- receives who enters Everyone site. books. www.willamettewriters.com. www.willamettewriters.com. ognition to writers with unpublished submissions.” submissions.” unpublished with writers to ognition or visit website. visit or excerpts published in Willamette Writers newsletter, and and newsletter, Writers in Willamette published excerpts grades 1–5, for win $50 in categories writers Student ence. maximum. Open to any writer ages 7–17. Guidelines 7–17. Guidelines ages writer Open any to maximum. fax, by e-mail or on website. Acquires right to publish publish to right Acquires website. on or e-mail fax, by WEBSITE: name, address, phone and e-mail. e-mail. and phone address, name, to best overall entry. Prize winners will be honored at at will be winners honored Prize entry. bestto overall Press Conference. Writers’ Willamette August the 2-day tures the award winners. the award tures in the summer issue. Attractive gold honor seals avail- honor gold Attractive in the summer issue. ing the winners, and excerpts from winning entries may may entries winning from excerpts and the winners, ing ries. Entries must be unpublished. Length: 1,000 words Length: 1,000 words be unpublished. must ries. Entries use Do ste- not “Be creative. phone. or e-mail ries by Be plots. sen- or language violent excessive or reotypes releases will be sent to local and national media announc- national local to and will bereleases sent N. Toké. Annual awards to “promote creativity as well as well creativity “promote to awards Annual N. Toké. winners acknowledged at banquet during writing confer- writing during banquet at acknowledged winners Results announced in the September/October announced issue. Results Skipping Stones First place: $300; second place: $150; third place: $50; place: $150; third $300; second place: place: First Publication in the autumn issue, honor certifi honor issue, in the autumn Publication P.O. Box 3939, Eugene OR 97403-0939. OR BoxEugene 3939, P.O. Contest off Contest 6–8 and 9–12. $500 Liam Callen Memorial Award goes Award Callen 9–12. $500 Liam Memorial 6–8 and 9045 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 5A, Portland OR 97219. OR Portland 5A, Suite Blvd., 9045 SW Barbur (541)342-4956. (503)452-1592. Winners notifi Winners

to PRIZE: Cream www. ENTRY ENTRY cations, cations, . Receives . Receives honor cer- honor DEADLINE: rst page of of page rst PRIZE: . WEBSITE: ed by e-mail. Winners Winners e-mail. ed by Cream City Review City Cream Arun N. Toké. Annual Annual Arun Toké. N. $15. Fee includes the includes $15. Fee ction. Judged by “a multi- “a by Judged ction. Guidelines available on web- on available Guidelines Cream City Review Guidelines for SASE or e-mail e-mail or SASE for Guidelines CONTACT: CONTACT: ed through personal notifi ENTRY FEE: ENTRY 9 4

GUIDELINES: d d . February 1. Results announced in May each each in May announced 1. Results February n i . GUIDELINES: [email protected] s g n i t s i L n $50. o i t c cates, seals, reviews, press release/publicity. release/publicity. seals, reviews, press cates, i F _ award-winners issue. Make checks payable to to payable checks Make issue. award-winners awards since 1994 to “promote multicultural and/or and/or multicultural “promote since 1994 to awards announced February/March. Results made available to to made available Results February/March. announced ative ways. Writings that come out of your own experi- own your of out come that Writings ways. ative and on website. Categories: short stories, novels, story novels, short stories, Categories: website. on and the period to a 2-year prior during in print appeared SKIPPING STONES HONOR BOOK AWARDS HONOR BOOK AWARDS SKIPPING STONES site. Anyone may enter contest. Length: A work of more more of Length: A work contest. enter may Anyone site. phone, address, name, include should letter Cover sive. FEE: DEADLINE: E-MAIL: press release and by publishing reviews of winning titles titles winning reviews of publishing by and release press books that promote intercultural, international, inter- international, intercultural, promote books that original and previously unpublished.” Annual. Annual. unpublished.” previously and original e-mail, novel/story title. Also include on fi on Also title. include novel/story e-mail, entrants with SASE, on website. on SASE, with entrants ences and cultural understanding seem to have an edge.” edge.” an seem have to understanding cultural ences and skippingstones.org. skippingstones.org. collections, poetrycollections, nonfi and stu- parents, librarians, teachers, of committee cultural published. be previously must editors.”Entries and dents fax, phone. e-mail, by inquiries Accepts deadline date. dren and teens and their educators.” their educators.” and teens and dren ms. Writers may submit own work. “See aesthetic state- “See work. own submit may Writers ms. of issues previous read ment; gain an understanding of the work we are interested interested are we the work of understanding an gain nature awareness through creative writings for chil- for writings creative through awareness nature generational harmony and understanding through cre- through understanding and harmony generational tifi than 30 pages would have to be particularly impres- be to particularly have would 30 pages than guest judges. by judged are Entries judge.” tion (April/May). Winners notifi Winners (April/May). tion in publishing; familiarize yourself with the work of the of the work with yourself familiarize in publishing; $1,000 plus publication in publication $1,000 plus writers in all places, so long as the work is in English, in English, is as the work so in all places, long writers P.O. Box 3939, Eugene OR 97403-0939. (541)342-4956. OR Box 3939, Eugene P.O. Early December. Results announced at time of publica- time of at announced Results December. Early year. Winners notifi Winners year. Open to published books and teaching resources that that resources teaching books and Open published to 50–250 entries. 50–250 entries. City Review T “We seek authentic, exceptional, child/youth friendly child/youth exceptional, seek authentic, “We N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 49 CONTESTROUNDUP

excerpts from winning pieces 1 time in their newsletter. SHOW, DON’T TELL Accepts inquires by fax, phone and e-mail. DEADLINE: April 23. Winners notifi ed by mail and phone. For con- The most effective writing—regardless of POV—lets test results, send SASE. the reader see things through the eyes of the characters instead of the eyes of the author or omni- SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL scient narrator. 711 E. Wells Ave., Pierre SD 57501-3369. (605)773-3301. He was tall, 6 foot 2, with a nose to match, tall, thin E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.artscouncil. and straight. sd.gov. CONTACT: Michael Pangburn, executive direc- That’s the author talking. Instead, try this: tor. “Artist Fellowships ($5,000), Artist Project Grants ($1,000–2,000) and Artist Collaboration Grants (up He caught sight of his 6-foot-2 refl ection in the to $6,000) are planned for fi scal 2011.” ENTRY FEE: window of a bagel shop, paused and studied his None. GUIDELINES: Open to South Dakota residents thin, straight nose, both in profi le and straight on. only. Students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate Straight on, he decided, always show his nose to degree are ineligible. Guidelines and application avail- her straight on. Never from the side. able on website only. Applicants must submit signature This approach provides the same facts without stop- page through the mail. All other materials are submit- ping the story as if to say, “I’m going to describe ted online through an e-grant system. Application somebody now.” We see the refl ection through the materials include current résumé no longer than 5 character’s eyes, not the author’s keyboard. We see pages; appropriate samples of artistic work (see guide- action, both actual and implied. Plus, we learn some- lines); up to 5 pages additional documentation; SASE thing about the character’s personality. He’s vain with adequate postage for return of ms (if desired). about the nose. DEADLINE: March 1. Here’s another example of seeing through a character’s eyes. In this brief scene only the characters SOUTHWEST WRITERS (SWW) CONTESTS do the talking. 3721 Morris St. NE, Suite A, Albuquerque NM 87111-3611. (505)265-9485. E-MAIL: Swwriters@juno. “You’ve got a stiff neck or something?” she asked. com. WEBSITE: www.southwestwriters.org. CONTACT: “No—why?” Contest chair. Th e SouthWest Writers (SWW) Contest “You keep turning your body instead of your head encourages and honors excellence in writing. PRIZE: when you look at me.” First, second and third place winners in each category also receive cash prizes of $150, $100 and $50 (respec- The characters describe the action to each other; it’s tively), as well as a certifi cate of achievement. First place entirely between quote marks. The author stays out of winners also compete for the $1,000 Storyteller Award. the picture and lets the characters react to each other Winners will be honored at a contest awards banquet and to events. You do your best writing when the peo- (date and time TBA). ENTRY FEE: Early deadline with- ple in the story make things happen. Naturally, there’s out critique, $20 for members; $30 for nonmembers; nothing wrong with narration. But when you reveal poetry $10 for fi rst poem, $5 for each additional poem; information this way, nobody, neither an author nor a late deadline, an additional $5. Early deadline with cri- narrator, interprets for the reader. Instead the reader tique, $45 for members; $55 for nonmembers; late dead- interprets on her own. line, an additional $5. Pay by cash, check (made out to — Excerpted from The Writer’s Little Helper SouthWest Writers), money order or credit card. No cover by James V. Smith letter is required; send copy of the SWW Contest Entry Form. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available in January by

50 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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0 c- I 51 1 / E- 0 for 1 / .com 88/10/10 1:38:02 PM E-MAIL: Contact Contact CONTACT: CONTACT: Entries must must Entries WritersDigest All manuscripts All manuscripts $1,000 and pub- $1,000 and cation of the win- sycamore@purdue. (785)864-1159. Sycamore ReviewSycamore ered annually for fi for annually ered Submit 1 short story ENTRY FEE: ENTRY www.ku.edu/~sfcenter. www.ku.edu/~sfcenter. PRIZE: FAX: ction short story the of E-MAIL: www.greensbororeview.org. www.greensbororeview.org. GUIDELINES: WEBSITE: None. Entries must be previously be previously must Entries None. $14. $1,000 each for best short story $1,000 each for and See website. GUIDELINES: WEBSITE: www.sycamorereview.com. www.sycamorereview.com. e Greensboro Review. Review. Greensboro e Th Trophy. Winners receive expense-paid expense-paid receive Winners Trophy. PRIZE: Jim Clark, editor. Off editor. Clark, Jim James Gunn, professor and director. Award Award director. and professor Gunn, James ENTRY FEE: ENTRY ENTRY FEE: ENTRY [email protected]. PRIZE: DEADLINE: WEBSITE: [email protected]. FOR BEST SHORT SF OF THE YEAR SF OF THE YEAR SHORT FOR BEST IN FICTION AND POETRY IN FICTION AND POETRY any writer. Guidelines for SASE or on website. Judged Judged website. on or SASE for Guidelines writer. any should appear on the manuscript. Include cover let- cover Include the manuscript. on appear should send SASE. lication in Sycamore Review. Review. in Sycamore lication poem. poem. published. Guidelines available in December by phone, phone, in December by available Guidelines published. MAIL: be unpublished. No submissions by e-mail. Open e-mail. to by submissions No be unpublished. by editors of by jury. entry. entry. on permanent trophy. Categories: short stories. Judged Judged stories. short Categories: trophy. permanent on e-mail or on website. Accepts inquiries by e-mail and and e-mail by inquiries Accepts website. on or e-mail count. Include SASE to receive notifi receive to SASE Include count. fax. Entrants for the Sturgeon Award are by nomina- by are Award the Sturgeon for fax. Entrants for information. information. for meeting literary award guidelines will be considered for for guidelines will be considered award literary meeting ner and check made payable to to made payable check ner and ter with all identifying information along with a word a word with along information all identifying with ter tion only. Results announced in July. For contest results, results, contest For in July. announced Results only. tion tion (7,500 word limit) and poetry and limit) (3–5 poems). Sample word (7,500 tion to “honor the best science fi “honor to trip to the University and have their names engraved engraved their names have and the University to trip issue for $8. issue for edu. CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: CONTACT: Department of English, 500 Oval Dr., Purdue University, University, Purdue 500 Oval English, of Dr., Department Mehdi Okasi, editor-in-chief. editor-in-chief. Okasi, Mehdi KS 66045. (785)864-3380. KS 66045. (785)864-3380. English Department, University of Kansas, Lawrence Lawrence Kansas, of University Department, English year.” year.” Greensboro NC 27402-6170. (336)334-5459. 27402-6170. (336)334-5459. NC Greensboro WABASH PRIZE FOR FICTION PRIZE FOR FICTION WABASH 3302 Hall for Humanities, UNCG, P.O. Box 26170, P.O. UNCG, Humanities, for 3302 Hall THE ROBERT WATSON LITERARY PRIZE PRIZE LITERARY WATSON THE ROBERT THEODORE STURGEON MEMORIAL AWARD AWARD MEMORIAL STURGEON THEODORE (maximum 10,000 words). No identifying information information identifying No 10,000 words). (maximum West Lafayette IN 47907. Lafayette West E- c- ction ction ction. ction. ction/ May 1; May c Guidelines” ction or nonfi ed mail to send send to ed mail DEADLINE: Entries must be pub- must Entries www.westernwriters. ed by mail. For contest contest For mail. ed by elds of Western fi Western elds of Trophy. Categories: short short Categories: Trophy. WEBSITE: ction essay/article, personal essay/ personal essay/article, ction GUIDELINES: PRIZE: Awards coordinator. Purpose of award Purpose award of coordinator. Awards 1 5

ction book, children’s fi book,ction children’s

January 10. Results announced annu- announced 10. Results January

d None. d n i ction.” ction.” . s g n i [email protected]. t s i ed consultant. Personal information should not not should information Personal ed consultant. L n CONTACT: CONTACT: o i t c i F ed by mail and are listed on the SWW website with the with the SWW website on listed are and mail ed by _ appear anywhere on ms. Please follow detailed instruc- Please ms. follow on anywhere appear an SAS postcard to verify receipt. verify to receipt. SAS postcard an and agents (most from New York publishing houses) houses) publishing York New from (most agents and ally in summer. Winners notifi Winners in summer. ally and nonfi and SPUR AWARDS SPUR AWARDS submissions as they will be returned unopened; enclose as they unopened; will be returned submissions submitted in English and follow standard ms format. format. ms standard follow in English and submitted sends top 15 entries in each category to judges. Judges Judges judges. to category in each 15 entries sends top stories, novels, poetry, songs, scripts and nonfi and scripts songs, poetry, novels, stories, literary article, nonfi literary article, lished during the contest year. Open to any writer. writer. Open any to year. the contest lished during late deadline: May 15. Finalists in all categories are noti- are in all categories 15. Finalists deadline: May late ENTRY FEE: ENTRY DEADLINE: plete information on the SWW website.” Accepts inqui- Accepts the SWW website.” on information plete MAIL: entries may receive an optional written critique by a by critique written optional an receive may entries Open all to be unpublished. must Entries website. on or by phone. Inquiries accepted by e-mail or phone. phone. or e-mail by accepted Inquiries phone. by or column, nonfi column, qualifi form in hard copy. Do not use Do certifi not copy. in hard form fantasy/horror novel, historical novel, middle grade or or middle grade novel, historical novel, fantasy/horror SASE, e-mail, on website or in SouthWest Sage SWW Sage in SouthWest or website on e-mail, SASE, newsletter. Categories: mainstream/literary novel, mys- novel, mainstream/literary Categories: newsletter. tions for submission in “Category Specifi in “Category submission for tions tion picture book, screenplay, poetry. Judged by editors editors by Judged poetry. book, screenplay, picture tion tery/suspense/thriller/adventure novel, science fi novel, tery/suspense/thriller/adventure title of their entry. entry. their of title is “to reward quality in the fi quality reward is “to results, send SASE. results, ries by e-mail, phone. Mail SASE to receive rules, entry receive to SASE Mail phone. e-mail, ries by rank and critique the top 3 entries in each category. All category. in each 3 entries the top critique and rank org. org. writers from around the world. All entries should be should All entries the world. around from writers who are chosen by the contest chairs. Screening panel panel Screening chairs. the contest by chosen who are fi Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131. (615)791-1444. Albuquerque Mexico, Guidelines available in Sept/Oct for SASE, on website website on SASE, in Sept/Oct for available Guidelines YA novel, memoir book, mainstream/ article, memoir memoir novel, YA 1080 Mesa Vista Hall MSC06 3770, 1 University of New New of MSC06 3770, 1 University Hall Vista 1080 Mesa T “Entrants should read the SWW Contest Rules for com- for Rules the SWW Contest read should “Entrants N O C 2 5 - 0 330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 51 CONTESTROUNDUP

cash award as well as for publication in the spring issue title; just title on ms. DEADLINE: July 30. 2,000 words of Th e Greensboro Review.” DEADLINE: September 15. maximum. Results announced in January/February Winners notifi ed by mail, phone or e-mail. List of win- issue. Winners notifi ed by mail. Winners list published ners published in spring issue. “ in WRITERS’ Journal and on website. Enclose SASE for winner’s list. Receives fewer than 150 entries. WRITERS’ JOURNAL ANNUAL FICTION CONTEST WRITERS’ JOURNAL ANNUAL SCIENCE P.O. Box 394, Perham MN 56573. (218)346-7921. FAX: FICTION/FANTASY CONTEST (218)346-7924. E-MAIL: writersjournal@writersjournal. P.O. Box 394, Perham MN 56573. (218)346-7921. FAX: com. WEBSITE: www.writersjournal.com. CONTACT: Leon (218)346-7924. E-MAIL: writersjournal@writersjournal. Ogroske, editor ([email protected]). PRIZE: com. WEBSITE: www.writersjournal.com. CONTACT: Leon First place: $500; second place: $200; third place: $100, Ogroske, editor. Annual contest for previously unpub- plus honorable mentions. Prize-winning stories and lished fi ction up to 2,000 words. Open to any writer. selected honorable mentions published in WRITERS’ PRIZE: First place: $250; second place: $100; third place: Journal July/August issue. ENTRY FEE: $15. GUIDELINES: $50, plus honorable mentions. Prize-winning stories and Off ered annually for previously unpublished fi ction up selected honorable mentions published in WRITERS’ to 5,000 words. Open to any writer. Guidelines and Journal. ENTRY FEE: $7. GUIDELINES: Guidelines avail- entry forms available for SASE and on website. Accepts able for SASE and on website. Accepts inquiries by fax, inquiries by fax, e-mail and phone. “Writer’s name must e-mail and phone. Writer’s name must not appear on not appear on submission. A separate cover sheet must submission. A separate cover sheet must include name include name of contest, title, word count and writer’s of contest, title, word count and writer’s name, address, name, address, phone and e-mail (if available).” Receives phone and e-mail (if available).” DEADLINE: November fewer than 350 entries. DEADLINE: January 30. Results 30. Results announced in May/June. Winners notifi ed announced in July/August. Winners notifi ed by mail. by mail. A list of winners is published in July/August issue and posted on website. ZOETROPE SHORT STORY CONTEST 916 Kearny St., San Francisco CA 94133. (415)788- WRITERS’ JOURNAL ANNUAL 7500. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. ROMANCE CONTEST all-story.com. FAX: (415) 989-7910. CONTACT: Krista P.O. Box 394, Perham MN 56573. (218)346-7921. FAX: Halverson, managing editor. Annual contest for unpub- (218)346-7924. E-MAIL: writersjournal@writersjournal. lished short stories. PRIZE: First place: $1,000; second com. WEBSITE: www.writersjournal.com. CONTACT: place: $500, third place: $250; plus 7 honorable men- Leon Ogroske, editor. Off ered annually for previously tions. Th e winning story will be published at the web- unpublished works. Open to any writer. PRIZE: First site as a special supplement to the spring issue. ENTRY place: $250; second place: $100; third place: $50, plus FEE: $15. GUIDELINES: Guidelines for SASE, by e-mail, honorable mentions. Prize-winning stories and selected in publication or on website. Entries must be unpub- honorable mentions published in WRITERS’ Journal. lished. Word length: 5,000 words maximum. Open to ENTRY FEE: $7. GUIDELINES: No limit on entries per any writer. “Please mark envelope clearly ‘short fi ction person. Guidelines for SASE, by fax, phone, e-mail, on contest’. ” For details, please visit the website this sum- website and in publication. Accepts inquiries by fax, e- mer or email us. DEADLINE: October 1. Winners noti- mail, phone. Open to any writer. Cover letter should fi ed by phone or e-mail December 1. A list of winners include name, address, phone, e-mail, word count and are posted on website and listed in spring issue.

JENNIFER BENNER is the assistant editor of Writing Contests.

52 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

330-52CONT_FictionListings.indd0-52CONT_FictionListings.indd 5252 88/10/10/10/10 1:38:101:38:10 PMPM COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER

CHILDREN’S WRITING CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 45 competitions for writers of young adult, middle grade, picture books and more.

an you remember the fi rst book you pulled off the shelf again and again—the one that made you love to read (or be read to, if your Cmemory goes back that far)? Chances are you can—and that’s a tes- tament to the power of children’s literature. If you’re a writer of children’s work and want to try writing’s side door to success, throw your hat in the ring by entering a contest. Winning or placing high in a contest can gain you valuable public attention for your work. Grants off ered by large writing organizations can also off er monetary recognition to writers—giving them more fi nancial freedom as they work on projects. On the following pages, you will fi nd complete listings for 45 contests and awards for writers of children’s fi ction and nonfi ction. You will also fi nd several contests that are specifi cally designed for kid writers—requesting submissions from students of various ages. Th ese contests off er you the opportunity for your work to be judged on the basis of quality alone without the outside factors (like budgets, trends and the marketplace) that sometimes infl uence publishing decisions. Some focus on form, such as picture books, middle grade stories or a young adult novel, while others feature writing on particular themes or topics (such as multicultural stories). Chances are, no matter what type of children’s fi ction or nonfi ction you write, there is a contest or award program that may be a good match for you. Th e submission details of the contests listed here are as varied as the books on a bookstore shelf, so pay close attention each listing’s guidelines, so you give your work the best shot possible. Good luck!

ABBREVIATIONS ISBN: Industry standard book number MS.: Manuscript MSS.: Manuscripts SAS: Self addressed stamped (as in postcard) SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope TBA: To be announced

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AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY individuals in teaching, library work, outreach and WOMEN, NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION, children’s literature specialists. DEADLINE: January 15. AWARD IN JUVENILE LITERATURE 4610 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-4610. AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS CONTACT: Mr. Michael Hill. Annual award. Purpose FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR BEST of award: to recognize the year’s best work of juve- CHILDREN’S BOOK AND BEST YOUNG nile literature by a North Carolina resident. PRIZE: A ADULT BOOK cup to the winner and winner’s name inscribed on a Dallas TX 75225. WEBSITE: www.smu.edu/english/ plaque displayed within the North Carolina Offi ce of creativewriting/The_Texas_Institute_of_Letters.htm. Archives and History. ENTRY FEE: None. Judging by CONTACT: Darwin Payne. PRIZE: $500 for each indi- Board of Award selected by sponsoring organization. vidual award winner every year. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Author must have maintained either legal GUIDELINES: See website for information on eligibil- residence or actual physical residence, or a combina- ity, deadlines and the judges’ names and addresses to tion of both, in the state of North Carolina for 3 years whom the books should be sent Off ered annually for immediately preceding the close of the contest period. work published January 1–December 31 of previous Only published work (books) are eligible. Book must be year to recognize the best book for children and young published during the year ending June 30. Submissions people. Writer must have been born in Texas or have made by author, author’s agent or publisher. SASE for lived in the state for at least 2 consecutive years at 1 time, contest rules. DEADLINE: July 15. or the subject matter must be associated with the state. . DEADLINE: Contact for information. AMERICAS AWARD CLASP Committee on Teaching and Outreach, c/o THE GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, P.O. HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Box 413, Milwaukee WI 53201. (414)229-5986. FAX: Th e Canadian Children’s Book Centre, 40 Orchard View (414)229-2879. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Blvd., Suite 101, Toronto ON M4R 1B9 Canada. (416)975- www4.uwm.edu/clacs/aa/index.cfm. CONTACT: Julie 0010. FAX: (416)975-8970. WEBSITE: www.bookcentre. Kline. Annual award. Estab. 1993. PRIZE: $500 cash ca. Created in Geoff rey Bilson’s memory in 1988. PRIZE: prize, plaque and a formal presentation at the Library $5,000. Please visit website for submissions guidelines and of Congress, Washington, DC. ENTRY FEE: None. eligibility criteria, as well as specifi c submission deadline. GUIDELINES: Visit website or send SASE for contest ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: rules and any committee changes. Up to 2 awards are Awarded annually to reward excellence in the writing of an given each spring in recognition of U.S. published outstanding work of historical fi ction for young readers, by works (from the previous year) of fi ction, poetry, folk- a Canadian author, published in the previous calendar year. lore or selected nonfi ction (from picture books to Open to Canadian citizens and residents of Canada for at works for young adults) in English or Spanish which least 2 years. DEADLINE: mid-December. authentically and engagingly relate to Latin America, the Caribbean or to Latinos in the United States. By THE IRMA S. AND JAMES H. BLACK combining both and linking the “Americas,” the BOOK AWARD intent is to reach beyond geographic borders, as well Bank Street College of Education, Broadway and 112th as multicultural/international boundaries, focusing Street, New York NY 10025-1898. (212)875-4458. FAX: instead upon cultural heritages within the hemisphere. (212)875-4558. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Previously published submissions only. Submissions www.bankstreet.edu/childrenslibrary/irmasimonton open to anyone with an interest in the theme of the blackhome.html. CONTACT: Kristin Freda. Annual award. award. Judging by a review committee consisting of Estab. 1972. PRIZE: A scroll (1 each for the author and

54 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd543-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd54 5454 88/10/10/10/10 1:39:261:39:26 PMPM illustrator) with the recipient’s name and a gold seal only. Submissions made by the author’s agent or nomi- designed by Maurice Sendak are awarded in May.” ENTRY nated by a person or group of people. Must be pub- FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Th e award is given each spring lished in previous year. Judging by a selection commit- for a book for young children, published in the previous tee. DEADLINE: October 15. year, for excellence of both text and illustrations.” Entries must have been published during the previous calendar CALLIOPE FICTION CONTEST year. “Publishers submit books to us by sending them Writers’ Specialized Interest Group (SIG) of American here to the Bank Street Library. Authors may ask their Mensa, Ltd.2506 SE Bitterbrush Dr., Madras, OR 97741. CHILDREN’S CONTESTS publishers to submit their books. Out of these, 3–5 books E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.calliope are chosen by a committee of older children and chil- writers.org. CONTACT: Sandy Raschke. Open to stu- dren’s literature professionals. Th ese children are the fi nal dents. PRIZE: small amount of cash (up to $75 for fi rst judges who pick the actual award winner. DEADLINE: place, to $10 for third), certifi cates, full or mini-sub- Mid-December. scriptions to Calliope and various premiums and books, depending on donations. All winners are published in BONDERMAN BIENNIAL NATIONAL subsequent issues of Calliope. ENTRY FEE: $5 for non- YOUTH THEATRE PLAYWRITING subscribers; subscribers get fi rst entry fee. GUIDELINES: COMPETITION AND DEVELOPMENT Unpublished submissions only (all genres, no violence, WORKSHOP AND SYMPOSIUM profanity or extreme horror). Submissions made by Bonderman Youth Th eatre Playwriting Workshop, author. Judging by fi ction editor, with concurrence Indiana Repertory Th eatre, 140 West Washington of other editors if needed. Requirements for entrants: St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. E-MAIL: bonderma@iupui. Winners must retain suffi cient rights to have their sto- edu. WEBSITE: www.irtlive.com. CONTACT: Dorothy ries published in the January/February issue, or their Webb. Prize: 4 scripts chosen for workshop: each win- entries will be disqualifi ed; 1-time rights. Open to all ner recieves $1000. PRIZE: workshop and $1000. ENTRY writers. No special considerations—other than fol- FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to professional and lowing the guidelines. Contest theme, due dates and non-professional playwrights. Entries not returned. sometimes entry fees change annually. Always send Judging by professional theatre directors, teachers and SASE for complete rules; available aft er March 15 each artists. Requirements for entrants: Contest open only year. Sample copies with prior winners are available for to American playwrights with plays not previously $3. DEADLINE: Changes annually. produced professionally and not currently in development with a theatre. DEADLINE: (tentative) August 16. CANADA COUNCIL GOVERNOR GENERAL’S LITERARY AWARDS ANN CONNOR BRIMER AWARD 350 Albert St., Ottawa ON K1P 5V8 Canada. (613)566- Nova Scotia Library Association, P.O. Box 36036, 4410, ext. 5573. FAX: (613)566-4410. E-MAIL: diane. Halifax NS B3J 3S9 Canada. (902)490-5991. FAX: [email protected]. CONTACT: Diane Miljours. (902)490-5889. WEBSITE: nsla.ns.ca/aboutnsla/brimer Annual award. PRIZE: $25,000 to winning authors; award.html. CONTACT: Heather MacKenzie. Annual $1,000 to non-winning fi nalists. ENTRY FEE: Contact award. PRIZE: $1,000 and framed certifi cate. ENTRY for information. GUIDELINES: Given to the best FEE: None. GUIDELINES: SASE for contest rules and English-language and best French-language work entry forms. Given to an author of a children’s book in each of the 7 categories of fi ction, literary nonfi c- who resides in Atlantic Canada. Requirements for tion, poetry, drama, children’s literature (text), chil- entrants: Book must be intended for use up to age 15; dren’s literature (illustration) and translation. Books in print and readily available; fi ction or nonfi ction must be fi rst-edition trade books that have been writ- except textbooks. Previously published submissions ten, translated or illustrated by Canadian citizens or

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permanent residents of Canada. In the case of translation, GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for work published by the original work written in English or French, must December of previous year. “Th e purpose is to cham- also be a Canadian-authored title. English titles pion all Colorado authors, editors, illustrators and must be published between September 1, 2009 and photographers, and in particular, to honor the award- September 30, 2010. Books must be submitted by pub- winners, raising the profi les of both their work and lishers. DEADLINE: Depends on the book’s publica- Colorado as a state whose people promote and sup- tion date. For books published in English: March 15, port reading, writing and literacy through books. Th e June 1 and August 7. For books published in French: categories are: children’s, young adult and juvenile March 15 and July 15. Th e awards ceremony is sched- literature, fi ction, genre fi ction (romance, mystery/ uled mid-November. thriller, science fi ction/fantasy, historical), biography, history, anthology, poetry, pictorial, graphic novel/ CHILDREN’S AFRICANA BOOK AWARD comic, creative nonfi ction, and general nonfi ction, as c/o Rutgers University, 132 George St., New Brunswick NJ well as other categories as determined each year. Open 08901. (732)932-8173. FAX: (732)932-3394. WEBSITE: to authors who reside or have resided in Colorado.” www.africanstudies.org. Administered by Africa Access, DEADLINE: January. P.O. Box 8028, Silver Spring MD 20910. (301)585-9136. [email protected]. www.africaac E-MAIL: WEBSITE: CRICKET LEAGUE cessreview.org. CONTACT: Brenda Randolph. Estab. Cricket League, P.O. Box 300, Peru IL 61354. E-MAIL: 1991. PRIZE: Plaque, announcement each spring, [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.cricketmag reviews published at Africa Access Review website kids.com/contests. PRIZE: Certifi cate suitable for fram- and in Sankofa: Journal of African Children’s & Young ing and children’s books or art/writing supplies. ENTRY Adult Literature. Judging by Outreach Council of ASA FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to all ages. 9 contests and children’s literature scholars. ENTRY FEE: None. per year. Cricket League rules, contest theme and sub- GUIDELINES: “Th e Children’s Africana Book Awards mission deadline information can be found in the cur- are presented annually to the authors and illustrators rent issue of Cricket and via website. Unpublished sub- of the best books on Africa for children and young missions only. “We prefer that children who enter the people published or republished in the U.S. Th e awards contests subscribe to the magazine or that they read were created by the Outreach Council of the African Cricket in their school or library.” Judging by Cricket Studies Association (ASA) to dispel stereotypes and editors. Obtains right to print prize-winning entries in encourage the publication and use of accurate, bal- magazine and/or on the website. Winning entries are anced children’s materials about Africa. Th e awards published on the Cricket League pages in a subsequent are presented in 2 categories: young children and older Cricket magazine. “Th e purpose of Cricket League readers.” “Work submitted for awards must be suitable for children ages 4–18; a signifi cant portion of books’ contests is to encourage creativity and give young peo- content must be about Africa; must by copyrighted in ple an opportunity to express themselves in writing, the calendar year prior to award year; must be pub- drawing, painting or photography. Th ere is a contest lished or republished in the U.S.” DEADLINE: Contact in each issue. Possible categories include story, poetry, for information. art or photography. Each contest relates to a specifi c theme described on each issue’s Cricket League page COLORADO BOOK AWARDS and on the website. Signature verifying originality, age, (303)894-7951, ext. 21. FAX: (303)864-9361. E-MAIL: address of entrant and permission to publish required. [email protected]. CONTACT: Margaret Entries which do not relate to the current month’s Coval, exec. dir., or Jennifer Long, prog. adjudica- theme cannot be considered.” DEADLINE: Th e 25th of tor. PRIZE: $250 per category. ENTRY FEE: $50 fee. the month.

56 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd563-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd56 5656 88/10/10/10/10 1:39:411:39:41 PMPM DOROTHY CANFIELD FISHER 1010 FAX: (323) 782-1892 E-MAIL: [email protected]. CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD WEBSITE: www.scbwi.org. PRIZE: 1 grant of $1,500 Vermont Department of Libraries, Northeast Regional and 1 runner-up grant of $500. ENTRY FEE: None. Library, 109 State St., Montpelier VT 05609. (802)828- GUIDELINES: “Th e grant-in-aid is available to both 6954. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. full and associate members of the SCBWI who, as dcfaward.org. CONTACT: Mary Linney. PRIZE: A scroll artists, seriously intend to make picture books their presented to the winning author at an award ceremony. chief contribution to the fi eld of children’s literature.” CHILDREN’S CONTESTS ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Requirements for Purpose of award: to “enable picture book artists to entrants: “Titles must be original work, published in the further their understanding, training and work in the U.S. and be appropriate to children in grades 4–8. Th e picture book genre.” DEADLINE: Applications and pre- book must be copyrighted in the current year. It must pared materials are available in October and must be be written by an American or a Canadian author living postmarked February 1–March 1. Grant awarded and in Canada or the U.S.”Purpose of the award: to encour- announced in August. SASE for award rules and entry age Vermont children to become enthusiastic and dis- forms. SASE for return of entries. criminating readers by providing them with books of good quality by living American or Canadian authors GOLDEN KITE AWARDS published in the current year. E-mail for entry rules. Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Judging is by the children grades 4–8. Th ey vote for 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90048. (323)782- [email protected]. www.scbwi. their favorite book. DEADLINE: December of year the 1010. E-MAIL: WEBSITE: book was published. org. CONTACT: SCBWI Golden Kite Coordinator. PRIZE: In addition to statuettes and plaques, the DON FREEMAN MEMORIAL GRANT-IN-AID 4 winners receive $2,500 cash, plus trip to the LA Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, SCBWI Conference. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90048.(323)782- Requirements for entrants: “must be a member of

PACE YOUR PICTURE BOOKS When a writer is looking to share the emotional inten- Even questions can pace. In Looking for a Moose, author sity of her story and ﬁ ll it with heart, she only needs to Phyllis Root asks the question, “What now?” and it pulls investigate a powerful, one-syllable word: pace. readers through the story. She invites them to “TROMP Pace is all about language and sound. As writers, we STOMP! TROMP STOMP!” through the woods—but use questions, repetition and rhythmic descriptions to not just any woods: “treesy-breezy, tilty-stilty, wobbly- pace—because the sound of language matters. Just as knobbly woods.” Root’s very original, built-out-of-words in poetry, the sound and ﬂ ow of words—their variety woods, with its rich rhythm and passionate energies, and structure—impacts the reader. We must share an entice the reader to join in and explore. ear for good rhythm by paying attention to meaning and Root uses onomatopoeia, alliteration, assonance sound. Meaning merges with rhythm. Repetition races, and consonance to increase the pace, so where the and descriptions become infectious. When it all works descriptions would normally slow, the aural energy of together, you can create a fabulous string of words that the language speeds the reader along. And that’s how tickles readers’ fancy. writing can exude tone, energy, sound, action and lan- With picture books, a unique style and voice is essen- guage that becomes so infectious that it frolics. This is tial. Like the lyrics of a song, if pace and rhythm are well the power of pace. crafted, the reader will recite the words again and again. —Jodell Sadler

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SCBWI and books must be published in that year.” author, made by author’s agent, nominated by teachers Winning books will be displayed at national confer- or librarians. Must be published no more than 3 years ence in August. Books to be entered, as well as fur- prior to the award year. DEADLINE: March 15. ther inquiries, should be submitted to: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, above CORETTA SCOTT KING BOOK AWARDS address. “The works chosen will be those that the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Committee, Ethnic judges feel exhibit excellence in writing, and in the and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table, case of the picture books—in illustration, and gen- American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago uinely appeal to the interests and concerns of chil- IL 60611. (800)545-2433 ext: 4297. FAX: (312)280-3256. dren. For the fiction and nonfiction awards, origi- E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.ala.org/csk. PRIZE: nal works and single-author collections of stories or Breakfast held during ALA Annual Conference in June. poems of which at least half are new and never before ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: published in book form are eligible—anthologies and “Th e Coretta Scott King Book Awards is an annual award translations are not. For the illustration awards, the celebrating African-American experience. A new talent art or photographs must be original works (the texts— award may also be selected. An awards jury of children’s which may be fiction or nonfiction—may be original, librarians judges the books from the previous year and public domain or previously published). The panel selects the winners in January at the ALA Midwinter of judges will consist of professional authors, illus- meeting. Call or e-mail ALA Offi ce for Literacy and trators, editors or agents. DEADLINE: December 15. Outreach Services for jury list. DEADLINE: A copy of SASE for award rules. an entry must be sent to each juror by December 1 of the juried year. A copy of the jury list and directions for KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS AWARD submitting titles can be found on website. Lincoln County High School Media Center, 60 Educat, 521 Lancaster Ave., Stanford KY 40484. (606)365- THE VICKY METCALF AWARD FOR 9111. FAX: (606)365-1750. E-MAIL: kay.hensley@ CHILDREN’S LITERATURE lincoln.kyschools.us. WEBSITE: www.kyreading.org. Th e Writers’ Trust of Canada, 90 Richmond St. E., Suite CONTACT: Kay Renee Hensley. PRIZE: A framed certif- 200, Toronto ON M5C 1P1 Canada. (416)504-8222. icate and invitation to be recognized at the annual lun- FAX: (416)504-9090. E-MAIL: [email protected]. cheon of the Kentucky Bluegrass Award. ENTRY FEE: WEBSITE: www.writerstrust.com. CONTACT: James None. GUIDELINES: Contest rules and entry forms are Davies. PRIZE: $20,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: available on the website. Judging by children who par- Open to Canadian residents only. Th e Vicky Metcalf ticipate through their schools or libraries. “Books are Award is presented each fall to a Canadian writer for reviewed by a panel of teachers and librarians before a body of work in children’s literature at Th e Writers’ they are placed on a master list for the year. Th ese Trust Awards event in Toronto. DEADLINE: Contact books must have been published within a 3-year period for information. prior to the review. Winners are chosen from this list of preselected books. Books are divided into 4 divi- MILKWEED PRIZE sions, K–2, 3–5, 6–8, 9–12 grades. Children from the FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE entire state of Kentucky are involved in the selection Milkweed Editions, 1011 Washington Ave. S., Suite 300, of the annual winners for each of the divisions.” Award Minneapolis MN 55415-1246. (612)332-3192. FAX: to promote readership among young children and (612)215-2550. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: young adolescents. Also to recognize exceptional cre- www.milkweed.org. CONTACT: Daniel Slager, publisher. ative eff orts of authors and illustrators. Previously PRIZE: $10,000 advance against royalties agreed to at published submissions only. Submissions made by the time of acceptance. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES:

58 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd583-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd58 5858 88/10/10/10/10 1:40:001:40:00 PMPM Unpublished submissions only “in book form.” Please send SASE or visit website for award guidelines. Th e EXCITING WRITING prize is awarded to the best work for children ages 8– Simple does not mean boring! Joanne Mattern, 13 that Milkweed agrees to publish in a calendar year. author of more than 150 books for children, says, Submissions must follow our usual children’s guide- “I think the most important thing to keep in mind lines. Award to recognize an outstanding literary novel when writing for beginning readers is not to lose the for readers ages 8–13 and encourage writers to turn liveliness of the subject matter. Just because you CHILDREN’S CONTESTS their attention to readers in this age group. DEADLINE: Contact for information. are using simple words and short sentences doesn’t mean that you have to leave out all the details that NATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL give the subject depth. You have to not only keep Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Th eatre, 280 Miracle it simple, but keep it fun! I’ve found the best way Mile, Coral Gables FL 33134. (305)444-9293, ext. 615. to do this is to keep the child in mind as I write and FAX: (305)444-4181. E-MAIL: maulding@actorsplayhouse. think about what he or she would really want to org. WEBSITE: www.actorsplayhouse.org. CONTACT: know about the subject.” Earl Maulding. PRIZE: First prize of $500, full produc- The language for these readers must be engag- tion and transportation to festival weekend based on ing. Use active verbs and specific nouns. Include availability. ENTRY FEE: $10. GUIDELINES: Visit web- wordplay if it fits your subject. Alliteration can be site or send SASE for contest rules and entry forms. appealing, but don’t overdo it unless you are aim- Open to students: to bring together the excitement ing for humor. Rhythm and repetition help the early of the theater arts and the magic of young audiences learner. Not all publishers accept rhyme, so be sure through the creation of new musical works and to cre- to find out before you submit. Even if a publisher ate a venue for playwrights/composers to showcase their prefers to avoid end rhyme, internal rhyme might artistic products. Submissions must be unpublished. be acceptable. Submissions are made by author or author’s agent. Final Other poetic techniques are also inviting. Use judges are of national reputation. Past judges include luscious imagery to describe an unfamiliar object. Joseph Robinette, Moses Goldberg and Luis Santeiro. Onomatopoeia adds zip to language. And it’s OK to DEADLINE: April 1 annually. use an occasional unfamiliar term. That’s how children learn new words. Just try to defi ne any diffi cult NEW ENGLAND BOOK AWARDS words, either in the text or in a glossary. New England Independent Booksellers Association, Not all kids this age have a fi rm grasp of measure- 297 Broadway, #212, Arlington MA 02474. (781) ments, so use comparisons to give them a clearer 316-8894. FAX: (781)316-2605. E-MAIL: nan@neba. picture. Say “as narrow as a pencil” or “the size of a org. WEBSITE: www.newenglandbooks.org/Default. door” to help them understand inches and feet—and aspx?pageId=234046. CONTACT: Nan Sorensen. include metric equivalents. PRIZE: Winners will receive $250 for literacy to a char- ity of their choice. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “to promote New England authors who have produced an author residing in New England. Th e titles must a body of work that stands as a signifi cant contribu- be hardcover, paperback original or reissue that was tion to New England’s culture.” Previously published published between September 1–August 31 of the submissions only. Submissions made by New England past year. Entries must be still in print and available. booksellers; publishers. “Award is given to a specifi c Judging by NEIBA membership. Requirements for title, fi ction, nonfi ction, children’s. Th e titles must be entrants: Author/illustrator must live in New England. either about New England, set in New England or by Submit written nominations only; actual books should

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not be sent. Member bookstores receive materials to students enrolled in grades 10–12. Winning posters may display winners’ books. DEADLINE: July 2. be displayed at the NAIAS 2009 and reproduced in the offi cial NAIAS program, which is available to the public, NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO international media, corporate executives and automo- SHOW HIGH SCHOOL POSTER CONTEST tive suppliers. Winning posters may also be displayed Detroit Auto Dealers Association, 1900 W. Big Beaver on the offi cial NAIAS website at the sole discretion of Rd., Troy MI 48084-3531. (248)643-0250. FAX: (248)283- the NAIAS. DEADLINE: Contact for information. 5148. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.naias. com. CONTACT: Sandy Herp. Open to students. Annual ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING contest. PRIZE: Chairman’s Award—$1,000; Designer’s NONFICTION FOR CHILDREN Best of Show (Digital and Traditional)—$500; Best Th e National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Th eme—$250; Best Use of Color—$250; Most Creative— Kenyon Rd., Urbana IL 61801-1096. (217)328-3870. $250. A winner will be chosen in each category from FAX: (217)328-0977. E-MAIL: [email protected]. grades 10, 11 and 12. First place in 10, 11, 12—$500; sec- WEBSITE: www.ncte.org/awards/orbispictus. CONTACT: ond place—$250; third place—$100. ENTRY FEE: None. Kim Ford, Memphis TN. ENTRY FEE: None. PRIZE: A GUIDELINES: Submissions made by the author and plaque given at the NCTE Elementary Section Luncheon illustrator. For contest rules and entry forms, retrieve at the NCTE Annual Convention in November. Judging information from website. Entries will be judged by an by a committee. GUIDELINES: Previously published independent panel of recognized representatives of the submissions only. Submissions made by author, author’s art community. Entrants must be Michigan high school agent, by a person or group of people. Must be published

GIVE YOUR CHARACTERS QUIRKS With 175,000 books published each year, your character unusual way of looking at the world? An atypical fear? must stand out. How do you make your character similar An unusual friend or family member? to your readers yet unique? While your character has uni- The best way to uncover quirks for your characters versal feelings and emotions, she has quirks that make her are to refer to the three methods for character creation: unusual, like these beloved characters: memory, observation/fact and imagination. • Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. Stargirl dresses differently Do you remember an unusual child when you went to and plays “Happy Birthday” on the ukulele to her school? What was that person’s quirk? Did you have a par- classmates, but her feelings of needing to be loved ticular way in which you stood out? A particular incident are universal. that happened to you that you could attribute to your • Millicent Min, Girl Genius by Lisa Yee. Millicent has character? Have you observed fascinating people in your an I.Q. that eclipses her peers, but she wants to be community, in the newspaper or on TV? Have you come liked and included. • Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork. Mar- across someone with a unique job—perhaps the person celo sees the world through Asperger’s Syndrome who wakes at 3 a.m. to make donuts? Remember, unique and, like most kids, desires to be appreciated for jobs can be attributed to your character’s parents. In the who he is. end, it doesn’t matter where you draw inspiration—so just remember to make your main character stand out and be What quirks will your character have? An unusual hobby? memorable to get a contest judge’s attention. An unusual ability? Or a typical trait taken to an extreme, like high intelligence or exceptional musical ability? An —Donna Gephart

60 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd603-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd60 6060 88/10/10/10/10 1:40:261:40:26 PMPM January 1–December 31 of contest year. Purpose of and librarian involvement in children’s literature and award: to promote and recognize excellence in the writ- to honor authors whose work has been recognized by ing of nonfi ction for children. “Th e name Orbis Pictus the children of Pennsylvania. Four awards are given, 1 commemorates the work of Johannes Amos Comenius, for each of the following grade level divisions: K–3, 3–6, ‘Orbis Pictus—Th e World in Pictures’ (1657), consid- 6–8, YA. View information at the Pennsylvania School ered to be the fi rst book actually planned for children.” Librarians’ website. DEADLINE: September 1. DEADLINE: November 30. Call for award information. EDGAR ALLAN POE AWARD CHILDREN’S CONTESTS HELEN KEATING OTT AWARD FOR Mystery Writers of America, Inc., 1140 Broadway, OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO Suite 1507, New York NY 10001. (212)888-8171. FAX: CHILDREN’S LITERATURE (212)888-8107. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Church and Synagogue Library Association, 2920 WEBSITE: www.mysterywriters.org. CONTACT: Margery SW Dolph Ct., Ste 3A, Portland OR 97219. (503)244- Flax. PRIZE: Ceramic bust of “Edgar” for winner; scrolls 6919. FAX: (503)977-3734. E-MAIL: csla@worldaccess for all nominees. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: net.com. WEBSITE: www.cslainfo.org. CONTACT: Jeri Submissions made by the author, author’s agent; “nor- Baker. PRIZE: Certifi cate of recognition, awards ban- mally by the publisher.” Previously published submis- quet, and 1 night stay in the hotel. ENTRY FEE: None. sions only. Purpose of the award: to honor authors of dis- GUIDELINES: “Th is award is given to a person or orga- tinguished works in the mystery fi eld, whether for adults nization that has made a signifi cant contribution to pro- or children. Work must be published/produced the year moting high moral and ethical values through children’s of the contest. Submission information can be found at: literature. Nomination for an award may be made by www.mysterywriters.org. Judging by professional mem- anyone. An application form is available by contacting bers of Mystery Writers of America. Nominee press Judy Janzen, Administrator of CSLA via e-mail at csla@ release sent in mid-January. Winner announced at the worldaccessnet.com or by calling 1-800-LIB-CSLA. Edgar Banquet, held in late April/early May. DEADLINE: Elements of creativity and innovation will be given high Recieved by November 30. priority by the judges.” DEADLINE: April 1. “Recipient is honored in July during the conference.” TOMAS RIVERA MEXICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD PENNSYLVANIA YOUNG READERS’ Texas State University–San Marcos, EDU, 601 University CHOICE AWARDS PROGRAM Dr., San Marcos TX 78666-4613. (512)245-3839. FAX: Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 148 S. (512)245-7911. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Bethlehem Pike, Ambler PA 19002-5822. (215)643- www.education.txstate.edu. CONTACT: Dr. Jennifer 5048. FAX: (215)646-7250. E-MAIL: bellavance@verizon. Battle. PRIZE: $3,000 per book. ENTRY FEE: None. net. WEBSITE: www.psla.org. CONTACT: Jean B. GUIDELINES: Competition open to adults. Annual Bellavance. PRIZE: Framed certifi cate. ENTRY FEE: None. contest. “To encourage authors, illustrators and pub- GUIDELINES: SASE for contest rules and entry forms. lishers to produce books that authentically refl ect the Submissions nominated by a person or group. Must lives of Mexican-Americans appropriate for children be published within 5 years of the award; for example, and young adults in the United States.” Unpublished books published in 2005 to present are eligible for the mss not accepted. Submissions made by “any interested 2009–2010 award. Judging by children of Pennsylvania individual or publishing company.” Must be published (they vote). Requirements for entrants: currently living during the 2 years prior to the year of consideration for in North America. Reader’s Choice Award is to pro- the appropriate category “Works for Younger Children” mote reading of quality books by young people in the or “ Works for Older Children”. Contact Dr. Jennifer Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to promote teacher Battle for information and send copy of book. Judging

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CONTESTS FOR YOUNG WRITERS

SANDRA CARON YOUNG ADULT POETRY PRIZE ~quill-sc. CONTACT: Vanessa Shelton. PRIZE: Engraved National League of American Pen Women, Nob Hill, San plaque to junior high and high school level sweepstakes Francisco Branch, 1544 Sweetwood Dr., Broadmoor Vlg. winners. Judging by various judges. ENTRY FEE: $2/entry. Colma CA 94015-2029. E-MAIL: [email protected]. GUIDELINES: Open to students. Entry form available on WEBSITE: www.soulmakingcontest.us. CONTACT: website. Requirements for entrants: must be students in Eileen Malone. ENTRY FEE: $5/entry (make checks pay- grades 9–12 for high school division; grades 6–8 for junior able to NLAPW, Nob Hill Branch). PRIZE: First place: $100; high school division. Previously published submissions second place: $50; third place: $25. GUIDELINES: Open only. Submissions made by the author or school newspa- to any writer in grades 9–12. 3 poems/entry; 1 poem/page; per adviser. Must be published within the last year. SASE 1–page poems only from poets in grades 9–12 or equivalent. for contest rules and entry forms or visit website for more Annual. DEADLINE: November 30. Guidelines for SASE. information and forms. Quill and Scroll acquires the right to publish submitted material in its magazine or website if NEW VOICES AWARD it is chosen as a winning entry. DEADLINE: February 5. Lee & Low Books, 95 Madison Ave., New York NY 10016. (212)779-4400. FAX: (212)532-6035. E-MAIL: general ROCKY MOUNTAIN BOOK AWARD: ALBERTA @leeandlow.com. WEBSITE: www.leeandlow.com. CHILDREN’S CHOICE BOOK AWARD CONTACT: Louise May. PRIZE: New Voices Award— Rocky Mountain Book Award Committee, Box 42, $1,000 and standard publication contract (regardless of Lethbridge AB T1J 3Y3 Canada. (403)381-0855. E-MAIL: whether or not writer has an agent) along with an advance [email protected]. WEBSITE: rmba. against royalties; New Voices Honor Award—$500 prize. lethsd.ab.ca. CONTACT: Michelle Dimnik. Submit entries ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to students. to: Richard Chase, board member. PRIZE: Gold medal Purpose of contest: to encourage writers of color to enter and author tour of selected Alberta schools. Judging by the world of children’s books. Lee & Low Books is one of students. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to stu- the few minority-owned publishing companies in the coun- dents. Canadian authors and illustrators only. Purpose of try. We have published more than 85 ﬁ rst-time writers and contest: “reading motivation for students, promotion of illustrators. Winning titles include The Blue Roses, winner of Canadian authors, illustrators and publishers.” Previously a Patterson Prize for Books for Young People, Janna and the unpublished submissions only. Submissions made by Kings, an IRA Children’s Book Award Notable, and Sixteen author’s agent or nominated by a person or group. Must Years in Sixteen Seconds, selected for the Texas Bluebonnet be published between 2008–2010. DEADLINE: January. Award Masterlist. Submissions made by author. SASE for SASE for contest rules and entry forms. contest rules or visit website. Judging by Lee & Low editors. SKIPPING STONES YOUTH HONOR AWARDS Restrictions of media for illustrators: The author must be Skipping Stones, P.O. Box 3939, Eugene OR 97403-0939. a writer of color who is a resident of the U.S. and who has (541)342-4956. E-MAIL: [email protected]. not previously published a children’s picture book. For addi- WEBSITE: www.skippingstones.org. PRIZE: The winners tional information, send SASE or visit Lee & Low’s website. are published in the September/October issue of Skipping DEADLINE: September 30. Stones. Now in its 21st year, Skipping Stones is a winner of QUILL AND SCROLL INTERNATIONAL both a Newsstand Resources and a Parent’s Choice award. WRITING/PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY FEE: $3. Everyone who enters the contest receives Quill and Scroll, School of Journalism and Mass the September-October issue featuring Youth Awards. Communication, University of Iowa, Iowa City IA 52242- GUIDELINES: Open to students. SASE for contest rules. 2004. (319)335-3457. FAX: (319)335-3989. E-MAIL: Entries must include certiﬁ cate of originality by a parent [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.uiowa.edu/ and/or teacher and a cover letter that includes cultural back-

62 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd623-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd62 6262 88/10/10/10/10 1:40:441:40:44 PMPM ground information on the author. Submissions can either from $1,000–30,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: be mailed or e-mailed. Judging by Skipping Stones staff. “Up Open to high school students. Requirements for entrants: to 10 awards are given in 3 categories: (1) Compositions— “9th–12th grade students in public, parochial, private and (essays, poems, short stories, songs, travelogues, etc.) should home schools are eligible to compete. Former fi rst-place be typed (double-spaced) or neatly handwritten. Fiction or state winners are not eligible to compete again.” Purpose nonfi ction should be limited to 1,000 words; poems to 30 of contest: to give high school students the opportunity to lines. Non-English writings are also welcome. (2) Artwork— voice their opinions about their responsibility to our coun- CHILDREN’S CONTESTS (drawings, cartoons, paintings or photo essays with captions) try and to convey those opinions via the broadcast media should have the artist’s name, age and address on the back of to all of America. DEADLINE: November 1. each page. Send the originals with SASE. Black and white RITA WILLIAMS YOUNG ADULT PROSE PRIZE photos are especially welcome. Limit: 8 pieces. (3) Youth National League of American Pen Women, Nob Hill, San organizations—tell us how your club or group works to: (a) Francisco Branch, 1544 Sweetwood Dr., Broadmoor Vlg.CA preserve the nature and ecology in your area, (b) enhance 94015-2029. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: the quality of life for low-income, minority or disabled or (c) www.soulmakingcontest.us. CONTACT: Eileen Malone. improve racial or cultural harmony in your school or com- PRIZE: fi rst place: $100; second place: $50; third place: $25. munity.” Purpose of contest: “to recognize youth, 7–17, for ENTRY FEE: $5/entry (make checks payable to NLAPW, their contributions to multicultural awareness, nature and Nob Hill Branch) International entrants please send Travelers ecology, social issues, peace and nonviolence.” DEADLINE: Check drawn on a USA Bank. GUIDELINES: Guidelines for June 25. SASE or at website. Open to students. Up to 3,000 words VEGETARIAN ESSAY CONTEST in story, essay, journal entry, creative nonfi ction or memoir The Vegetarian Resource Group, P.O. Box 1463, Baltimore by writers in grades 9–12. Annual prize. Open to any writer MD 21203. (410)366-VEGE. FAX: (410)366-8804. E- in grades 9–12 or equivalent. DEADLINE: November 30. MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.vrg.org. PRIZE: $50 PAUL A. WITTY OUTSTANDING savings bond. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to LITERATURE AWARD students. Unpublished submissions only. SASE for con- International Reading Association, Special Interest Group, test rules and entry forms. Purpose of contest: to promote Reading for Gifted and Creative Learning, School of vegetarianism in young people. Judging by awards com- Education, P.O. Box 10034, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX mittee. Acquires right for The Vegetarian Resource Group 77710. (409)286-5941. FAX: (409)880-8384. WEBSITE: to reprint essays. Requirements for entrants: age 18 and www.reading.org/General/AdvocacyandOutreach/SIGS/ under. Winning works may be published in Vegetarian ReadingGiftedSIG.aspx. CONTACT: Dorothy Sisk. PRIZE: Journal, instructional materials for students. Submit 2–3 $25 and plaque, also certifi cates of merit. ENTRY FEE: None. page essay on any aspect of vegetarianism, which is the GUIDELINES: Open to students. Categories: poetry/prose at abstinence of meat, fi sh and fowl. Entrants can base paper elementary, junior high and senior high levels. Unpublished on interviewing, research or personal opinion. Need not be submissions only. SASE for award rules and entry forms. vegetarian to enter. DEADLINE: May 1 annually. Judging by 2 committees for screening and awarding. “The ele- VFW VOICE OF DEMOCRACY mentary students’ entries must be legible and may not exceed Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S., 406 W. 34th St., 1,000 words. Secondarystudents’ prose entries shouldbe Kansas City MO 64111. (816)968-1117. FAX: (816)968-1149. typed and may exceed 1,000 words if necessary. At both WEBSITE: www.vfw.org. CONTACT: Your participating elementary and secondary levels, i fpoetry is entered, a set of high school teacher, counselor, our website www.vfw.org 5 poems must be submitted. All entries and requests for appli- or your local VFW Post to enter. PRIZE: Awards ranging cations must include a self-addressed stamped envelope.”

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of nominations by a regional committee, national com- lished to assist children’s book writers in the completion mittee judges fi nalists. Annual ceremony honoring the of a specifi c project.” 4 categories: (1) General Work-in- book and author/illustrator is held during Hispanic Heri- Progress Grant (2) Grant for a Contemporary Novel tage Month at Texas State University–San Marcos in for Young People (3) Nonfi ction Research Grant (4) collaboration with the Texas Book Festival. DEADLINE: Grant for a Work Whose Author Has Never Had a Book November 1 of publication year. Published. In any year, an applicant may apply for any of the grants except the 1 awarded for a work whose SCBWI MAGAZINE MERIT AWARDS author has never had a book published. (Th e recipient Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, 8271 of this grant will be chosen from entries in all catego- Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90048. FAX: (323)782- ries.) “Th e grants are available to both full and associ- 1010. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.scbwi. ate members of the SCBWI. Th ey are not available for org. CONTACT: Stephanie Gordon. PRIZE: Plaques projects on which there are already contracts.” Previous and honor certifi cates for each of 4 categories (fi ction, recipients not eligible to apply. DEADLINE: Completed nonfi ction, illustration, poetry). ENTRY FEE: None. applications accepted February 1–April 1 of each year. GUIDELINES: Previously published submissions only. For rules and procedures, see website. Must be a SCBWI KAY SNOW WRITERS’ CONTEST member. Purpose of the award: “to recognize outstand- 9045 SW Barbur Blvd. #5A, Portland OR 97219-4027. ing original magazine work for young people published (503)452-1592. FAX: (503)452-0372. E-MAIL: wilwrite during that year and having been written or illustrated by @teleport.com. WEBSITE: www.willamettewriters.com. members of SCBWI.” Judging by a magazine editor and CONTACT: Lizzy Shannon, contest director. PRIZE: $300 per 2 “full” SCBWI members. “All magazine work for young category (fi ction, nonfi ction, juvenile, poetry, script writ- people by a SCBWI member—writer, artist or photog- ing), $50 for students in 3 divisions: 1–5, 6–8, 9–12. ENTRY rapher—is eligible during the year of original publica- FEE: $10, Williamette Writers’ members; $15, nonmem- tion. In the case of co-authored work, both authors must bers; free for student writers grades 1–12. GUIDELINES: be SCBWI members. Members must submit their own Open to students. Unpublished, original submissions only. work.” Requirements for entrants: 4 copies each of the Purpose of contest: “to encourage beginning and estab- published work and proof of publication (may be con- lished writers to continue the craft .” Submissions made by tents page) showing the name of the magazine and the the author. DEADLINE: April 23. SASE for contest rules date of issue. Th e SCBWI is a professional organization of and entry forms. Judges are anonymous. writers and illustrators and others interested in children’s literature. Membership is open to the general public at SYDNEY TAYLOR large. DEADLINE: Entries must be submitted January 1– MANUSCRIPT COMPETITION December 15 of the year of publication. Association of Jewish Libraries, 204 Park St., Montclair NJ 07042. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. SCBWI WORK-IN-PROGRESS GRANTS jewishlibraries.org. CONTACT: Aileen Grossberg. PRIZE: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, $1,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Download 8271 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90048. (323)782- rules and forms from website. Open to students and to 1010. FAX: (323)782-1892. E-MAIL: [email protected]. any unpublished writer of fi ction. Unpublished submis- WEBSITE: www.scbwi.org. PRIZE: 5 grants of $1,500 will sions only. Purpose of the contest: “Th is competition be awarded annually. Runner-up grants of $500 (1 in is for unpublished writers of fi ction. Material should each category) will also be awarded. ENTRY FEE: None. be for readers ages 8–11, with universal appeal that GUIDELINES: Requests for applications may be made will serve to deepen the understanding of Judaism for beginning October 1. SASE for applications for grants. all children, revealing positive aspects of Jewish life.” “Th e SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grants have been estab- Judging by qualifi ed judges from within the Association

64 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

553-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd643-65CONT_ChildrensListings.indd64 6464 88/10/10/10/10 1:41:031:41:03 PMPM of Jewish Libraries. Requirements for entrants: must be artistic telling of great stories of the West through 16 an unpublished fi ction writer; also, books must range categories of western literature, television, fi lm and from 64–200 pages in length. “AJL assumes no responsi- music; including fi ction, nonfi ction, children’s books bility for publication, but hopes this cash incentive will and poetry. Judging by a panel of judges selected each serve to encourage new writers of children’s stories with year with distinction in various fi elds of western art Jewish themes for all children.” DEADLINE: December and heritage. DEADLINE: For literary: November 30. 15. Award winner will be notifi ed in April, and the For fi lm, music and television: December 31. Entries award will be presented at the convention in June. not returned. CHILDREN’S CONTESTS

THE TORONTO BOOK AWARDS ALICE WOOD MEMORIAL OHIOANA AWARD City of Toronto, 100 Queen St. W, 2nd Floor, West FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE Tower, Toronto ON M5H 2N2 Canada. (416)392-4674. Ohioana Library Association, 274 E. First Ave., Suite E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Bev Kurmey, 300, Columbus OH 43201. (614)466-3831. FAX: protocol offi cer. PRIZE: $15,000. ENTRY FEE: Contact (614)728-6974. E-MAIL: [email protected] or for information. GUIDELINES: Must be published [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.ohioana.org. the calendar year prior to the award year. Recognizes CONTACT: Linda R. Hengst. PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: books of literary or artistic merit that are evocative of None. GUIDELINES: Off ered to an author whose body Toronto. Submissions made by author, author’s agent or of work has made, and continues to make, a signifi cant nominated by a person or group. Judging by committee. contribution to literature for children or young adults DEADLINE: Last weekday of March, annually. and through their work as a writer, teacher, administrator and community member, interest in children’s lit- WESTERN HERITAGE AWARDS erature has been encouraged and children have become National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 involved with reading. Nomination forms for SASE. NE 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111-7997. (405)478- Recipient must have been born in Ohio or lived in Ohio 2250. FAX: (405)478-4714. E-MAIL: ssimpson@nation at least 5 years. DEADLINE: December 31. alcowboymuseum.org. WEBSITE: www.nationalcowboy museum.org. CONTACT: Shayla Simpson. PRIZE: A WRITERS-EDITORS NETWORK ANNUAL Wrangler bronze sculpture designed by famed western INTERNATIONAL WRITING COMPEITION artist John Free. ENTRY FEE: $50/entry. GUIDELINES: (formerly Florida State Writing Competition), CNW/ Previously published submissions only; must be pub- FFWA, P.O. Box A, North Stratford NH 03590. lished the calendar year before the awards are pre- (603)922-8338. FAX: (603)922-8339. E-MAIL: contest@ sented. Requirements for entrants: Th e material must writers-editors.com. WEBSITE: www.writers-editors.com. pertain to the development or preservation of the CONTACT: Dana K. Cassell. PRIZE: $100 fi rst place, $75 West, either from a historical or contemporary view- second place, $50 third place, certifi cates for honorable point. Literary entries must have been published mentions. ENTRY FEE: $5 (members), $10 (nonmem- December 1–November 30 of calendar year. Film, bers) or $10–20 for entries longer than 3,000 words. music or television entries must have been released GUIDELINES: For copy of offi cial entry form, send #10 or aired January 1–December 31 of calendar year SASE or visit website. Categories include children’s lit- of entry. Works recognized during special awards erature (length appropriate to age category). Judging by ceremonies held annually at the museum. Th ere is librarians, editors and published authors. Judging cri- an autograph party preceding the awards. Awards teria: interest and readability within age group, writing ceremonies are sometimes broadcast. Th e WHA are style and mechanics, originality, salability. DEADLINE: presented annually to encourage the accurate and March 15. List of winners on website.

JENNIFER BENNER is the assistant editor of Writing Contests.

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COMPILED BY JENNIFER BENNER

POETRY CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 64 competitions for writers of poetry and chapbooks.

nybody can post their poetry online at any time or even self-publish a chapbook and get it on Amazon. While their work is indeed “out there” Aand available for the masses, it’s not easy to get the masses to take note of it just yet. One solution for writers is to enter work in a contest and put your poems up against the work of others. If your poem(s) are honored, the award and publicity will give you a valuable boost for attention and sales. On the following pages, you will fi nd complete listings for 64 contests and awards for writers of poetry and chapbooks. Th ese contests off er you the opportunity for your work to be judged on the basis of quality alone without the outside factors (like budgets, trends and the marketplace) that sometimes infl uence publishing decisions. Some focus on form, such as sonnets or a collection of work, while others feature writing on particular themes or topics. Chances are, no matter what type of poems you write, there is a contest or award program that may be a good match for you. Th ese listings refl ect a variety of skill levels and degrees of competitive- ness, so it’s important to read each carefully and note its unique requirements. Never enter a contest without consulting the guidelines and following directions to the letter. Good luck!

ABBREVIATIONS ISBN: Industry standard book number MS.: Manuscript MSS.: Manuscripts SAS: Self addressed stamped (as in postcard) SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope TBA: To be announced

66 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 6666 88/10/10/10/10 1:42:101:42:10 PMPM THE 49TH PARALLEL POETRY AWARD Entries accepted May 1–June 15 only. 2009 winner was Western Washington University, Mail Stop 9053, Oliver de la Paz for Requiem For Th e Orchard. Winner Bellingham WA 98225. E-MAIL: [email protected]. posted on website by September 30. WEBSITE: www.wwu.edu/~bhreview. PRIZE: Th e annual 49th Parallel Poetry Award off ers fi rst prize AGHA SHAHID ALI PRIZE IN POETRY of $1,000, plus publication in and a year’s subscrip- University of Utah Press, J. Willard Marriott Lib., Ste tion to Bellingham Review. Runners-up and fi nalists 5400, 295 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City UT 84112. www. may be considered for publication. ENTRY FEE: $18 (801)581-6771. Fax: (801)581-3365. WEBSITE: for fi rst entry (up to 3 poems); $10 each additional uofupress.com/Agha-Shahid-Ali. PRIZE: Th e University poem. Make checks payable to Bellingham Review. of Utah Press and the University of Utah Department GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or on of English off er an annual award of $1,000, publica- website. Submissions must be unpublished and not tion of a book-length poetry ms, and a reading in the accepted for publication elsewhere. Considers simul- Guest Writers Series. ENTRY FEE: $25/book submis- taneous submissions, but work must be withdrawn sion. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on website. from the competition if accepted for publication else- Poems must be unpublished as a collection, but indi- where. Submit up to 3 poems. “Poems within a series vidual poems may have been previously published else- will each be treated as a separate entry.” For each entry, where. Considers simultaneous submissions; “however, include a 3×5 index card stating the title of the work, entrants must notify the press immediately if the col- POETRY CONTESTS the category (poetry), the poet’s name, phone number, lection submitted is accepted for publication elsewhere address and e-mail. “Make sure writing is legible on during the competition.” Submit 48–64 typed pages of this card. Author’s name must not appear anywhere poetry, with no names or other identifying information on the manuscript.” Include SASE for results only; mss appearing on title page or within ms. Include cover sheet will not be returned. “Everyone entering the compe- with complete contact information (name, address, tele- tition will receive a complimentary 2-issue subscrip- phone, e-mail address). Submissions must be in English. tion to Bellingham Review.” DEADLINE: entries must Mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: 2011: February 1– be postmarked December 1–March 15. April 15. Competition receives more than 300 mss/year. 2009 winner was Jon Wilkins. Winner announced on AKRON POETRY PRIZE press website in October; series editor contacts winning Th e University of Akron Press, Akron OH 44325-1703. poet. Copies of winning books are available for $14.95 (330)972-5342. Fax: (330)972-8364. E-MAIL: marybid@ from University of Utah Press ((800)621-2736 for order uakron.edu. WEBSITE: www.uakron.edu/uapress/poet fulfi llment) or through website. ryprize. CONTACT: Mary Biddinger, editor. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of $1,000 plus publication of a THE AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW/ book-length ms. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: Submit HONICKMAN FIRST BOOK PRIZE 48 or more pages, typed, single-spaced; optional self- 1700 Sansom St. Suite 800, Philadelphia PA 19103. addressed postcard for confi rmation. Submissions must E-MAIL: [email protected]; [email protected]. be unpublished. Considers simultaneous submissions WEBSITE: www.aprweb.org. CONTACT: Stephen Berg (with notifi cation of acceptance elsewhere). Mss will not and Elizabeth Scanlon, editors. Annual award to be returned. Do not send mss bound or enclosed in cov- encourage excellence in poetry, and to provide a wide ers. See website for complete guidelines. Competition readership for a deserving fi rst book of poems. PRIZE: receives 500+ entries. Intimate friends, relatives, current Off ers $3,000, publication of a book-length ms, and dis- and former students of the fi nal judge (students in an tribution by Copper Canyon Press through Consortium. academic, degree-conferring program or its equivalent) ENTRY FEE: $25/book ms. GUIDELINES: Guidelines are not eligible to enter the competition. DEADLINE: available on website. Open to U.S. citizens writing in

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English and who have not yet published a book-length Chronicle (extensive publicity for winner). Copies of collection of poems which was assigned an ISBN. Send winning books available from Amazon.com, Barnes & a poetry ms of 48 pages or more, single-spaced, pagi- Noble, Borders and other retailers. nated, with a table of contents and acknowledgements. Include SASE for notifi cation only and 2 title pages; 1 GEORGE BENNETT FELLOWSHIP containing name, address, e-mail, phone number and Phillips Exeter Academy, 20 Main St., Exeter NH 03833- book title; second title page should contain the title only. 2460. E-MAIL: [email protected]. DEADLINE: August 1–October 31, 2010 for 2011. 2010 WEBSITE: www.exeter.edu/english/bennett.html. PRIZE: winner was Melissa Stein (Rough Honey). Provides an annual $12,600 fellowship plus residency (room and board) to a writer with a ms in progress. Th e THE ANHINGA PRIZE FOR POETRY fellow’s only offi cial duties are to be in residence while Anhinga Press, Tallahassee FL 32302. (850)442- the academy is in session and to be available to students 1408. Fax: (850)442-6323. E-MAIL: [email protected]. interested in writing. ENTRY FEE: $5. GUIDELINES: WEBSITE: www.anhinga.org. CONTACT: Rick Campbell, Application materials and guidelines available for SASE poetry editor. PRIZE: Th e annual Anhinga Prize awards or on website. Th e committee favors writers who have $2,000, a reading tour of Florida and publication of a not yet published a book-length work with a major pub- book-length poetry ms. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: lisher. DEADLINE: December 1. Competition receives Guidelines available for SASE or on website. Past judges 190 entries. include Donald Hall, Joy Harjo, Robert Dana, Mark Jarman and Tony Hoagland. Past winners include Frank THE PATRICIA BIBBY FIRST BOOK AWARD X. Gaspar, Julia Levine, Keith Ratzlaff and Rhett Iseman Tebot Bach, P.O. Box 7887, Huntington Beach CA 92615- Trull. DEADLINE: Submit from February 15–May 1. 7887. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. tebotbach.org. CONTACT: Mifanwy Kaiser. PRIZE: Th e AUTUMN HOUSE POETRY PRIZE Patricia Bibby First Book Award off ers $1,000 and pub- P.O. Box 60100, Pittsburgh PA 15211. (412)381-4261. lication of a book-length poetry manuscript by Tebot E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: autumn Bach. ENTRY FEE: $25. Make checks/money orders pay- house.org. CONTACT: Michael Simms, editor. Autumn able to Tebot Bach with reading fee and title of ms on House is a nonprofi t corporation with the mission the notation line. GUIDELINES: Complete guidelines of publishing and promoting poetry. We have pub- available by e-mail or on website. Open to “all poets lished books by Gerald Stern, Ruth L. Schwartz, Ed writing in English who have not committed to publish- Ochester, Andrea Hollander Budy, George Bloch, Jo ing collections of poetry of 36 poems or more in edi- McDougall and others.” Advice: “Include only your tions of over 400 copies.” Submissions must be unpub- best poems.” PRIZE: Off ers annual prize of $2,500 and lished as a collection, but individual poems may have publication of book-length ms with national promotion. been previously published elsewhere. Considers simul- ENTRY FEE: $25/ms. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available taneous submissions, but Tebot Bach must be notifi ed for SASE, by e-mail or on website. Submission must be immediately by e-mail if the collection is accepted for unpublished as a collection, but individual poems may publication. Partial guidelines: Submit 60–84 pages of have been previously published elsewhere. Considers poetry, letter-quality, single-spaced; clear photocopies simultaneous submissions. Submit 50–80 pages of acceptable. Use binder clip; no staples, folders or printer- poetry (“blind judging—2 cover sheets requested”). bound copies. Include 2 title pages: 1 (not fastened to Competition receives 700 entries/year. DEADLINE: ms) with ms title, poet’s name, address, phone number June 30 annually. 2009 winner was Jacqueline Berger. and e-mail address; the second (fastened to ms) with ms Winners announced through mailings and through ads title only. Also include table of contents. Include SAS in Poets & Writers, American Poetry Review and Writer’s postcard for notifi cation of receipt of entry and SASE

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 6868 88/10/10/10/10 1:43:051:43:05 PMPM for results only; mss will not be returned. Judges are Boston Review. ENTRY FEE: $20 ($30 for international selected annually. DEADLINE: October 31 (postmark) submissions); all entrants receive a 1-year subscrip- annually. Winner announced each year in April. tion to Boston Review. Make checks payable to Boston Review. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY MILT KESSLER or on website. “Any poet writing in English is eligible, POETRY BOOK AWARD unless he or she is a current student, former student, Binghamton University Creative Writing Program, or close personal friend of the judge.” Submissions P.O. Box 6000, Binghamton NY 13902. (607)777-2713. must be unpublished. Submit up to 5 poems, no more Fax: (607)777-2408. E-MAIL: [email protected]. than 10 pages total, in duplicate. Include cover sheet WEBSITE: english.binghamton.edu/cwpro. CONTACT: with poet’s name, address and phone number; no Maria Mazziotti Gillan, award director. PRIZE: Off ers identifying information on the poems themselves. No annual award of $1,000 for a book of poetry judged mss will be returned. DEADLINE: June 1 (postmark). best of those published that year by a poet over the age Winner announced in early November on website. of 40. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Submit books 2009 Winner: John Gallagher. published that year; do not submit manuscripts.” Entry form and guidelines available for SASE, by e-mail or on BOULEVARD EMERGING POETS CONTEST website. Submit 3 copies of book. Competition receives PMB 325, 6614 Clayton Rd., Richmond Heights MO 500 books/year. DEADLINE: March 1. NOTE: Not to be 63117. E-MAIL: [email protected]. POETRY CONTESTS confused with the Milton Kessler Memorial Prize for WEBSITE: www.boulevardmagazine.org. CONTACT: Poetry sponsored by Harpur Palate. Kelly Leavitt, managing editor. PRIZE: Annual contest off ers $1,000 and publication in Boulevard for the BLUE LIGHT POETRY PRIZE best group of 3 poems by a poet who has not yet pub- AND CHAPBOOK CONTEST lished a book of poetry with a nationally distributed 3600 Lyon St., San Francisco CA 94122. E-MAIL: blue press. ENTRY FEE: $15/group of 3 poems, $15 for each [email protected]. PRIZE: Th e Blue Light Poetry Prize additional group of 3 poems; includes 1-year subscrip- and Chapbook Contest off ers a cash prize and publication to Boulevard. Make checks payable to Boulevard. tion by Blue Light Press. “Th e winner will receive a $100 GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on website. “All honorarium and 50 copies of his or her book, which can entries will be considered for publication and payment be sold for $10 each, for a total of $600.” ENTRY FEE: $10. at our regular rates.” Submissions must be unpublished. Make checks payable to Blue Light Press. GUIDELINES: Considers simultaneous submissions. Submit 3 poems, Guidelines available with SASE or by e-mail. Submit ms typed; may be a sequence or unrelated. On page 1 of of 10–24 pages, typed or printed with a laser or inkjet fi rst poem, type poet’s name, address, phone number printer. No e-mail submissions. Include SASE and post- and titles of the 3 poems. Include 3×5 index card with card for notifi cation of receipt of ms. DEADLINE: June 15 poet’s name, address, phone number and titles of poems. for chapbook contest. Winner announced in November. Include SAS postcard for notifi cation of receipt of ms; Deadline is January 31 for full-length ms contest, 50–80 mss will not be returned. Judge: editors of Boulevard pages. Winner announced in June. magazine. “No one affi liated with Boulevard may enter the contest.” DEADLINE: June 1 (postmark). THE BOSTON REVIEW ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST THE BRIAR CLIFF REVIEW FICTION, POETRY Boston Review, 35 Medford St., Suite 302, Somerville AND CREATIVE NONFICTION CONTEST MA 02143. (617)591-0505. Fax: (617)591-0440. E- 3303 Rebecca St., Sioux City IA 51104-2100. WEBSITE: MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.boston www.briarcliff.edu/bcreview. CONTACT: Jeanne Emmons, review.net. PRIZE: Off ers $1,500 and publication in poetry editor. PRIZE: Th e Briar Cliff Review sponsors an

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annual contest off ering $1,000 and publication to each (postmark). 2010 Brittingham Prize winner was Jennifer fi rst-prize winner in fi ction, poetry and creative nonfi c- Boyden for Th e Mouths of Grazing Th ings. tion. ENTRY FEE: $20 for 3 poems. “All entrants receive a copy of the magazine (a $15 value) containing the GERALD CABLE BOOK AWARD winning entries.” GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on Silverfi sh Review Press, P.O. Box 3541, Eugene OR [email protected]. website. Submit 3 poems, single-spaced on 8.5×11 paper, 97403. (541)344-5060. E-MAIL: www.silverﬁ shreviewpress.com. no more than 1 poem/page. Include separate cover sheet WEBSITE: CONTACT: with author’s name, address, e-mail and poem title(s); Rodger Moody, editor. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of no name on ms. Previous year’s winner and former stu- $1,000, publication by Silverfi sh Review Press and 25 dents of editors ineligible. Winning pieces accepted for author copies to a book-length ms of original poetry by publication on the basis of fi rst-time rights. Considers an author who has not yet published a full-length collection. ENTRY FEE: $20. Make checks payable to Silverfi sh simultaneous submissions, “but notify us immediately Review Press. GUIDELINES: No restrictions on the kind upon acceptance elsewhere.” Include SASE for results of poetry or subject matter; no translations. Individual only; mss will not be returned. Judge: the editors of Th e poems may have been previously published elsewhere, Briar Cliff Review. DEADLINE: November 1. but must be acknowledged. Considers simultaneous BRITTINGHAM PRIZE IN POETRY submissions (notify immediately of acceptance else- University of Wisconsin Press, Dept. of English, 600 where). Submit at least 48 pages of poetry, no names or identifi cation on ms pages. Include separate title sheet N. Park St., Madison WI 53706. E-MAIL: rwallace@wisc. with poet’s name, address and phone number. Include edu. WEBSITE: www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress/index. SAS postcard for notifi cation of receipt and SASE for html. CONTACT: Ronald Wallace, poetry editor. PRIZE: results; no mss will be returned. Accepts e-mail submis- Th e annual Brittingham Prize in Poetry is 1 of 2 prizes sions in Word, plain text or rich text; send entry fee and awarded by Th e University of Wisconsin Press. Off ers SASE by regular mail. Guidelines available for SASE, $1,000 plus publication, with an additional $1,500 hon- by e-mail or on website. DEADLINE: October 15 (post- orarium to cover expenses of a reading in Madison. mark). 2008 Winner was Eric Gudas (best Western and ENTRY FEE: $25. Note: $25 fee applies to consideration other poems). Winner announced in March. Copies of of same entry for the Felix Pollak Prize in Poetry—1 fee winning books available through website. “All entrants for 2 contest entries. Make checks/money orders pay- who enclose a booksize envelope and $2.23 in post- able to University of Wisconsin Press. GUIDELINES: age will receive a free copy of a recent winner of the Guidelines available for SASE or on website. Submissions book award.” must be unpublished as a collection, but individual poems may have been published elsewhere (publica- CAKETRAIN CHAPBOOK COMPETITION tion must be acknowledged). Considers simultaneous P.O. Box 82588, Pittsburgh PA 15218. E-MAIL: cake submissions if notifi ed of selection elsewhere. Submit [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.caketrain. 50–80 unbound ms pages, typed single-spaced (with org/competitions. Annual chapbook contest sponsored double spaces between stanzas). Clean photocopies by Caketrain literary journal. PRIZE: Winner receives a are acceptable. Include 1 title page with poet’s name, $250 cash prize and 25 copies of their chapbook. ENTRY address and telephone number and 1 with title only. FEE: $15 for reading fee only or $20 for entry fee and No translations. SASE required. Will return results copy of winning chapbook. GUIDELINES: Can submit by only; mss will not be returned. Qualifi ed readers will mail with SASE or by e-mail. See website for guidelines. screen all mss. Judge: “a distinguished poet who will DEADLINE: October 1. Past winners include Elizabeth remain anonymous until the winners are announced Skurnick’s Check-In (2005); Tom Whalen’s Dolls (2007); in mid-February.” DEADLINE: Submit September 1–27 Claire Hero’s aft erpastures (2008); Tina May Hall’s All the

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 7070 88/10/10/10/10 1:43:221:43:22 PMPM Day’s Sad Stories (2009); as well as Ben Mirov’s Ghost length collection (48 pages or more). Submissions Machine (2010). must be unpublished as a collection, but individual poems may have been previously published elsewhere. CAROLINA WREN PRESS POETRY CONTEST Manuscripts that have been previously self-published FOR A FIRST OR SECOND BOOK or that are available online in their entirety are not 120 Morris St., Durham NC 27701. (919)560-2738. Fax: eligible. Considers simultaneous submissions (notify (919)560-2759. E-MAIL: carolinawrenpress@earthlink. immediately of acceptance elsewhere). Submit 2 cop- net. WEBSITE: www.carolinawrenpress.org. CONTACT: ies of a poetry ms of 48–60 pages. Page count should Contest Director. PRIZE: Th e biennial Carolina Wren include title page, table of contents and optional dedica- Press Poetry Contest for a fi rst or second book off ers tion page. Include SASE for results only; mss will not be $1,000 and publication by Carolina Wren Press. ENTRY returned. Past judges: William Pitt Root, Evie Shockley, FEE: $20. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE, Minnie Bruce Pratt. DEADLINE: December 1, 2010, by e-mail or on website (in September). See guidelines 2012, 2014, etc. (postmark). 2010 judge: TBA. Copies for complete formatting and submission details. Open of winning books available through website, Amazon or only to poets who have published no more than 1 full- local bookstore.

HOW TO HANDLE LINE AND STANZA BREAKS IN POEMS POETRY CONTESTS Outside of prose poems, one of the more obvious differ- poems that bend too much for rhymes can seem ences in poetry compared to other types of writing is the silly and/or boring for the reader. So, I don’t advise line break. In A Poetry Handbook (Harcourt), Mary Oliver rhyming just for the sake of rhyming or to do so at claims the most important point in a line is the ending the expense of conveying meaning. and the second most important point is the beginning. I 5. Stanza breaks are good for grouping ideas and/ tend to agree with her. In fact, I think the same could be or shaping the momentum of a poem. In Sage said of stanzas and poems as a whole. Cohen’s Writing the Life Poetic (Writer’s Digest Here are some tips on breaking lines and stanzas: Books), she writes, “Line breaks cause the reader 1. End lines on natural pauses. As Ted Kooser writes to linger an extra beat; the space between stanzas in The Poetry Home Repair Manual (Bison Books), brings the reader to a hard stop.” As a result, po- “the closer your writing gets to the pacing of conver- ems without stanzas have no hard stops; poems sational speech, the less it’s likely to call attention to with many short stanzas prompt the reader to itself.” To accomplish this effect, you could read your continually stop and start. poems aloud or even have others do so for you. A good line and stanza breaking exercise would be to 2. End lines on strong nouns or verbs. The obvious write a poem without making any breaks—essentially beneﬁ t here is that ending lines on strong nouns writing a prose poem. Set the poem aside for a day or and/or verbs will propel readers into each next line longer and then come to it with the objective of breaking until they’ve reached the end of the poem. lines (and possibly stanzas). 3. Avoid ending lines on articles. Chances are you Another good exercise is to take a poem you’ve don’t want the most important point of your line already written and try breaking the lines in different to be occupied by a weak word. spots. If your poem contains a lot of short lines, make them longer; if your poem has long lines, shorten them. 4. End lines with rhymes. Rhymes are enjoyable, because they infuse a poem with music. Of course, —Robert Lee Brewer

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CIDER PRESS REVIEW BOOK AWARD mark deadline of January 14, 2010. Th e winner will be 777 Braddock Lane, Halifax PA 17032. E-MAIL: editor announced in May 2010. @ciderpressreview.com. WEBSITE: ciderpress review.com. CONTACT: Contest director. PRIZE: Th e DANA AWARD IN POETRY annual Cider Press Review Book Award off ers $1,000, 200 Fosseway Dr., Greensboro NC 27455. (336)644- publication and 25 author’s copies. CPR acquires fi rst 8028 (for emergency questions only). E-MAIL: dana publication rights. Initial print run is not fewer than [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.danaawards.com. 1,000 copies. ENTRY FEE: $25. All entrants will receive CONTACT: Mary Elizabeth Parker, award chair. PRIZE: a copy of the winning book and a 1-issue subscription Off ers annual award of $1,000 for the best group of 5 to Cider Press Review. GUIDELINES: Submissions must poems. ENTRY FEE: $15 for 5 poems. GUIDELINES: be unpublished as a collection, but individual poems Guidelines available for SASE, by e-mail or on web- may have been previously published elsewhere. Submit site. Submissions must be unpublished and not under book-length ms of 48–80 pages. “Submissions can be promise of publication when submitted. Considers made using the submission form on the website or simultaneous submissions. Submit 5 poems on any by mail. If sending by mail, include 2 cover sheets—1 subject, in any form; no light verse. Include sepa- with title, author’s name and complete contact infor- rate cover sheet with name, address, phone, e-mail mation; and 1 with title only, all bound with a spring address and titles of poems. Entries by regular mail clip. Include SASE for results; manuscripts cannot be only. Include SASE for winners list only; no mss will returned. Online submissions must be in Word for PC be returned. DEADLINE: October 31 (postmark). or PDF format, and should not include title page with Winner will be announced in early spring by phone, author’s name. Th e editors strongly urge contestants letter and e-mail. to use online delivery if possible.” 2010 judge: Patricia Smith. DEADLINE: Submit September 1–November 30. DELAWARE DIVISION OF THE ARTS 820 North French St., Wilmington DE 19801. (302)577- COLORADO PRIZE FOR POETRY 8278. Fax: (302)577-6561. E-MAIL: kristin.pleasan Center for Literary Publishing, Dept. of English, 9105 [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.artsdel.org. CONTACT: Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Kristin Pleasanton, art and artist services coordi- Collins CO 80523. (970)491-5449. E-MAIL: creview nator. Award “to help further careers of emerging @colostate.edu. WEBSITE: coloradoreview.colostate.edu. and established professional artists.” PRIZE: $10,000 CONTACT: Stephanie G’Schwind, editor. PRIZE: Th e for masters; $6,000 for established profession- annual Colorado Prize for Poetry awards an hono- als; $3,000 for emerging professionals. ENTRY FEE: rarium of $1,500 and publication of a book-length None. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available aft er May 1 ms. ENTRY FEE: $25; includes 1-year subscription to on website. For Delaware residents only. Judged by Colorado Review. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for out-of-state, nationally recognized professionals in SASE or by e-mail. Submission must be unpublished as each artistic discipline. Accepts inquiries by e-mail, a collection, but individual poems may have been pub- phone. “Follow all instructions and choose your best lished elsewhere. Submit mss of 48–100 pages of poetry work sample.” DEADLINE: Beginning of August. Results (no set minimum or maximum) on any subject, in any announced in December. Winners notifi ed by mail. form, double- or single-spaced. Include 2 titles pages: Results available on website. 1 with ms title only; the other with ms title and poet’s name, address and phone number. Enclosed SAS post- DIAGRAM/NEW MICHIGAN PRESS card for notifi cation of receipt and SASE for results; CHAPBOOK CONTEST mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: Manuscripts will Dept. of English, P.O. Box 210067, University of Arizona, be accepted from October 1, 2009, through the post- Tucson AZ 85721. E-MAIL: [email protected].

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 7272 88/10/10/10/10 1:43:391:43:39 PMPM WEBSITE: www.newmichiganpress.com/nmp. CONTACT: Mentors are chosen from PEN’s comprehensive mem- Ander Monson, editor. PRIZE: Th e annual DIAGRAM/ bership of professional writers and beyond.” Program New Michigan Press Chapbook Contest off ers $1,000 gets underway in January. DEADLINE: September 5. plus publication and author’s copies, with discount on additional copies. Also publishes 2–4 fi nalist THE ROBERT FROST FOUNDATION chapbooks each year. ENTRY FEE: $16. GUIDELINES: ANNUAL POETRY AWARD Guidelines on website. Submit 18–44 pages of poetry, (Specialized: poems written in the spirit of Robert fi ction, mixed-genre or genre-bending work (images Frost) Th e Robert Frost Foundation, Lawrence Library, accepted if b/w and you have permissions). Include 51 Lawrence St., Lawrence MA 01841. (978)725-8828. SASE. DEADLINE: April 1. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. frostfoundation.org. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of JAMES DICKEY PRIZE FOR POETRY $1,000. Submissions may be entered in other contests. Georgia State University, P.O. Box 3999, Atlanta GA 30302- Submit up to 3 poems of not more than 3 pages each (2 3999. WEBSITE: www.webdelsol.com/Five_Points. copies of each poem, 1 with name, address and phone PRIZE: Th e annual James Dickey Prize for Poetry number), written in the spirit of Robert Frost. ENTRY awards $1,000 and publication in Five Points. ENTRY FEE: $10/poem. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available FEE: $20 domestic, $30 foreign (includes 1-year sub- for SASE and on website. DEADLINE: September 15. scription). Make checks payable to Georgia State Competition receives over 600 entries/year. 2008 win- POETRY CONTESTS University. GUIDELINES: Submissions must be unpub- ner was Elizabeth Klise von Zerneck. Winning poem lished. Submit up to 3 typed poems, no more than 50 can be viewed on website. lines each. Include name and address on cover sheet. Enclose 2 SASEs: 1 to acknowledge receipt of ms, 1 KINERETH GENSLER AWARD for results. Guidelines available for SASE or on web- Alice James Books, University of Maine at Farmington, site. DEADLINE: September 1–December 1. Winner 238 Main St., Farmington ME 04938. (207)778- announced in the spring. 7071. Fax: (207)778-7071. E-MAIL: [email protected]. edu. WEBSITE: www.alicejamesbooks.org. CONTACT: EMERGING VOICES Contest coordinator. PRIZE: The Kinereth Gensler P.O. Box 6037, Beverly Hills CA 90212. (424)258-1180. Award offers $2,000 and publication by Alice James Fax: (424)258-1184. E-MAIL: [email protected]; pen@ Books; winners become members of the Alice James penusa.org. WEBSITE: www.penusa.org. PRIZE: Annual Books cooperative, with a 3-year commitment to the program off ering $1,000 stipend and 8-month fellow- editorial board. Entrants must reside in New England, ship to writers in the early stages of their literary careers. New York or New Jersey. ENTRY FEE: $25/ms. Make Program includes 1-on-1 sessions with mentors, semi- checks/money orders payable to Alice James Books. nars on topics such as editing or working with agents, For a free book (does not apply to books not yet pub- courses in the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension lished), include an additional 6×9 envelope with $2.50 and literary readings. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: in postage attached; write title of selection on back of See website for brochure and complete guidelines. envelope. GUIDELINES: Submissions must be unpub- Participants selected according to potential and lack lished as a collection, but individual poems may have of access to traditional publishing and/or educational been previously published elsewhere (in publica- opportunities. No age restrictions; selection is not based tions of fewer than 48 pages). Submit 2 copies of ms solely on economic need. Participants need not be pub- of 50–70 pages, typed single-spaced and paginated, lished, but “the program is directed toward poets and with table of contents and acknowledgments page; writers of fi ction and creative nonfi ction with clear ideas bio is optional. Use binder clips; no staples, folders of what they hope to accomplish through their writing. or printer-bound copies. Title page of each ms copy

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THE DONALD HALL PRIZE IN POETRY HOW TO HANDLE REJECTIONS AWP, Carty House, Mail Stop 1E3, George Mason University, Fairfax VA 22030-4444. E-MAIL: chronicle Part and parcel of the writing biz are the rejections. @awpwriter.org. WEBSITE: www.awpwriter.org. Th e You will get them. In fact, you need to get them! Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) Because after you’ve received a few rejections, it sponsors an annual competition for the publication dawns on you that rejections aren’t personal. of excellent new book-length works: the AWP Award Instead of looking at rejections as overwhelming obstacles; view them as part of your development as Series, which includes Th e Donald Hall Prize in Poetry. a professional writer. New writers aren’t the only ones PRIZE: Off ers annual award of $5,000 and publication who receive rejections. Published authors submit for the best book-length ms of poetry (book-length manuscripts that garner rejections, too. If you never defi ned for poetry as 48 pages minimum of text). submit out of fear of rejection, you’ll never allow an ENTRY FEE: $10 (AWP members) or $25 (nonmem- editor the opportunity to call you with an offer! bers). Make checks/money orders payable in U.S. dol- Learn to deal with rejections by: lars only to AWP. GUIDELINES: Open to published and unpublished poets alike. “Poems previously published • Not submitting manuscripts too early. If you in periodicals are eligible for inclusion in submissions, miss a contest deadline, so be it. There are but manuscripts previously published in their entirety, plenty of others. Like fi ne wine, your manu- including self-published, are not eligible. As the series script isn’t ready until it has been written, is judged anonymously, no list of acknowledgments rewritten, critiqued, revised and polished. should accompany your manuscript. You may submit • Replacing worry with work. My mother always your manuscript to other publishers while it is under says that it’s hard to worry when you’re scrub- consideration by the Award Series, but you must bing a fl oor. I fi nd it hard to worry about rejec- notify AWP immediately in writing if your manu- tions when I have another manuscript ready to script is accepted elsewhere. Your manuscript must be send out the door. So, start on a new project as submitted in accordance with the eligibility require- soon as your manuscript has left the building. ments, format guidelines and entry requirements or it • Never whining, ranting or crying about rejec- will be disqualifi ed.” Complete guidelines, including tions except to your most trusted writing important formatting information, eligibility require- friends and, perhaps, your spouse. You, espe- ments and required entry form available on website. cially, never want to complain about rejections DEADLINE: Mss must be postmarked between January to those agents or editors who, potentially, 1–February 28. might have one of your manuscripts in their hands someday. BEATRICE HAWLEY AWARD —Candie Moonshower Alice James Books, University of Maine at Farmington, 238 Main St., Farmington ME 04938. (207)778-7071. Fax: (207)778-7071. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: must include poet’s name, address and phone num- www.alicejamesbooks.org. CONTACT: Contest coordi- ber. Enclose SAS postcard for acknowledgment of nator. PRIZE: Th e Beatrice Hawley Award off ers $2,000 receipt of ms, #10 SASE for results; mss will not be and publication by Alice James Books. Winners have no returned. Guidelines available for SASE or on web- cooperative membership commitment. “In addition to site. DEADLINE: October 2010. Judges: members the winning manuscript, 1 or more additional manu- of the Alice James Books Editorial Board. Winners scripts may be chosen for publication.” ENTRY FEE: $25/ announced in December. Copies of winning books ms. Make checks/money orders payable to Alice James available through website. Books (write “Beatrice Hawley Award” on memo line).

74 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 7474 88/10/10/10/10 1:43:561:43:56 PMPM GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or on web- THE LYNDA HULL MEMORIAL POETRY PRIZE site. Entrants must reside in the U.S. Submissions must Crazyhorse, Dept. of English, College of Charleston, be unpublished as a collection, but individual poems 66 George St., Charleston SC 29424. (843)953-7740. E- may have been previously published elsewhere (in pub- MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.crazyhorse lications of fewer than 48 pages). Submit 2 copies of journal.org. CONTACT: Prize director. PRIZE: Th e ms of 50–70 pages, typed single-spaced and paginated, annual Lynda Hull Memorial Poetry Prize off ers $2,000 with table of contents and acknowledgments page; bio is and publication in Crazyhorse. ENTRY FEE: $16/ms for optional. Use binder clips; no staples, folders or printer- new entrants. Fee includes a 1-year/2 issue subscription bound copies. Title page of each ms copy must include to Crazyhorse; for each poetry ms entered and fee paid, poet’s name, address and phone number. Include SAS subscription is extended by 1 year. Make checks payable postcard for acknowledgment of receipt of ms, #10 to Crazyhorse; credit card payments also accepted (see SASE for results only; mss will not be returned. Judges: website for details). GUIDELINES: Guidelines available members of the Alice James Books Editorial Board. for SASE or on website. Submissions must be unpub- DEADLINE: December 1 (postmark) for 2010. Winners lished. Submit online or by mail up to 3 original poems announced in April. Copies of winning books available (no more than 10 pages). Include cover page (placed through website. on top of ms) with poet’s name, address, e-mail and telephone number; no identifying information on mss TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID (blind judging). Accepts multiple submissions with sep- POETRY CONTESTS POETRY CONTEST arate fee for each. Include SAS postcard for notifi cation Tom Howard Books, c/o Winning Writers, 351 of receipt of ms and SASE for results only; mss will not Pleasant St., PMB 222, Northampton MA 01060-3961. be returned. All entries will be considered for publi- johnreid@ (866)946-9748. Fax: (413)280-0539. E-MAIL: cation. DEADLINE: September 1–December 15 (post- mail.qango.com. WEBSITE: www.winningwriters.com/ mark). Winners announced by April. poetry. CONTACT: John Reid, award director. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of fi rst prize: $3,000; second JUNIPER PRIZE FOR POETRY prize: $1,000; third prize: $400; fourth prize: $250; 5 University of Massachusetts Press, Amherst MA High Distinction Awards of $200 each; and 6 Most 01003. (413)545-2217. Fax: (413)545-1226. E-MAIL: Highly Commended Awards of $150 each. Th e top [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.umass.edu/ 10 entries will be published on the Winning Writers umpress. CONTACT: Carla Potts. Th e UMP off ers the website. ENTRY FEE: $7 (U.S.) for every 25 lines annual Juniper Prize for Poetry, awarded in alternate (exclude poem titles and any blank lines from line years for fi rst and subsequent books. PRIZE: Prize count). GUIDELINES: Submissions may be published includes publication and $1,500 in addition to royal- or unpublished and may have won prizes elsewhere. ties. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: In even-numbered Considers simultaneous submissions. Submit poems years, only “subsequent” books will be considered: mss in any form, style or genre. “Th ere is no limit on the whose authors have had at least 1 full-length book or number of lines or poems you may submit.” No name chapbook (of at least 30 pages) of poetry published or on ms pages; type or computer-print on letter-size accepted for publication. Self-published work is not white paper, single-sided. Submit online or by regu- considered to lie within this “books and chapbooks” lar mail. Guidelines available for SASE or on website. category. In odd-numbered years, only “fi rst books” DEADLINE: December 15–September 30. Competition will be considered: mss by writers whose poems may receives 1,000 entries/year. 2008 winner was Dawn have appeared in literary journals and/or anthologies Raymond (“Ghosts”). Winners announced in February but have not been published or accepted for publica- at WinningWriters.com. Entrants who provide valid tion in book form. Considers simultaneous submis- e-mail addresses will also receive notifi cation. sions, “but if accepted for publication elsewhere, please

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notify us immediately. Manuscripts by more than 1 Th e Academy of American Poets, 584 Broadway, Suite author, entries of more than 1 manuscript simulta- 604, New York NY 10012. (212)274-0343. Fax: (212)274- neously or within the same year and translations are 9427. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Off ered since 1954. not eligible.” Submit paginated ms of 50–70 pages of CONTACT: Awards coordinator. PRIZE: Off ers $5,000 poetry, with paginated contents page, credits page prize to recognize and support a poet’s second book and information about previously published books. (ms must be under contract to a publisher). ENTRY Include 2 cover sheets: 1 with contact information, 1 FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Form and guidelines avail- without. Manuscripts will not be returned. DEADLINE: able for SASE (in January) or on website. Submissions submit August 1–September 29 (postmark). Winners must be made by a publisher in ms form. Th e Academy announced online in April. of American Poets purchases copies of the Laughlin Award-winning book for distribution to its mem- BARBARA MANDIGO KELLY PEACE bers. Poets must be U.S. citizens. Entry form, signed POETRY AWARDS by the publisher, required. Entry DEADLINE: submis- (805)965-3443. Fax: (805)568-0466. E-MAIL: waging sions accepted between January 1–May 15. Winners [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.wagingpeace.org. announced in August. CONTACT: Contest director. Off ers an annual series of awards “to encourage poets to explore and illuminate FRANCES LOCKE MEMORIAL positive visions of peace and the human spirit.” PRIZE: POETRY AWARD Awards $1,000 to adult contestants, $200 to youth in Th e Bitter Oldeander Press, 4983 Tall Oaks Dr., Fayetteville each 2 categories (13–18 and 12 and under), plus hon- NY 13066-9776. (315)637-3047. FAX: (315)637-5056. E- orable mentions in each category. ENTRY FEE: Adult: MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.bitterole- $15 for up to 3 poems; 13–18: $5 for up to 3 poems; no ander.com. CONTACT: Paul B. Roth. PRIZE: Th e Frances fee for 12 and under. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available Locke Memorial Poetry Award off ers $1,000, publica- for SASE or on website. Submissions must be unpub- tion in Th e Bitter Oleander and 5 contributor’s copies. lished. Submit up to 3 poems in any form, unpublished ENTRY FEE: $10 for up to 5 poems, $2 each additional and in English; maximum 30 lines/poem. Send 2 cop- poem. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on website. ies; put name, address, e-mail, phone number and age Submit up to 5 poems, each no more than 2 pages in (for youth) in upper right-hand corner of 1 copy of each length, legibly typed or computer generated. Include poem. Title each poem; do not staple individual poems poet’s name, address and phone number or e-mail on together. “Any entry that does not adhere to all of the each poem. Include a short biography with submission. contest rules will not be considered for a prize. Poets No e-mail submissions. Include SASE for results only; should keep copies of all entries as we will be unable mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: June 15 (post- to return them.” Judges: a committee of poets selected mark). 2008 winner: Samantha Stiers. by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation. “Th e Nuclear Age Peace Foundation reserves the right to publish and MANY MOUNTAINS MOVING distribute the award-winning poems, including honor- POETRY BOOK CONTEST able mentions.” DEADLINE: July 1 (postmark). Winners Many Mountains Moving Press, 1705 Lombard St., will be announced by October 1 by mail and on web- Philadelphia PA 19146. E-MAIL: [email protected]. site. Winning poems from current and past contests are WEBSITE: www.mmminc.org. CONTACT: Jeff rey Ethan posted on the Foundation’s website. Lee, senior poetry editor. PRIZE: Th e Many Mountains Moving Poetry Book Contest off ers $1,000 and publi- THE JAMES LAUGHLIN AWARD cation of a book-length poetry ms by Many Mountains Th e Academy of American Poets, 584 Broadway, Suite Moving Press. ENTRY FEE: $25; entitles entrant to dis- 604, New York NY 10012. WEBSITE: www.poets.org. count on a subscription and discounts on any selected

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 7676 88/10/10/10/10 1:44:101:44:10 PMPM Many Mountains Moving Press books (use order form, Guidelines, required entry form available for SASE or available on website). Make checks/money orders pay- on website. For the most outstanding book of poems able to Many Mountains Moving Press. GUIDELINES: published in the U.S. in the previous year. Contest is Guidelines available on website. Open to all poets open to books by living American poets published in a writing in English. More than half of ms may not have standard edition (40 pages or more in length with 500 been published as a collection, but individual poems or more copies printed). Self-published books are not and chapbook-length sections may have been previ- eligible. Publishers may enter as many books as they ously published if publisher gives permission to reprint. wish (books must be submitted in the year aft er their Accepts e-mail submissions (as an attachment, without publication). 4 copies of each book must be submitted any identifi cation in the ms itself). Considers simulta- and none will be returned. DEADLINE: Entries must be neous submissions “if the poet agrees to notify MMM submitted between April 1–June 15. Press of acceptance elsewhere.” Submit 50–100 typed pages of poetry, single- or double-spaced. Include MISSISSIPPI REVIEW PRIZE cover letter with ms title, brief bio, poet’s name, address, 118 College Dr. #5144, Hattiesburg MS 39406-0001. phone number and e-mail address(es). Poet’s name (601)266-4321. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEB- must not appear anywhere on ms. Acknowledgments SITE: www.mississippireview.com. PRIZE: Th e Mississippi may be sent, but are not required. Include SASE for Review off ers an annual award of $1,000 each in poetry results only; no mss will be returned. DEADLINE: and fi ction. Winners and fi nalists comprise 1 issue of POETRY CONTESTS August 14 (postmark). Mississippi Review. ENTRY FEE: $15/entry. Make checks payable to Mississippi Review. Each entrant receives a THE MORTON MARR POETRY PRIZE copy of the prize issue. GUIDLEINES: Submissions must Southern Methodist University, P.O. Box 750374, be unpublished. Submit up to 3 poems/entry (totaling Dallas TX 75275-0374. (214)768-1037. Fax: (214)768- 10 pages or less). No limit on number of entries. Put “MR 1408. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.smu. Prize” plus poet’s name, address, phone number, e-mail edu/southwestreview. CONTACT: Prize coordinator. address and title(s) on page 1 of entry. Manuscripts will (Specialized: traditional poetry forms.) PRIZE: Th e not be returned. DEADLINE: submit April 1–October 1 annual Morton Marr Poetry Prize awards fi rst prize: (postmark). Winners announced in January. $1,000; and second prize: $500 to a poet who has not yet published a fi rst book of poetry. Winners will be JENNY MCKEAN MOORE published in Southwest Review. ENTRY FEE: $5/poem. WRITER IN WASHINGTON GUIDELINES: Guidelines available on website. Submit Dept. of English, George Washington University, 6 poems in a “traditional” form (e.g., sonnet, sestina, Washington DC 20052. (202)994-6515. Fax: (202)994- villanelle, rhymed stanzas, blank verse, et al). Include 7915. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.gwu.edu/ cover letter with poet’s name, address and other rele- ~english. PRIZE: Off ers fellowship for a visiting lecturer vant information; no identifying information on entry in creative writing, currently about $55,000 for 2 pages. Manuscripts will not be returned. DEADLINE: semesters. Stipend varies slightly from year to year, September 30 (postmark). depending on endowment payout. Teaching duties involve 2 workshops per semester—1 for undergradu- THE LENORE MARSHALL POETRY PRIZE ate students, the other free to the community. ENTRY Th e Academy of American Poets, 584 Broadway, Suite FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Check website for spe- 604, New York NY 10012. (212)274-0343. Fax: (212)274- cifi c genre each year. Apply with résumé and writing 9427. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.poets. sample of 25 pages or fewer. Books may be submit- org. CONTACT: Alex Dimitrov, awards coordinator. ted but will not be returned without SASE. Awarded PRIZE: $25,000 ENTRY FEE: $25/title. GUIDELINES: to writers in diff erent genres each year, typically alter-

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nating between poets and fi ction writers. DEADLINE: year to enter). Mark “Contest Entry” on submission November 15. envelope and cover sheet. Include SASE for results only; mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: January 1– THE KATHRYN A. MORTON PRIZE IN POETRY April 30 (postmark). Winners will be announced on Sarabande Books, Inc., P.O. Box 4456, Louisville KY Nimrod’s website. 40204. (502)458-4028. E-MAIL: info@sarabandebooks. org. WEBSITE: www.SarabandeBooks.org. CONTACT: THE NEW ISSUES POETRY PRIZE Sarah Gorham, editor-in-chief. Member: CLMP. Th e New Issues Poetry & Prose, Dept. of English, Western Kathryn A. Morton Prize in Poetry is awarded annually Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo to a book-length ms (at least 48 pages). PRIZE: Winner MI 49008-5331. (269)387-8185. Fax: (269)387-2562. E- receives $2,000, publication and a standard royalty con- MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.wmich. tract. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: Guidelines avail- edu/newissues. PRIZE: Th e New Issues Poetry Prize able for SASE, by e-mail or on website. All fi nalists off ers $2,000 plus publication of a book-length ms. are considered for publication. Entry form and SASE ENTRY FEE: $15. Make checks payable to New Issues are required. Accepts simultaneous submissions, but Poetry & Prose. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for must be notifi ed immediately if manuscript is accepted SASE, by fax, by e-mail or on website. Open to “poets elsewhere. Competition receives approximately 1,400 writing in English who have not previously published entries. “To avoid confl ict of interest, students in a a full-length collection of poems.” Considers simul- degree-granting program or close friends of a judge taneous submissions, but New Issues must be noti- are ineligible to enter the contest in the genre for which fi ed of acceptance elsewhere. Submit ms of at least 48 their friend or teacher is serving as judge. Sarabande, pages, typed, single-spaced preferred. Clean photocop- as a member of CLMP, complies with its Contest Code ies acceptable. Do not bind; use manila folder or metal of Ethics.” DEADLINE: Submit January 1–February 15 clasp. Include cover page with poet’s name, address, (postmark) only. phone number and title of the ms. Also include brief bio and acknowledgments page. No e-mail or fax submis- THE PABLO NERUDA PRIZE FOR POETRY sions. Include SAS postcard for notifi cation of receipt of Nimrod, Literary Contest—Poetry, Th e University of ms and SASE for results only; no mss will be returned. Tulsa, 600 S. College, Tulsa OK 74104. WEBSITE: www. DEADLINE: November 30 (postmark). utulsa.edu/nimrod. CONTACT: Contest coordinator. PRIZE: Th e annual Nimrod Literary Awards include Th e NEW LETTERS PRIZE FOR POETRY Pablo Neruda Prize for Poetry, which off ers a fi rst prize: New Letters Awards for Writers, UMKC, University of $2,000 and publication in Nimrod: International House, 5101 Rockhill Road, Kansas City MO 64110- Journal of Poetry and Prose; and a second prize of $1,000 2499. WEBSITE: www.newletters.org. Th e annual New and publication. Nimrod retains the right to publish Letters PRIZE: Poetry Prize awards $1,500 and publi- any submission. ENTRY FEE: $20; includes 1-year sub- cation in New Letters to the best group of 3–6 poems. scription (2 issues) to Nimrod. Make checks payable ENTRY FEE: $15 for fi rst entry, $10 for each subsequent to Nimrod. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for #10 entry; includes cost of a 1-year subscription, renewal SASE or on website. Submissions must be unpublished. or gift subscription to New Letters (shipped to any Work must be in English or translated by original address within the U.S.). Make checks payable to New author. Submit 3–10 pages of poetry (1 long poem or Letters. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or several short poems). Poet’s name must not appear on on website. All entries will be considered for publica- ms. Include cover sheet with poem title(s), poet’s name, tion in New Letters. Submissions must be unpublished. address, phone and fax numbers and e-mail address Considers simultaneous submissions with notifi cation (poet must have a U.S. address by October of contest upon acceptance elsewhere. Accepts multiple entries

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 7878 88/10/10/10/10 1:44:251:44:25 PMPM with separate fee for each. Submit up to 6 poems (need ning book). GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE not be related). Include 2 cover sheets: 1 with poet’s or on website. DEADLINE: submit May 1–June 30 only. name, address, e-mail, phone number, prize category (poetry) and poem title(s); the second with category THE RICHARD PETERSON POETRY PRIZE and poem title(s) only. No identifying information Dept. of English, Mail Code 4503, Faner Hall 2380, on ms pages. Accepts electronic submissions. Include Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale, Carbondale IL 62901. www.craborchardreview.siuc.edu. SASE for notifi cation of receipt of ms and entry num- WEBSITE: CONTACT: ber, and SASE for results only (send only 1 envelope if Jon Tribble, managing editor. PRIZE: Th e Richard Peterson submitting multiple entries); mss will not be returned. Poetry Prize off ers $1,500 plus publication in the winter/ spring issue of Crab Orchard Review. ENTRY FEE: $10/ “Current students and employees of the University of entry (3 poems, 100 line limit per poem, no more than 1 Missouri-Kansas City, and current volunteer members poem per page; poet may submit up to 3 separate entries of the New Letters and BkMk Press staff are not eligi- if not entering the fi ction or nonfi ction categories of the ble.” DEADLINE: May 18 (postmark). 2009 winner was contest). Each fee entitles entrant to a copy of the winter/ Heather Bell. spring Crab Orchard Review featuring the prize winner; OHIOANA POETRY AWARD include complete address. Make checks payable to Crab Orchard Review. GUIDELINES: See guidelines for com- Ohioana Library Association, 274 E. First Ave., Suite 300, plete formatting instructions. Guidelines available for POETRY CONTESTS Columbus OH 43201. (614)466-3831. Fax: (614)728- SASE or on website. “Submissions must be unpublished 6974. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. original work not under consideration elsewhere, written ohioana.org. PRIZE: Th e Ohioana Poetry Award of in English by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Name, $1,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Award is given address, telephone number and/or e-mail address should yearly “to an individual whose body of published work appear only on the title page of manuscript; author’s has made, and continues to make, a signifi cant contri- name should not appear on any subsequent pages. Mark bution to poetry, and through whose work as a writer, ‘poetry’ on outside of envelope. Include #10 SASE for teacher, administrator or in community service, inter- notifi cation of winners.” DEADLINE: See guidelines or est in poetry has been developed.” Authors must be check website. born in Ohio or who have lived in Ohio for at least 5 years.” Competition receives several hundred entries. THE PRAIRIE SCHOONER DEADLINE: Nominations to be received by December BOOK PRIZE SERIES 31. 2009 Ohioana Poetry Award winner was William 201 Andrews Hall, P.O. Box 880334 University of Greenway (Everywhere at Once). Ohioana Quarterly Nebraska, Lincoln NE 68588-0334. (402)472-0911. regularly reviews books by Ohio authors and is available Fax: (402)472-9771. E-MAIL: [email protected]. through membership in Ohioana Library Association WEBSITE: prairieschooner.unl.edu. CONTACT: Contest ($25/year). director. PRIZE: Th e annual Prairie Schooner Book Prize Series off ers $3,000 and publication of a book- PEARL POETRY PRIZE length collection of poetry by the University of Pearl Editions, 3030 E. Second St., Long Beach CA Nebraska Press; 1 runner-up receives $1,000. ENTRY 90803-5163. (562)434-4523. E-MAIL: pearlmag@aol. FEE: $25. Make checks payable to Prairie Schooner. com. WEBSITE: www.pearlmag.com. CONTACT: Joan GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE, by e-mail Jobe Smith, Marilyn Johnson and Barbara Hauk, poetry or on website. Individual poems may have been pre- editors. PRIZE: Th e annual Pearl Poetry Prize awards viously published elsewhere. Considers simultane- $1,000, publication and 25 author’s copies for a book- ous submissions if notifi ed immediately of acceptance length ms. ENTRY FEE: $20 (includes a copy of the win- elsewhere. Submit at least 50 pages of poetry with

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acknowledgments page (if applicable). Poet’s name RATTLE POETRY PRIZE should not appear on ms pages. Xeroxed copies are RATTLE, 12411 Ventura Blvd., Studio City CA 91604. acceptable. Bind with rubber band or binder clip only. (818) 505-6777. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Include 2 cover pages: 1 with poet’s name, address, www.rattle.com. PRIZE: Th e RATTLE Poetry Prize phone number and e-mail address; the other with ms awards fi rst prize of $5,000, plus ten $100 honorable title only. Include SAS postcard for acknowledgment mentions. Additional entries may be off ered publica- of receipt of ms and #10 SASE for results only; mss tion, as well. ENTRY FEE: $18; includes 1-year sub- will not be returned. DEADLINE: January 15–March scription to RATTLE. Make checks/money orders pay- 15 annually. Winners announced online in early July, able to RATTLE (for credit card entries, see website). with results mailed shortly thereaft er. GUIDELINES: Open to writers worldwide (see website for

THE IMPORTANCE OF FORM Attempting poetic forms is an essential step on the path ideas or images to make them fi t a certain meter or to becoming a good poet. This doesn’t mean poets have a rhyme scheme. This forces me out of my comfort to write in forms to be considered poets, but there is zone and ultimately into an area of excessive cre- something important in learning the traditional rules ativity. The tricks I learn trying to make forms work of poetry before bending and breaking them. After all, can then enhance my free verse poems. even most of the best free verse poets had (and have) a * Form is important for the reader. Even readers of sense of form. free verse poetry like to think the poet has an idea Here’s the thing: Most early attempts at any poetic of what they’re doing—and that there is a point form are going to be bad. (even if the point is that there is no point). Other- The reason behind this is not that forms are horrible wise, why should readers waste their time reading? or too hard; instead, it’s just the simple fact that early * Form adds an extra layer of complexity to the attempts are often focused on following the rules of the poem. This does not mean that a bad poem in sonnet form is going to be considered a great poem, form. It’s like learning anything new. but form provides the poem an extra layer of inter- I have four boys, and I’ve seen them all go through the pretation and investigation for the reader. Layering process of learning something, getting frustrated with can help make a poem more challenging and/or their own limitations and then taking themselves to new more fun to read and ponder. levels. Whether it’s learning to talk, walk, ride a bicycle, * Form is fun. I notice that many poets don’t need swim, etc., there is always an initial period when you’re to be wrestled into writing forms because they see just focused on completion before you get comfortable. forms for what they are: poetic games. Sure, forms Here are some reasons why I think poets should learn can be challenging, but challenging in the same and play with forms—even if they intend on only writing way as learning to dribble a basketball or fi nish a in free verse: crossword puzzle. * Form gives structure to a poem. Form is the skeleton (and skin) of the poem; the content is the I don’t think that all poems should be traditional forms, blood and vital organs. Even poets who write free and I don’t think all poets should publish traditional verse should have an idea of how their line breaks forms. One strength of poetry is its diversity. However, I think it’s worth the time of all poets to play around with affect their readers. and learn from forms. * Form teaches new tricks in conveying meaning. For instance, I fi nd that I often have to compress —Robert Lee Brewer

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 8080 88/10/10/10/10 1:44:411:44:41 PMPM special international guidelines). Poems must be written SLOPE EDITIONS BOOK PRIZE in English (no translations). No previously published 847 Bernardston Road, Greenfi eld MA 01301. E-MAIL: poems or works accepted for publication elsewhere. [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.SlopeEditions.org. No simultaneous submissions. Submit no more than 4 CONTACT: Christopher Janke, senior editor; and Ethan poems/entry. Multiple entries by a single poet accepted; Paquin, editor-in-chief. PRIZE: Th e Slope Editions Book however, each 4-poem group must be treated as a sepa- Prize off ers an annual award of $1,000 and publication of rate entry with its own cover sheet and entry fee. Include a book-length ms; author copies off ered in lieu of royal- cover sheet with poet’s name, address, e-mail address, ties. ENTRY FEE: $20; entitles entrant to 1 Slope Editions phone number and poem titles. No contact information book. Make checks/money orders payable to Slope should appear on poems. Include SASE for results only; Publishing Inc. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available by e- no poems will be returned. Poems also may be entered mail or on website. Submissions must be unpublished as a through online submission on website. Guidelines avail- collection. Submit 40–90 typed pages, bound only by a able by e-mail or on website. Judge: editors of RATTLE clip. Include 2 title pages: 1 with ms title, poet’s name, in blind review. DEADLINE: August 1 (postmark). 2009 address, phone number and e-mail; and 1 with ms title winner was Lynne Knight (To the Young Man Who Cried only. Also include table of contents and acknowledg- Out). Winners announced in September. ments page. Do not include SASE or postcards for notifi - cation; they will not be returned. DEADLINE: March 15. SAWTOOTH POETRY PRIZE POETRY CONTESTS WEBSITE: ahsahtapress.boisestate.edu. Th e Sawtooth THE RICHARD SNYDER MEMORIAL Poetry Prize, sponsored by Ahsahta Press, honors a PUBLICATION PRIZE book of original poetry in English by a single author. Ashland Poetry Press, 401 College Ave., Ashland PRIZE: Off ers $1,500 for a book of poems. Th e winning University, Ashland OH 44805. CONTACT: Sarah Wells, volume will be published in January 2012 by Ahsahta managing editor. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of $1,000 Press. “In addition to announcements in national pub- plus book publication in a paper-only edition of 1,000 lications, the winning book and author will be featured copies. ENTRY FEE: $25. GUIDELINES: Submissions must on the Ahsahta website, as will lists of fi nalists and be unpublished in book form. Considers simultaneous semi-fi nalists.” ENTRY FEE: $25/ms. Make checks pay- submissions. Submit 50–80 pages of poetry. Competition able to Ahsahta Press. (See website for payment options receives 350 entries/year. DEADLINE: April 30 annually. outside the U.S.) GUIDELINES: Guidelines available Winners will be announced in Writer’s Chronicle and on website. Translations are not eligible for this award. Poets & Writers. Copies of winning books available from “Students and former students of Boise State University Small Press Distribution, Baker & Taylor and directly and of this year’s judge may not enter; close friends of from the Ashland University Bookstore online. the judge are also not considered eligible.” Considers simultaneous submissions. Submit 48–100 pages of THE SPOON RIVER POETRY REVIEW poetry, single-spaced, printed on 1 side of 8.5×11 or EDITORS’ PRIZE A4 page only. Include SAS postcard for notifi cation of 4241 Dept. of English, Publications Unit, Illinois State receipt of ms and SASE (#10 business) for results; mss University, Normal IL 61790-4241. WEBSITE: www.lit will not be returned. “Entrants will receive a copy of the line.org/spoon. CONTACT: Kirstin Hotelling Zona, winning book when it is printed if they include a 7×10 editor. PRIZE: Th e Spoon River Poetry Review Editors’ self-addressed mailer with $3.95 postage. Our books Prize awards $1,000 to 1 winning poem; 2 runners-up measure 6×8 and will not fi t in smaller-sized mailers.” will receive $100 each. Winning poem, runners-up DEADLINE: Submit January 1–March 1 (postmark). and honorable mentions will be published in the fall 2008 winner was Barbara Maloutas with Th e Whole issue of Th e Spoon River Poetry Review. ENTRY FEE: Marie. Winner will be announced in May. $16; includes 1-year subscription or gift subscription.

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(Indicate preference and include recipient’s name the other with name of poet, address, phone number, and address.) GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for e-mail address and state poetry society member affi li- SASE or on website. Submissions must be unpub- ation, if applicable. No staples or binders; plain manila lished. Submit 2 copies of 3 poems, maximum 10 folder and/or manuscript clip permitted. No illustra- pages total. On each page of 1 copy, only include poet’s tions. No disk submissions; no certifi ed or registered name, address and phone number. No fax or e-mail mail. Include SASE for results only; mss will not be submissions. Include SASE for results only; mss will not returned. DEADLINE: October 15 (postmark). Winners be returned. DEADLINE: May 1. announced in January following deadline; entrants who include an e-mail address or SASE will be notifi ed WALLACE E. STEGNER FELLOWSHIPS of winner. Book will be published by June and sold at Creative Writing Program, Stanford University, Stanford annual NFSPS convention and winning poet (if pres- CA 94305-2087. (650)725-1208. Fax: (650)723-3679. E- ent) will read from it. Copies of books available through MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.creative NFSPS website. writing.standford.edu. CONTACT: Mary Popek, program administrator. PRIZE: Off ers 5 fellowships in poetry of THE RUTH STONE PRIZE IN POETRY $26,000 plus tuition of over $7,000/year for promis- Vermont College, 36 College St., Montpelier VT ing writers who can benefi t from 2 years of instruction 05602. (802)828-8517. E-MAIL: hungermtn@vermontcol and criticism at the writing center. ENTRY FEE: None. lege.edu. WEBSITE: www.hungermtn.org. CONTACT: GUIDELINES: Applicants may apply online. “We do not Miciah Bay Gault, managing editor. PRIZE: Th e annual require a degree for admission. No school of writing is Ruth Stone Prize in Poetry off ers $1,000 and publica- favored over any other. Chronological age is not a con- tion in Hunger Mountain: Th e VCFA Journal of the Arts; sideration.” Competition receives approximately 600 2 honorable mentions receive $100 and are also pub- entries/year for poetry. DEADLINE: December 1 (post- lished. ENTRY FEE: $20. GUIDELINES: Submit up to 3 mark). 2009/10 fellows in poetry were Joshua Edwards, poems, not to exceed 6 pages. “Include SASE and index Erica Ehrenberg, Keetje Kuipers, Brittany Perham and card with poem titles and address; do not put name Matthew Siegel. on poems.” DEADLINE: December 10. Guidelines available for SASE or on website. STEVENS POETRY MANUSCRIPT CONTEST 22614 N. Santiam Hwy., Lyons OR 97358. E-MAIL: MAY SWENSON POETRY AWARD [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.nfsps.org. CONTACT: Utah State University Press, 7800 Old Main Hill, Logan Eleanor Berry, contest chair. PRIZE: National Federation UT 84322-7800. (435)797-1362. Fax: (435)797-0313. E- of State Poetry Societies (NFSPS) off ers annual award MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.usu of $1,000, publication of ms and 50 author’s copies. press.org. CONTACT: Michael Spooner, director. PRIZE: ENTRY FEE: $20 for NFSPS members; $25 for nonmem- Th e annual May Swenson Poetry Award off ers $1,000 bers. Make checks/money orders payable to NFSPS. and publication by Utah State University Press for a GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or on web- full-length poetry collection. ENTRY FEE: $25; includes site. Individual poems may have been previously pub- copy of winning book. GUIDELINES: Guidelines avail- lished in magazines, anthologies or chapbooks, but not able on website. No restrictions on form or subject. the entire ms as a collection. Simultaneous submis- Submit 50–100 pages of original poetry. Include cover sions allowed. Submit 48–70 pages of poetry by a sin- sheet with poet’s name and address. Include SASE for gle author, typewritten or computer printed, beginning results; mss will not be returned. DEADLINE: September each poem on a new page. Pages numbered, with table 30 (postmark). 2009 winner was Jason Whitmarsh of contents, but no author identifi cation anywhere in (Tomorrow’s Living Room). See website for latest ms. Include 2 title pages; 1 with no author identifi cation, winners and more information.

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666-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd6-84CONT_PoetryListings.indd 8282 88/10/10/10/10 1:44:551:44:55 PMPM WAR POETRY CONTEST Bay Road, Queensbury NY 12804. DEADLINE: Submit Winning Writers, 351 Pleasant St., PMB 222, Northampton January 15–March 1 (postmark). MA 01060-3961. (866)946-9748. Fax: (413)280-0539. E- MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.winning WERGLE FLOMP HUMOR POETRY CONTEST writers.com. CONTACT: Adam Cohen, award director. Winning Writers, 351 Pleasant St., PMB 222, PRIZE: Off ers annual award of fi rst prize: $2,000; second Northampton MA 01060-3961. (866)946-9748. Fax: prize: $1,200; third prize: $600; 12 honorable mentions of (413)280-0539. E-MAIL: [email protected]. $100 each. All prizewinners receive online publication at WEBSITE: www.winningwriters.com. CONTACT: Adam WinningWriters.com; selected fi nalists may also receive Cohen, award director. PRIZE: Off ers annual award of online publication. ENTRY FEE: $15 for group of 1–3 fi rst prize: $1,500; second prize: $800; third prize: $400; poems. GUIDELINES: Guidelines available for SASE or plus 12 honorable mentions of $75 each. All prizewin- on website. Submissions must be unpublished. Considers ners receive online publication at WinningWriters. simultaneous submissions. Submit 1–3 poems of up to com. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Guidelines 500 lines total on the theme of war, any form, style or genre. available on website. Please read the past win- No name on ms pages, typed or computer-printed on ning entries and the judge’s comments published at letter-size white paper, single-sided. Submit online WinningWriters.com. Guidelines are a little unusual— or by regular mail. DEADLINE: November 15–May please follow them closely. Submissions may be previ- 31. Competition receives 650 entries/year. Winners ously published. Considers simultaneous submissions. POETRY CONTESTS announced on November 15 at WinningWriters.com and Submit 1 humorous poem of any length, in any form, in free e-mail newsletter. Entrants who provided valid e- but must be “a humor poem that has been submitted mail addresses will also receive notifi cation. to a ‘vanity poetry contest’ as a joke. See website for examples.” Entries accepted only through website; no THE WASHINGTON PRIZE entries by regular mail. DEADLINE: August 15–April Word Works Washington Prize, Dearlove Hall, 1. Competition receives about 750 entries/year. 2009 Adirondack Community College, 640 Bay Road, winner was Randy Cousteau. Winners announced Queensbury NY 12804. E-MAIL: editor@wordworksdc. on August 15 at WinningWriters.com and in free com; [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.wordworksdc. e-mail newsletter. com. CONTACT: Nancy White, prize administrator. PRIZE: Th e Washington Prize off ers $1,500 and publica- THE WHITE PINE PRESS POETRY PRIZE tion of a book-length ms of original poetry in English White Pine Press, P.O. Box 236, Buff alo NY 14201. by a living American poet (U.S. or Canadian citizen or E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.white resident). ENTRY FEE: $25 (includes copy of winning pine.org. CONTACT: Dennis Maloney, editor. PRIZE: book). Make checks payable to Th e Word Works and Th e White Pine Press Poetry Prize off ers $1,000 plus should be drawn from a U.S. bank only. GUIDELINES: publication for a book-length collection of poems by Submit a ms of 48–64 pages. Include 2 title pages, 1 with a U.S. author. ENTRY FEE: $20. Make checks payable and 1 without author information, an acknowledgments to White Pine Press. GUIDELINES: Guidelines avail- page, a table of contents and a cover letter containing a able for SASE or on website. Submissions must be brief bio. Attach acknowledgments and bio to title page unpublished as a collection, but individual poems may with a staple. Use a binder clip to secure the ms. No have been previously published elsewhere. Submit scripts will be returned. Indicate the information source 60–80 pages of poetry, typed, with table of contents. where you learned about Th e Washington Prize. Send Include cover sheet with poet’s name, address, e-mail entries to this address only by fi rst class mail: Nancy address and phone number. No e-mail submissions. White, Word Works Washington Prize Administrator, Include SAS postcard for notifi cation of receipt of ms Dearlove Hall, Adirondack Community College, 640 and SASE for results only; mss will not be returned.

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DEADLINE: submit July 1–November 30 (postmark). rather on a separate sheet along with address, social Winning books available from local booksellers and security number, phone number, e-mail address and White Pine Press. title(s) of submission(s). Candidates should also supply the names and phone numbers of 2 references. MARJORIE J. WILSON AWARD FOR BEST Accepts inquiries by e-mail and phone. “Send your POEM CONTEST best work.” Receives approximately 300 applicants P.O. Box 250, Chesterfi eld MO 63006-0250. E-MAIL: mar a year for each genre. DEADLINE: February. Results [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.margiereview.com. announced by May 1. PRIZE: Th e Marjorie J. Wilson Award for Best Poem Contest off ers $1,000 and publication in MARGIE. WORKING PEOPLE’S POETRY COMPETITION All entries will be considered for publication. ENTRY Blue Collar Review, P.O. Box 11417, Norfolk VA 23517. FEE: $15 for 3 poems; $5 for each additional poem. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.partisan Make checks payable to MARGIE, Inc. GUIDELINES: press.org. PRIZE: Th e Working People’s Poetry Guidelines available for SASE or on website. Submissions Competition off ers $100 and a 1-year subscription must be unpublished. Considers simultaneous submis- to Blue Collar Review and “1 year posting of win- sions. Submit 3 poems, 60-line limit/poem. Include sin- ning poem on our website. ENTRY FEE: $15 per poem. gle cover sheet with poet’s name, address, phone number, Make checks payable to Partisan Press. GUIDELINES: e-mail (if available) and poem titles. No names should Guidelines available on website. Poetry should be typed appear on the poems themselves; do not send originals. as you would like to see it published, with your name Include SASE for results only; submissions will not be and address on each page. Include cover letter with returned. DEADLINE: To be announced. entry.” DEADLINE: May 1.

WISCONSIN INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE WRITERS-EDITORS NETWORK WRITING FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL WRITING COMPETITION 6195B H.C. White Hall, 600 N. Park St, Madison Florida Freelance Writers Association, P.O. Box A, North WI 53706. (608)263-3374. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Stratford NH 03590-0167. (603)922-8338. E-MAIL: WEBSITE: www.creativewriting.wisc.edu. CONTACT: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.writers- Ron Kuka, program coordinator. Fellowship provides editors.com. Established 1978. CONTACT: Dana K. time, space and an intellectual community for writers Cassell, award director. Off ers annual awards for non- working on first books. PRIZE: $27,000 for a 9-month fi ction, fi ction, children’s literature and poetry. PRIZE: appointment. Judged by English Department faculty Awards for each category are fi rst: $100 plus certifi - and current fellows. ENTRY FEE: $40, payable to the cate; second: $75 plus certifi cate; third: $50 plus cer- Department of English. GUIDELINES: “Candidates tifi cate; plus honorable mention certifi cates. ENTRY must not yet have published, or had accepted for FEE: $3/poem (members), $5/poem (nonmembers). publication, a book by application deadline.” Open GUIDELINES: Entry form and guidelines available for to any writer with either an M.F.A. or Ph.D. in cre- SASE or on website. Poetry submissions must be unpub- ative writing. Please enclose a SASE for notification lished. Submit any number of poems on any subject in of results. Applicants should submit up to 10 pages traditional forms, free verse or children’s. Competition of poetry or 1 story of up to 30 pages and a résumé receives 350–400 entries/year. Competition is judged or vita directly to the program during the month of by writers, librarians and teachers. DEADLINE: March February. An applicant’s name must not appear on 15. Winners will be announced on May 31 by mail and the writing sample (which must be in ms form) but on website.

JENNIFER BENNER is the assistant editor of Writing Contests.

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SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 49 competitions for writers of screenplays, stage plays and musicals.

hen asked about the value of entering and placing well in screenwriting contests, Mike Kuciak of the management company WSamurai MK cut right to the chase: “Placing well in a prominent contest is one of the best ways for beginning writers to generate interest in their work. I go aft er a lot of semi-and quarter-fi nalists.” Th at’s right: Agents and managers in Hollywood are reading up on who’s winning awards and competitions, so the good news is anyone anywhere can get the attention of power players with a dynamite script. On the following pages, you will fi nd complete listings for 49 contests and awards for writers of screenplays, stage plays and musicals. Th ese contests off er you the opportunity for your work to be judged on the basis of quality alone without the outside factors (like budgets, trends and the marketplace) that sometimes infl uence publishing decisions. Some focus on form, such as stage musicals for kids or feature-length scripts, while others feature writing on particular themes or topics (such as contests that only want horror screenplays). Chances are, no matter what type of scripts you write, there is a contest or award program that may be a good match for you. Th e contests listed here are extremely varied, and some may be small and regional whereas others are national and prestigious. Remember that judges are busy and picky, so follow contest guidelines and verify the details online before you submit. Good luck!

ABBREVIATIONS ISBN: Industry standard book number MS.: Manuscript MSS.: Manuscripts SAS: Self addressed stamped (as in postcard) SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope TBA: To be announced

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AAA SCREENPLAY CONTEST egories. Discovery is open only to previously unpro- AAA Screenplay Contest c/o Creative Screenwriting, duced playwrights. Open only to residents of Alberta. 6404 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 145, Los Angeles CA DEADLINE: March 1 (annually). 90028. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Pasha McKenley, contest coordinator. PRIZE: ANNA ZORNIO MEMORIAL CHILDREN’S $10,000; second prize is $2,500 cash. Th ird prize is THEATRE PLAYWRITING COMPETITION $1,000. Th e fourth through 10th-place fi nalists will each University of New Hampshire, Dept. of Th eatre and receive $100. Two teleplay winners receive $500 each and Dance, PCAC, 30 Academic Way, Durham NH 03824- agency consideration. Th ree “Best Opening” prize win- 3538. (603)862-3044. E-MAIL: [email protected]. ners get $100 each. ENTRY FEE: $34–65. GUIDELINES: CONTACT: Michael Wood. PRIZE: Up to $500. Th e “Enter online at our website. Do not send or try to sub- play is also produced and underwritten as part of the mit scripts to our e-mail address. Th ey will be deleted. 2013–2014 season by the UNH Department of Th eatre. No particular genre has an edge. Our winner may be a ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Guidelines and entry horror movie about mutant hedgehogs or a biopic on forms available online. Open to all playwrights in U.S. the life of Ivan the Terrible. What our judges are look- and Canada. Off ered every 4 years for unpublished ing for is a great story, compelling characters, and sharp well-written plays or musicals appropriate for young dialogue. We want your best work without regard to audiences with a maximum length of 60 minutes. May genre or budget. Because the contest is geared toward submit 1–3 plays. All plays will be performed by adult off ering access into the world of screenwriting, we do actors and must be appropriate for a children’s audience.” have to limit applicants to those who have made less DEADLINE: March 2, 2012. Winner will be notifi ed on than $25,000 on feature options or sales.” DEADLINE: or aft er December 15, 2012. April 11. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ACTORS CHOICE AWARDS ONE-PAGE PLAY COMPETITION Th e Screenwriting Conference in Santa Fe, LLC, PO Lamia Ink!, P.O. Box 202, Prince Street Station, New Box 29762, Santa Fe NM 87592. (866)424-1501. Fax: York NY 10012. CONTACT: Cortland Jessup, founder/ (505)424-8207. E-MAIL: [email protected]. PRIZE: All artistic director. PRIZE: $200 for the winner; all fi nal- 5 winners receive certifi cates and free submission to the ists will be published. ENTRY FEE: $2/play; $5/3 plays PAGEawards screenwriting competition. In addition, (maximum). GUIDELINES: Send SASE for guidelines scripts are forwarded to all producers/agents/managers/ or visit the website. Th e competition is a short-form executives attending Th e Hollywood Connection com- theatrical exercise created to nurture aspiring writers, ponent of SCSFe. ENTRY FEE: $25 for the fi rst, $15 for challenge established writers and encourage a wide all others. GUIDELINES: All genres. No limit to number range of experimentation. Off ered annually for previ- of submissions. DEADLINE: May 10. ously published or unpublished 1-page plays. Acquires the rights to publish in our magazine and to be read ALBERTA PLAYWRITING COMPETITION or performed at the prize awarding festival. “We will Alberta Playwrights’ Network, 2633 Hochwald Ave. publish and award prizes annually, but may not in SW, Calgary AB T3E 7K2 Canada. (403)269-8564. Fax: every year hold a public performance of the fi nalist (403)265-6773. PRIZE: Full length: $3,500 (Canadian); plays. In years without a live performance festival we Discovery: $1,500 (Canadian); plus a written critique, will award prizes via mail and list all fi nalists on web- workshop of winning play and possible reading of win- site.” Playwright retains copyright. Th ere are 3 rounds ning plays at a Showcase Conference. ENTRY FEE: $40 of judging with invited judges that change from year fee (Canadian). GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for to year. Th ere are up to 12 judges for fi nalists round. unproduced plays with full-length and Discovery cat- DEADLINE: March 15.

86 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

885-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd5-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd 8686 88/10/10/10/10 1:05:001:05:00 PMPM ANNUAL NATIONAL [email protected]. CONTACT: Nick Piper. PRIZE: PLAYWRITING COMPETITION $250, a staged reading performed at Barter’s Stage II the- Wichita State University, School of Performing Arts, 1845 ater and some transportation compensation and hous- Fairmount, Box 153, Wichita KS 67260-0153. (316)978- ing during the time of the festival. Th ere may be an addi- 3646. Fax: (316)978-3202. E-MAIL: bret.jones@wichita. tional award for the best staged readings. ENTRY FEE: edu. CONTACT: Bret Jones, director of theatre. PRIZE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: With the annual Production by the Wichita State University Th eatre. Appalachian Festival of New Plays & Playwrights, Barter ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Th e contest will be open Th eatre wishes to celebrate new, previously unpublished/ to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at unproduced plays by playwrights from the Appalachian any college or university in the United States. Please indi- region. If the playwrights are not from Appalachia, the cate school affi liation. All submissions must be original, plays themselves must be about the region. DEADLINE: unpublished and unproduced. Both full-length and 1-act March 31. plays may be submitted. Full length plays in 1 or more acts should be a minimum of 90 minutes playing time. 2 or 3 BUNTVILLE CREW’S PRIX HORS PAIR short plays on related themes by the same author will be Buntville Crew, 118 N. Railroad Ave., Buckley IL 60918- judged as 1 entry. Th e total playing time should be a mini- 0445. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. mum of 90 minutes. 1-act plays should be a minimum of [email protected]. CONTACT: Steven Packard, artistic 30 minutes playing time to a maximum of 60 minutes play- director. PRIZE: $200 and possible production in Buckley ing time. Musicals should be a minimum of 90 minutes and/or New York City. ENTRY FEE: $8. GUIDELINES: playing time and must include a CD of the accompanying “Annual award for unpublished/unproduced play script music. Scripts should contain no more than 4–6 charac- of 15 pages or fewer. Plays may be in English, French, ters and setting must be suitable for an 85-seat black box German or Spanish (no translations, no adaptations). theatre. Eligible playwrights may submit up to 2 entries per Submit 1 copy of the script in standard play format, a contest year. 1 typewritten, bound copy should be submit- résumé and a SASE (scripts will not be returned). Include ted. Scripts must be typed and arranged in professional name, address and telephone number.” Judged by panel

play script format. 2 title pages must be included: 1 bound selected by the theater. DEADLINE: May 31. SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS and the other unbound. Th e unbound title page should display the author’s name, address, telephone number and CITA PLAY DEVELOPMENT CONTEST e-mail address if applicable. Th e bound title page should Christians in Th eatre Arts, P.O. Box 26471, Greenville only display the name of the script. Do not include any SC 29616. E-MAIL: [email protected]. PRIZE: Th e winning personal identifying information on the bound title page. playwright will be published in a special edition of the Scripts may be submitted electronically to the following organization’s journal and a copy will be sent to a list of web address [email protected]. Submit in PDF for- faith-based professional companies and universi- mat. Please include ALL information requested for mail ties. ENTRY FEE: $25–100/entry depending on level in scripts with your electronic submission. Judging will of feedback. GUIDELINES: See website for guidelines. be conducted by a panel of 3 or more selected from the Competition encourages and equips writers by provid- school faculty and may also include up to 3 experienced, ing the winner with a high-quality intensive dramaturgi- faculty-approved WSU School of Performing Arts stu- cal experience. Plays must be full-length (75 minutes or dents. DEADLINE: January 16. more) and refl ect the author’s Judeo-Christian worldview. Musicals must include a tape/CD. DEADLINE: February. APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL OF PLAYS & PLAYWRIGHTS THE CLAYMORE DAGGER AWARD Barter Th eatre, Box 867, Abingdon VA 24212-0867. Killer Nashville, P.O. Box 680686, Franklin TN 37068- (276)619-3316. Fax: (276)619-3335. E-MAIL: apfesti 0686. (615)599-4032. E-MAIL: contact@killernash

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ville.com. CONTACT: Clay Staff ord, event founder. PRIZE: www.dbqoneacts.org. CONTACT: Gary Arms. PRIZE: An engraved dagger and consideration for publication First place: $600; second place: $300; third place: $200. by the judging publisher. ENTRY FEE: $35. GUIDELINES: 5 groups who read all the plays; each play is read at least “Although anyone with an unpublished ms is eligible to twice. Plays that score high enough enter the second submit, the award would best benefi t authors who have round. Th e top 10 plays are read by a panel consisting not been previously published and published authors of 3 directors and 2 other fi nal judges. ENTRY FEE: $10. who are between publishers and would like to get some GUIDELINES: “Guidelines and application form for SASE. buzz about their new works. We don’t want to exclude We select 3 one-act plays each year. We award cash prizes anyone, though, so if you’re a published author with an of up to $600 for a winning entry. We produce the win- unpublished ms you’d like to enter, please be our guest.” ning plays in August. Off ered annually for unpublished Th e Claymore Dagger Award is Killer Nashville’s award and unproduced work.” DEADLINE: January 31. for the best opening for an unpublished ms submitted to the judging committee. A committee of experienced FEATURE LENGTH readers and writers will review all submissions in a blind SCREENPLAY COMPETITION judging process. Th ey will recommend and submit 10 Austin Film Festival, 1801 Salina St., Austin TX 78702. mss to our sponsor publisher, whose editors will make (512)478-4795. Fax: (512)478-6205. E-MAIL: screen the fi nal decision and award the Claymore Dagger to the [email protected]. PRIZE: $5,000 winning author. All decisions are fi nal and at the sole dis- for comedy and drama; $2,500 for sponsored and cretion of the publisher. DEADLINE: 4 months prior to sci-fi . ENTRY FEE: $40/early entry; $50/late entry. the Killer Nashville conference, which is held annually on GUIDELINES: Guidelines for SASE or call (800)310- the weekend surrounding the third Saturday in August. 3378. Th e writer must hold the rights when submitted; work must be original and not under option. Th e screen- CREATIVE WORLD AWARDS play must be feature-length and in industry standard (CWA) INTERNATIONAL format. Off ered annually for unproduced screenplays. SCREENWRITING COMPETITION Th e Austin Film Festival is looking for quality screen- International Screenwriting Contests, PO Box 10699, plays which will be read by industry professionals. Th is Marina del Rey CA 90295. E-MAIL: info@creative year AFF will be providing ‘Readers Notes’ to all Second worldawards.com. WEBSITE: www.creativeworldawards. Rounders (top 10%) and higher for no additional charge. com. CONTACT: Marlene Neubauer/Heather PRIZE: Two main categories: drama and comedy. Two optional More than $15,000 in cash and prizes awarded in 10 cat- award categories (additional entry of $20 per category); egories. ENTRY FEE: $45–65. GUIDELINES: See website’s sponsored award and sci-fi award. DEADLINE: May 15 FAQ page for more detailed information. Waters. “CWA’s (early); June 1 (late). professionalism, industry innovation and exclusive company list make this competition a leader in the indus- SHUBERT FENDRICH MEMORIAL try. Several past entrants have gotten optioned and sev- PLAYWRITING CONTEST eral more are in negotiation. Newly added categories for Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., P.O. Box 4267, Englewood short fi lm scripts and television. Check out our website CO 80155. (303)779-4035. Fax: (303)779-4315. for more details.” All screenplays must be in English and E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Lori in standard spec screenplay format. DEADLINE: June 30. Conary, assistant editor. PRIZE: $1,000 royalty advance and publication. ENTRY FEE: None.GUIDELINES: Off ered DUBUQUE FINE ARTS PLAYERS ANNUAL annually for unpublished, but previously produced, sub- ONE-ACT PLAY CONTEST missions to encourage the development of quality the- Dubuque Fine Arts Players, 1686 Lawndale, Dubuque atrical material for educational and community theater. IA 52001. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Rights acquired only if published. Authors already pub-

88 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

885-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd5-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd 8888 88/10/10/10/10 1:05:271:05:27 PMPM lished by Pioneer Drama are not eligible. Contest sub- recommendation from a theater company or individual missions must also meet standard submission guidelines. familiar with your work. Letters of recommendation do DEADLINE: December 31 (postmarked). not need to be specifi c to the play submitted; they may be general recommendations of the playwright’s work. FESTIVAL OF NEW AMERICAN PLAYS All letters must be received with the script, not under Firehouse Th eatre Project, 1609 W. Broad St., Richmond separate cover. Scripts received without a letter will not VA 23220. (804)355-2001. E-MAIL: info@ﬁ rehousethe be considered. Due to the volume of mail, manuscripts atre.org. WEBSITE: www.ﬁ rehousetheatre.org. CONTACT: cannot be returned. All American playwrights welcome Carol Piersol, artistic director. PRIZE: First place: $1,000 to submit their work.” All plays are initially read by a and a staged reading; second place: $500 and a staged panel of individuals with experience in playwriting and reading. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Annual con- literature. Previous judges have included Lloyd Rose test designed to support new and emerging American playwrights. Scripts must be full-length and previ- (former Washington Post theatre critic), Bill Patton (fre- ously unpublished/unproduced. (Readings are accept- quent Firehouse director), Richard Toscan (dean of the able if no admission was charged.) Submissions should Virginia Commonwealth University School for the Arts) be mailed in standard manuscript form with no fancy and Israel Horovitz (playwright). All fi nalists are asked binding. No disks, no e-mails. Scripts should be secured to sign a contract with the Firehouse Th eatre Project with a binder clip only. All author information must be that guarantees performance rights for the staged read- on a title page separate from the body of the manuscript ing in January and printed credit for Firehouse Th eatre and no reference to the author is permitted in the body Project if the play is produced or published in the future. of the script. Scripts must be accompanied by a letter of DEADLINE: June 30 postmark.

3 PRACTICALITIES OF PLAYWRITING 1. CAST SIZE. Cast size should always be on your mind. Patsy Cline. “Plays are not movies. You can’t say, ‘Scene

Musicals, children’s theater, and big-budget productions 1: The Peer at Lake Michigan; Scene 2: A Skyscraper SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS aside, theaters will usually look for plays with small cast Penthouse; Scene 3: Central Park.’ That is a nonrealistic sizes. A small cast requires less money for actors (espe- play. A producer would say `This has got too many charac- cially when you’re dealing with unions) and less hassle in ters, it’s too many costumes, it’s got too many props.’ ‘’ getting people together for rehearsals. An old playwriting 3. LIMITING DIRECTIONS AND DESCRIPTION. Stage joke tells of a meeting between a writer and a producer. plays are not a medium where you can describe action The producer asks, “How many actors will be needed for in depth. For example, if two characters ﬁ ght, simply this play?’’ The writer responds, “That’s the good news. say, “They ﬁ ght.’’ Ideally, your play will be produced Just one!’’ The producer pauses and says, “See if you cut many times on many different stages—and the directors that number down, then call me back.’’ Keep in mind that tackle your work will not want to put on the exact that what’s important here is a small cast size, not a small same interpretation of another director; same goes for number of roles. David Lindsay-Abaire’s play, Wonder of the actors. Directors will often black out some or all of a the World, for example, requires seven actors, but has play’s stage directions, so they can create their own vision many more characters than that. of how to block the action. An excess of stage directions is a sign of an amateur. 2. EMBRACING SIMPLICITY. “When you have a scene, you have to write with the practicalities of the theater in —Excerpted from 2010 Screenwriter’s & Playwright’s mind,’’ says Ted Swindley, creator of the musical Always … Market by Chuck Sambuchino

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JOHN GASSNER MEMORIAL GUIDELINES: “Off ered annually for previously unpub- PLAYWRITING COMPETITION lished or unproduced plays or musicals to produce new New England Th eatre Conference, 215 Knob Hill Dr., dramatic works in 1-act form. Scripts with small casts and Hamden CT 06158. Fax: (203)288-5938. E-MAIL: mail@ simpler sets given preference. Controversial themes and netconline.org. PRIZE: First place: $1,000; second place: excessive language should be avoided.” DEADLINE: July 1. $500. ENTRY FEE: $10 fee. GUIDELINES: “We annually seek unpublished full-length plays and scripts. Open to HOLIDAY SCREENPLAY CONTEST all. Playwrights living outside New England may par- P.O. Box 450, Boulder CO 80306. (303)629-3072. E- ticipate.” DEADLINE: April 15. MAIL: Cherubfi [email protected]. WEBSITE: www.Holiday ScreenplayContest.com. PRIZE: Up to $500. ENTRY FEE: GOTHAM SCREEN FILM FESTIVAL AND $30. GUIDELINES: “Scripts must be centered on a holi- SCREENPLAY CONTEST day (any world holiday you would like to feature). Th is 291 Broadway, Suite 701, New York NY 10007. E-MAIL: contest is limited to the fi rst 400 entries.” Screenplays [email protected]. PRIZE: $2,500. In addition, must be in English. Screenplays must not have been pre- excerpts from selected contest entries will be performed viously optioned, produced or purchased prior to sub- live by professional actors at a staged reading during the mission. Multiple submissions are accepted, but each festival. ENTRY FEE: $35–50. GUIDELINES: Drama, com- submission requires a separate online entry and sepa- edy, adventure, horror, thriller/suspense, family, roman- rate fee. Screenplays must be between 90–125 pages. tic comedy, documentary. “Submit via Withoutabox DEADLINE: November. account or download form at website.” “Th e contest is open to anyone. Feature-length screenplays should be HORROR SCREENPLAY CONTEST properly formatted and have an approximate length of Cherub Productions, P.O. Box 540, Boulder CO 80306. 80–120 pages. On the cover page, please put the title, the (303)629-3072. E-MAIL: Cherubfi [email protected]. PRIZE: writer’s name(s) and the contact details.” “Include an e- More than $5,000 in cash and prizes. ENTRY FEE: $35. mail address to be notifi ed.” DEADLINE: September. GUIDELINES: “Th is contest is looking for horror scripts.” Th is contest is limited to the fi rst 600 entries. Screenplays AURAND HARRIS MEMORIAL PLAYWRITING AWARD must be between 90–125 pages. DEADLINES: E-mail for deadline. Th e New England Th eatre Conference, Inc., 215 Knob Hill Dr., Hamden CT 06518. Fax: (203)288-5938. E- LAS VEGAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MAIL: [email protected]. PRIZE: First place: $1,000; SCREENPLAY COMPETITION second place: $500. ENTRY FEE: $10 fee. GUIDELINES: Las Vegas International Film Festival, 10300 W. “Off ered annually for an unpublished full-length play Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas NV 89135. (702)552-9330. for young audiences. Guidelines available online or for E-MAIL: info@lvfi lmfest.com. WEBSITE: www.lvfi lmfest. SASE. No phone calls, please. Open to all.” DEADLINE: com/Filmmakers/Screenplay_Competition.aspx. PRIZE: May 1. Cash prizes are awarded to the fi rst, second, and third HENRICO THEATRE COMPANY ONE-ACT place winners. ENTRY FEE: $30. GUIDELINES: “Th is PLAYWRITING COMPETITION annual screenplay competition was created to help Henrico Recreation & Parks, P.O. Box 90775, Richmond aspiring screenwriters break into the entertainment VA 23273. (804)501-5138. Fax: (804)501-5284. E-MAIL: industry as well as to support emerging new talent.” [email protected]. CONTACT: Amy A. Perdue. Scripts may be submitted via hardcopy or electronic fi le. PRIZE: $300; runner-up: $200. Winning entries may be Scripts should be no longer than 180 pages. DEADLINE: produced; videotape sent to author. ENTRY FEE: None. See website.

90 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

885-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd5-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd 9090 88/10/10/10/10 1:05:471:05:47 PMPM MOONDANCE INTERNATIONAL ber of roles. We prefer settings that lend themselves to FILM FESTIVAL simplifi ed scenery. Bilingual (English/Spanish) scripts 970 9th St., Boulder CO 80302. (303)545-0202. E-MAIL: are welcomed. Call or visit website for guidelines. Open director@moondanceﬁ lmfestival.com. PRIZE: Winners to any writer.” DEADLINE: April 1. are presented with a unique star award. In addition, Moondance promotes the winners’ and fi nalists’ work NEW WORKS FOR THE STAGE and tries to get it sold, agented, distributed or optioned. COE College Th eatre Arts Dept., 1220 First Ave. NE, Cedar Winners’ & selected fi nalists’ fi lms are screened at Rapids IA 52402. (319)399-8624. Fax: (319)399-8557. [email protected]. the Moondance fi lm festival. ENTRY FEE: $50–75. E-MAIL: CONTACT: Susan Wolverton. GUIDELINES: Contest invites submissions of feature PRIZE: $500, plus travel, room and board for resi- screenplays, short screenplays, feature & short musi- dency at the college. ENTRY FEE: Contact for informa- cal screenplays, feature & short screenplays for children, tion. GUIDELINES: Off ered in odd-numbered years to 1, 2 or 3-act stageplays, mini-series for TV, television encourage new work, to provide an interdisciplinary movies of the week, television pilots, libretti, musical forum for the discussion of issues found in new work fi lm scripts, short stories, radio plays & short stories for and to off er playwright contact with theater profession- children. To submit your work, go to www.withoutabox. als who can provide response to new work. Full-length, com/login/1240. DEADLINE: May 15. original, unpublished and unproduced scripts only. No musicals, adaptations, translations or collaborations. MOVING ARTS PREMIERE Submit 1-page synopsis, résumé and SASE if the script ONE-ACT COMPETITION is to be returned. DEADLINE: November 1 even years. Moving Arts, P.O. Box 481145, Los Angeles CA 90048. (323)666-3259. E-MAIL: [email protected]. DON AND GEE NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS CONTACT: Steve Lozier. PRIZE: First place: $200, plus IN SCREENWRITING a full production during festival; fi nalists get program Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, 1313 N. mention and possible production. ENTRY FEE: $10 fee/ Vine St., Hollywood CA 90028-8107. (310)247-3010. [email protected]. www.oscars.org/ script. GUIDELINES: Please see website for additional E-MAIL: WEBSITE: SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS guidelines before submitting. Off ered annually for nicholl. PRIZE: Up to fi ve $30,000 fellowships awarded unproduced 1-act plays in the Los Angeles area (single each year. ENTRY FEE: $45 fee if by April 1. GUIDELINES: set; maximum cast of 8 people recommended). All play- “Off ered annually for unproduced screenplays to iden- wrights are eligible except Moving Arts resident artists. tify talented new screenwriters. Open to writers who No more than 60 pages. “We have a blind submission have not earned more than $5,000 writing for fi lms or policy. Th e playwright’s name should appear only on TV.” DEADLINE: May 1. the cover letter and not on the script.” Scripts are not returned. DEADLINE: See website. NICKELODEON WRITING FELLOWSHIP Nickelodeon, 231 W. Olive Ave., Burbank CA 91502. NATIONAL CHILDREN’S THEATRE FESTIVAL (818)736-3663. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Th eatre, 280 Miracle www.nickwriting.com. CONTACT: Karen Kirkland, con- Mile, Coral Gables FL 33134. (305)444-9293, ext. 615. test/award director. PRIZE: Th e Fellowship provides a sal- Fax: (305)444-4181. E-MAIL: maulding@actorsplay aried position for up to 1 year and off ers hands-on experi- house.org. CONTACT: Earl Maulding. PRIZE: $500 and ence writing spec scripts and pitching story ideas in both full production. ENTRY FEE: $10 fee. GUIDELINES: live action and animation television. ENTRY FEE: None. “Off ered annually for unpublished musicals for young GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for unpublished scripts. audiences. Target age is 4–12. Script length should be You must be 18 years or older to participate. U.S. domes- 45–60 minutes. Maximum of 8 actors to play any num- tic applicants only. All spec scripts must include a cover

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page listing the show name and show title, along with online. Th e contest is open to all writers 18 years of age your name, address and telephone number (please do and older who have not previously earned more than not put your name on every page). If you have previously $25,000 writing for fi lm and/or television. Please visit applied to the program and have not been selected as a contest website for a complete list of rules and regula- fellow, you are welcomed and encouraged to apply again, tions.” Judging is done entirely by Hollywood profes- however you are required to submit a diff erent spec script sionals, including industry script readers, consultants, for each new submission period. See guidelines online at agents, managers, producers and development execu- our website. Submissions that do not adhere to our guide- tives. Entrants retain all rights to their work. DEADLINE: lines will not be considered. As part of their scriptwriting, January 15 (early); March 1 (regular); April 1 (late). each fellow will be assigned to an executive in charge of production and have an opportunity to write a spec script THE PEN IS A MIGHTY SWORD for an on-air Nickelodeon show. In addition, all fellows Th e Virtual Th eatre Project, 1901 Rosalia Rd., Los are integrated into the activities of both the development Angeles CA 90027. (877)787-8036. Fax: (323)660-5097. and production departments. Th is allows the fellows an E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: opportunity to attend storyboard pitches, notes meet- Kim Terrell, producing artistic director. PRIZE: First ings, records, table reads, show pitches and show tapings, place: $2,000 and promotion for production; second all while being exposed to top creators and key produc- place: $1,000; third place: $500 and a reading. In addition crews. Appropriate spec scripts must be: comedic, tion, up to 7 honorable mentions receive $100 each. live action, or animation; based on a half-hour television ENTRY FEE: None for mailed submissions, $25 process- series; currently being produced for primetime network ing fee for e-mailed entries. GUIDELINES: “Contest open or cable; typed in standard script format; in black ink; to unproduced plays written specifi cally for the stage. in 12-pt. Courier style font; on 8.5×11, 3-hole punched Plays should be bold, compelling and passionate. See white paper; with only 2 brass fasteners (top & bottom). website for submission dates and guidelines.” Judged by Experienced readers and Nickelodeon Development and a panel of professional writers, directors and producers. Production employees and executives read all submis- DEADLINE: E-mail for deadline. sions. DEADLINE: February 28, 2011. PILGRIM PROJECT GRANTS THE PAGE INTERNATIONAL c/o First Th ings, 35 East 21st St., 6th Floor, New York SCREENWRITING AWARDS NY 10010. (212)627-2288. Fax: (212)627-2184. E-MAIL: Th e PAGE Awards Committee, 7510 Sunset Blvd., #610, davida@ﬁ rstthings.com. CONTACT: Davida Goldman. Hollywood CA 90046-3408. E-MAIL: info@PAGEawards. PRIZE: Grants of $1,000–7,000. ENTRY FEE: None. com. CONTACT: Zoe Simmons, contest coordinator. GUIDELINES: E-mail for more information. “Grants PRIZE: Over $50,000 in cash and prizes, including a for a reading, workshop production or full production $25,000 grand prize, plus gold, silver and bronze prizes in of plays that deal with questions of moral signifi cance.” all 10 categories. Most importantly, the award-winning DEADLINE: Ongoing. writers receive extensive publicity and industry exposure. ENTRY FEE: $39 (early); $49 (regular); $59 (late). RHODE ISLAND INTERNATIONAL GUIDELINES: Annual competition to discover the most FILM FESTIVAL SCREENPLAY COMPETITION talented new screenwriters from across the country and P.O. Box 162, Newport RI 02840. (401)861-4445. Fax: around the world. “Each year, awards are presented to (401)490-6735. E-MAIL: [email protected]. 31 screenwriters in 10 diff erent genre: action/adventure, WEBSITE: www.film-festival.org/enterascreenplay.php. comedy, drama, family fi lm, historical fi lm, science fi c- PRIZE: Cash prizes and trophies ENTRY FEE: $40.00 (full- tion, thriller/horror, short fi lm script, TV drama pilot length) or $25.00 (teleplay/short) must accompany each and TV sitcom pilot. Guidelines and entry forms are submission. For all scripts arriving aft er the standard dead-

92 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

885-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd5-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd 9292 88/10/10/10/10 1:06:071:06:07 PMPM line, a $10 late fee will be imposed per script. GUIDELINES: dramas. Th ere are more than 25 producers, agents Th e purpose of the contest is to promote, embolden and and managers reading the winning scripts. 2 past win- cultivate screenwriters in their quest for opportunities in ners won Emmys because of Scriptapalooza and 1 past the industry. Th e Rhode Island International Film Festival entrant now writes for Comedy Central.” DEADLINE: is calling for Screenplay Entries for its 15th annual festi- October 15 and April 15. val, which takes place August 2011 in historic Providence, Rhode Island. Th e Festival is accepting screenplays in all SCRIPT PIMP SCREENWRITING genres. Screenplays must have been written aft er 2007. COMPETITION Scripts not to exceed 130 pages. Prefers paperless entries. Script P.I.M.P. (Pipeline Into Motion Pictures), 8033 Go online for downloadable entry form. “Screenplays will Sunset Blvd., Hollywood CA 90046. (310)401-1155. be judged on creativity, innovation, vision, originality and Fax: (310)564-2021. E-MAIL: [email protected]. the use of language. Th e key element is that of communi- CONTACT: Matt Misetich, general manager. PRIZE: cation and how it complements and is transformed by the $20,000 in cash for the winners; $80,000 in prizes to language of fi lm.” DEADLINE: July 15. anyone who enters a panel of working literary agents, literary managers and development directors from the SCRIPTAPALOOZA SCREENPLAY fi lm industry. ENTRY FEE: $50. GUIDELINES: Open to COMPETITION writers 18 years and older. All genres, styles and formats Supported by Writers Guild of America West Registry, accepted. Th e Script Pimp 8th Annual Screenwriting the Writers Guild of Canada and Write Brothers, 7775 and 3rd Annual TV Writing Competitions are open Sunset Blvd., #200, Hollywood CA 90046. (323)654- for entries. Th is is an international competition open 5809. E-MAIL: [email protected]. WEBSITE: www. to all original feature fi lm screenplays that have yet to scriptapalooza.com. CONTACT: Mark Andrushko, pres. be produced, optioned or sold. Over 200 companies PRIZE: First place: $10,000 and soft ware package from review the fi nalists, and previous winners have gone Write Brothers, Inc.; second place, third place and 10 on to secure studio writing assignments, gain repre- runners-up: soft ware package from Write Brothers, Inc. sentation and see their work optioned. Each screen-

Th e top 100 scripts will be considered by more than 90 play is guaranteed 2 reads from the panel of judges. SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS production companies. ENTRY FEE: $40 (early); $50 Script P.I.M.P. does not acquire any rights to materials (regular); $55 (late). GUIDELINES: “Annual competi- submitted through the contest. DEADLINE: May 1. tion for unpublished scripts from any genre. Open to any writer, 18 or older. Submit 1 copy of a 90- to 130- SCRIPT SAVVY’S MONTHLY page screenplay. Body pages must be numbered, and SCREENPLAY CONTEST scripts must be in industry-standard format. All entered Script Savvy, (214)546-8686. E-MAIL: info@script scripts will be read and judged by more than 90 produc- savvy.net. CONTACT: Donna White, coordinator. PRIZE: tion companies.” DEADLINE: January 7 (early), March 5 Script Savvy Monthly Screenplay Contest off ers over (regular), April 15 (late). $1,500 in cash and prizes every month and is designed to give the author maximum industry exposure. ENTRY SCRIPTAPALOOZA TELEVISION FEE: $39 for basic entry; $59 for entry with standard feed- WRITING COMPETITION back; $99 for entry with full analysis. GUIDELINES: “Visit 7775 Sunset Blvd., PMB #200, Hollywood CA 90046. the website for online submission instructions. No guide- (323)654-5809. E-MAIL: [email protected]. lines or entry forms are available for SASE.” Submissions PRIZE: First place: $500; second place: $200; third place: are never-optioned/unproduced feature-length screen- $100 (in each category). ENTRY FEE: $40. GUIDELINES: plays only. International entries accepted, but scripts “Biannual competition accepting entries in 4 catego- must be in English. Visit the website for complete details. ries: reality shows, sitcoms, original pilots and 1-hour “Winners are recommended to our producer sponsors

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for production consideration and given industry expo- SHRIEKFEST HORROR/SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL sure. Our judges are industry professionals from produc- & SCREENPLAY COMPETITION tion companies and agencies.” DEADLINE: Th e last day of PO Box 920444, Sylmar CA 91392. E-MAIL: shriekfest@ each month. It is the same each year. aol.com. WEBSITE: www.shriekfest.com. CONTACT: Denise Gossett/Todd Beeson. PRIZE: Trophies, product REVA SHINER COMEDY AWARD awards, usually cash. ENTRY FEE: $25–55. GUIDELINES: Bloomington Playwrights Project, 107 W. 9th St., Bloom- “We accept shorts and features. No specifi c lengths. Our ington IN 47404. E-MAIL: literarymananger@newplays. awards are to help screenwriters move their script up the org. CONTACT: Josie Gingrich, literary manager. PRIZE: ladder and hopefully have it made into a fi lm. Our awards $1,000, full production as a part of the Mainstage sea- are updated all year long as sponsors step onboard. Th e winners go home with lots of stuff . Th e contest is open to son. ENTRY FEE: $10 reading fee (waived for Dramatist any writer, all ages, we have an ‘Under 18’ category too. Guild members and agent-submitted scripts); scripts We are an international contest. We have at least 15–20 will not be returned. GUIDELINES: Annual award for judges and they are all in diff erent aspects of the enter- unpublished/unproduced plays. Th e Bloomington tainment industry, such as producers, directors, writ- Playwrights Project is a script-developing organization. ers, actors, agents. No, we don’t use loglines anywhere, Winning playwrights are expected to become part of we keep your script private. We do accept award-win- the development process, working with the director in ning screenplays; there are no restrictions as long as it is person or via long-distance. Please check the website for in the horror/thriller or sci-fi /fantasy genres. We accept more details. DEADLINE: October 31. shorts and features. No specifi c lengths. Our awards are

FORMAT YOUR SCRIPTS “Rules are meant to be broken” is an axiom that has long should you use Acco prong fasteners, spiral been used by entrepreneurs, politicians and fashionistas binding, thermal binding or a 3-ring binder. as an excuse for bending traditional guidelines to fi t an • Include your contact information on the cover page. alternative vision. Contrary to popular thought, however, • Capitalize characters as they are introduced, but make being a non-conformist when it comes to presentation the names lowercase thereafter. isn’t a smart course to follow if your product is a theat- • In a play, the action begins following the words AT RISE. rical script or screenplay that you want taken seriously. A fi lm, however, always opens with the direction Here are just a few of many industry standards for how FADE IN. Neither one concludes with THE END your script should be formatted and packaged: but rather, FADE TO BLACK or FADE OUT. • Use 8.5 × 11 white paper printed on one side in • A screenplay is much trickier to format than a stage play, black ink. so consider screenwriting software programs such • Include page numbers as a header as Final Draft. • Use Courier New 12-pt. Font for screenplays and From the fi rst page of any given script, it’s easy to iden- either Courier or Times New Roman for a stage play. tify those who have done their homework. The reality is • Aim for 110–120 pages in length. studio readers, agents and prospective producers won’t • Bind the pages of your script together with 2–3 read beyond the fi rst page if a script deviates from indus- brass brads. Staples—especially industrial strength try standards. Make sure your script is in good form so it ones—are not only a pain to remove but also gets the read it deserves. viciously chew up the corners of your work. Nor — Christina Hamlett

94 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

885-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd5-96CONT_ScrnwtgListings.indd 9494 88/10/10/10/10 1:06:251:06:25 PMPM to help screenwriters move their script up the ladder and jsu.edu. WEBSITE: www.jsu.edu/depart/english/south hopefully have it made into a fi lm. Our winners take pla.htm. CONTACT: Joy Maloney, Steven J. Whitton. that win and parlay it into agents, fi lm deals and options.” PRIZE: $1,000 and production of the play. ENTRY DEADLINE: March 20, May 22 and July 10. FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Off ered annually to identify and encourage the best of Southern playwriting. SOUTHEASTERN THEATRE CONFERENCE Playwrights must be a native or resident of Alabama, NEW PLAY PROJECT Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Dept. of Th eatre & Dance, Austin Peay State Univ., 681 Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, South Summer St., Clarksville TN 37044. E-MAIL: hardinb@ Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia or West Virginia.” apsu.edu. CONTACT: Chris Hardin, chair. PRIZE: $1,000 DEADLINE: January 15. and a staged reading. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Annual award for full-length plays or related one-acts. No TEN-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL musicals or children’s plays. Submissions must be unpro- Fire Rose Productions & International Arts Group, duced/unpublished. Readings and workshops are accept- 11246 Magnolia Blvd., NoHo Th eatre & Arts District able. Submit application, synopsis and 1 copy of script on CA 91601. (818)766-3691. E-MAIL: info@ﬁ reroseproduc CD or as an e-mail attachment (preferred). Send SASE tions.com. CONTACT: Kaz Matamura, director. PRIZE: or visit website for application. Playwrights who reside First place: $200; second place: $100; professionally in the SETC region (or who are enrolled in a regionally mounted production for winners and semi-fi nalists. accredited educational institution in the SETC region) ENTRY FEE: $5. GUIDELINES: Contest is off ered twice or who reside outside the region but are SETC members a year for unpublished and unproduced plays that are 8– are eligible for consideration. SETC Region states include 12 minutes long. Fire Rose Productions & International Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Arts Group are nonprofi t organizations that are com- Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West mitted to discovering new playwrights and giving Virginia. Mission: Th e SETC New Play Project is dedi- them opportunities to work with directors and produc- cated to the discovery, development and publicizing ers. Download the application online. Guest judges are

of worthy new plays and playwrights. “Text should be entertainment professionals including writers, produc- SCRIPTWRITING CONTESTS in 12-pt. type and in a plain font such as Times New ers, directors and agents. Fire Rose Productions does the Roman. Plays must be submitted by e-mail attachment in fi rst evaluation. Acquires right to produce and mount Microsoft Word or PDF format with the following guide- the plays if chosen as festival fi nalists or semi-fi nal- lines: Script must include page numbers at the bottom ists. No royalties are gathered for those performances. of each page. Th e author’s name should not appear any- DEADLINE: March 31. where in the script. Do not include résumés, playwright biographies or a history of the play. Send 1 copy, attached THEATRE CONSPIRACY to an e-mail; send completed application form included ANNUAL NEW PLAY CONTEST as separate e-mail attachment. Electronic signatures will Th eatre Conspiracy, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers be accepted. Th e decision of the panel of readers will FL 33919. (239)936-3239. Fax: (239)936-0510. E-MAIL: be announced in November of each year.” Entries will [email protected]. CONTACT: Bill Taylor, artis- be accepted from March 1–June 1. One submission per tic director. PRIZE: $700 and full production. ENTRY playwright only. DEADLINE: June 1. FEE: $5 fee. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for full- length plays that are unproduced or have received up SOUTHERN PLAYWRIGHTS COMPETITION to 3 productions with 8 or fewer characters and simple Jacksonville State University, 700 Pelham Rd. N., to moderate production demands. No musicals. 1 entry Jacksonville AL 36265-1602. (256)782-5469. Fax: per year. Send SASE for contest results. DEADLINE: (256)782-5441. E-MAIL: [email protected]; swhitton@ March 30.

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VERMONT PLAYWRIGHT’S AWARD options, master classes and seminars. ENTRY FEE: $45–$85. Th e Valley Players, P.O. Box 441, Waitsfi eld VT 05673. GUIDELINES: See website.Competition for all genres of (802)583-6767. E-MAIL: [email protected]. screenplays, fi lms and videos. DEADLINE: December 15. CONTACT: Sharon Kellerman. PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: Off ered YEAR END SERIES (YES) annually for unpublished, nonmusical, full-length plays FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS suitable for production by a community theater group Dept. of Th eatre, Nunn Dr., Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights KY 41099-1007. (859)572- to encourage development of playwrights in Vermont, 6362. Fax: (859)572-6057. E-MAIL: [email protected]. New Hampshire and Maine. DEADLINE: February 1. CONTACT: Sandra Forman, project director. PRIZE: THE HERMAN VOADEN NATIONAL $500 and an expense-paid visit to Northern Kentucky PLAYWRITING COMPETITION University to see the play produced. ENTRY FEE: None. Drama Department, Queen’s University, Kingston ON GUIDELINES: “Receives submissions from May 1– September 30 in even-numbered years for the festivals K7L 3N6 Canada. (613)533-2104. E-MAIL: carolanne. which occur in April of odd-numbered years. Open to [email protected]; [email protected]. CONTACT: all writers.” DEADLINE: October 1. Carol Anne Hanna. PRIZE: $3,000, $2,000, and 8 honorable mentions. First- and second-prize winners are YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS INC. NATIONAL off ered a 1-week workshop and public reading by pro- PLAYWRITING COMPETITION fessional director and cast. ENTRY FEE: $40 entry fee. Young Playwrights, Inc., PO Box 5134, New York NY GUIDELINES: Off ered every 2 years for unpublished 10185. (212)594-5440. Fax: (212)594-5441. E-MAIL: plays to discover and develop new Canadian plays. Open [email protected]. CONTACT: Literary to Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. DEADLINE: department. PRIZE: Winners receive an invitation to See website for deadlines and detailed guidlelines. New York City for the annual Young Playwrights, Inc. Writers Conference and a professionally staged read- WATERFRONT FILM FESTIVAL AND INDIE ing of their play. Entrants retain all rights to their work. SCREENPLAY COMPETITION ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open to U.S. resi- P.O. Box 387, Saugatuck MI 49453. (269)857-8351. E- dents only. Th e Young Playwrights Festival National screenplay@waterfrontﬁ lm.org. MAIL: PRIZE: Prize Playwriting Competition is off ered annually to iden- includes cash, an industry reception in the winner’s tify talented American playwrights aged 18 or younger. honor, lodging and VIP pass to the festival. ENTRY FEE: Please include your address, phone number, e-mail $40. GUIDELINES: Th e contest is now accepting entries address and date of birth on the title page. DEADLINE: from writers in any state. All genres. Previously, the con- January 2 (postmarked). test was only for local writers. Scripts must be 80–130 pages in length. Entries are accepted through Withabox. YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS INC. WRITE A PLAY! DEADLINE: April 1. NYC COMPETITION Young Playwrights, Inc., P.O. Box 5134, New York NY WORLDFEST-HOUSTON INDEPENDENT 10185. (212)594-5440. Fax: (212)684-4902. E-MAIL: liter- INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL [email protected]. CONTACT: Literary depart- 9898 Bissonnet St., Suite 650, Houston TX 77036. (713)965- ment. PRIZE: varies. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: 9955. Fax: (713)965-9960. E-MAIL: [email protected]. “Off ered annually for stage plays of any length (no musicals, WEBSITE: www.worldfest.org. CONTACT: Entry coordi- screenplays or adaptations) by NYC elementary, middle nator. PRIZE: Cash prizes, production deals, workshops, and high school students only.” DEADLINE: March 1.

JENNIFER BENNER is the assistant editor of Writing Contests.

96 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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NONFICTION CONTESTS & AWARDS Here are 59 competitions for writers of nonfi ction, books, memoir, articles and more.

he realm of nonfi ction writing covers a lot of ground. If you write nonfi ction, that could mean books, narrative writing, articles, essays, Tmemoir, life stories or any combination thereof. But no matter what nonfi ction category (or categories) you write, winning or placing high in a contest can gain you valuable public attention for your work. Grants off ered by large writing organizations can also off er monetary recognition to writers—giving them more fi nancial freedom as they work on projects. On the following pages, you will fi nd complete listings for 59 contests and awards for writers of adult and children’s nonfi ction. Th ese contests off er you the opportunity for your work to be judged on the basis of quality alone without the outside factors (like budgets, trends and the marketplace) that sometimes infl uence publishing decisions. Some focus on form, such as articles, books or a collection of newspaper columns, while others feature writing on particular themes or topics. Chances are, no matter what type of nonfi ction you write, there is a contest or award program that may be a good match for you. Remember that one size never truly fi ts all, so pay attention to each listing’s specifi c tastes, target audiences and submission requirements. Good luck!

ABBREVIATIONS ISBN: Industry standard book number MS.: Manuscript MSS.: Manuscripts SAS: Self addressed stamped (as in postcard) SASE: Self addressed stamped envelope TBA: To be announced

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AMWA MEDICAL BOOK CANADIAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION AWARDS COMPETITION STUDENT ARTICLE CONTEST American Medical Writers Association, 30 West Gude Canadian Library Association, 328 Frank St., Ottawa Dr., Suite 525, Rockville MD 20850-1161. (301)294- ON K2P 0X8 Canada. (613)232-9625, ext. 301. FAX: 5303. FAX: (301)294-9006. E-MAIL: slynn@amwa. (613)563-9895. CONTACT: Valerie Delrue. PRIZE: org. WEBSITE: www.amwa.org. CONTACT: Awards First place: $150 and trip to CLA’s annual conference; liaison. PRIZE: First place receives a rose wood and fi rst runner-up: $150 and $75 in CLA publications; acrylic award. Honorable mentions receive certifi - second runner-up: $100 and $75 in CLA publications. cates. ENTRY FEE: $50. GUIDELINES: Off ered annu- ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually to ally to honor the best medical book published in unpublished articles discussing, analyzing or evaluat- the previous year in each of 3 categories: books ing timely issues in librarianship or information science. for physicians, books for health care (non-physi- Open to all students registered in or recently graduated cians) professionals, and books for public health care from a Canadian library school, a library techniques consumers. DEADLINE: March 1. program or faculty of education library program. Submissions may be in English or French. DEADLINE: JOHN BULLEN PRIZE March 31. Canadian Historical Association, 395 Wellington St., THE DOROTHY CHURCHILL CAPPON Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada. (613)233-7885. FAX: CREATIVE NONFICTION AWARD (613)567-3110. E-MAIL: [email protected]. PRIZE: New Letters, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5101 $500. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annu- Rockhill Rd., Kansas City MO 64110. (816)235-1168. ally for an outstanding historical dissertation for a doc- FAX: (816)235-2611. E-MAIL: [email protected]. toral degree at a Canadian university. Open only to CONTACT: Ashley Kaine. PRIZE: First place: $1,500 and Canadian citizens or landed immigrants. DEADLINE: publication in a volume of New Letters; runner-up will November 30. receive a copy of a recent book of poetry or fi ction cour- CANADIAN AUTHORS ASSOCIATION LELA tesy of BkMk Press. ENTRY FEE: $15 (includes cost of a 1-year subscription). GUIDELINES: Contest is off ered COMMON AWARD FOR CANADIAN HISTORY annually for unpublished work to discover and reward 74 Mississaga St. E., Orillia ON L3V 1A5 Canada. emerging writers and to give experienced writers a (705)719-3926. FAX: 1(866)393-1401. E-MAIL: admin@ place to try new genres. Acquires fi rst North American canauthors.org. CONTACT: Anita Purcell. PRIZE: serial rights. Open to any writer. Guidelines for SASE $2,500 and a silver medal. ENTRY FEE: $35 (Canadian). or online. DEADLINE: Th ird week of May. All entries GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for a work of histori- will receive consideration for publication in future cal nonfi ction on a Canadian topic by a Canadian editions of New Letters. author. Entry form required. Obtain entry form from contact name or download from website. Th e CAA MORTON N. COHEN AWARD Awards Chair appoints a trustee for this award. Th at Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, trustee selects 2 judges. Th e identities of the trustee and 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- judges are confi dential throughout the judging process. 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Decisions of the trustee and judges are fi nal, and they CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: A cash may choose not to award a prize. A shortlist of the best 3 award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern entries in each category will be announced. TIPS: Other Language Association’s annual convention in January. awards managed by the CAA can be found on the web- ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES:Awarded in odd-num- site. DEADLINE: December 15. bered years for a distinguished edition of letters. At least

98 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in987-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in98 9898 88/10/10/10/10 1:09:531:09:53 PMPM 1 volume of the edition must have been published dur- CREATIVE NONFICTION PRIZE ing the previous 2 years. Editors need not be members National League of American Pen Women, Nob of the MLA. DEADLINE: May 1. Hill, San Francisco Branch, Th e Webhallow House, 1544 Sweetwood Dr., Broadmoor Village CA 94015- THE SHAUGHNESSY COHEN 1717. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Eileen PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING Malone. PRIZE: First place: $100; second place: $50; Th e Writers’ Trust of Canada, 90 Richmond St. E., third place: $25. ENTRY FEE: $5/entry (make checks Suite 200, Toronto ON M5C 1P1 Canada. (416)504- payable to NLAPW, Nob Hill Branch). GUIDELINES: 8222. FAX: (416)504-9090. E-MAIL: info@writerstrust. All prose works must be typed, page numbered and com. CONTACT: Amanda Hopkins, program coordi- double-spaced. Each entry up to 3,000 words. Identify nator. PRIZE: $25,000 and $2,500 to 4 fi nalists. ENTRY only with 3x5 card. Open annually to any writer. FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: “Awarded DEADLINE: November 30. annually for a nonfi ction book of outstanding literary merit that enlarges our understanding of contemporary ANNIE DILLARD AWARD Canadian political and social issues. Presented at the IN CREATIVE NONFICTION Politics & Th e Pen event each spring in Ottawa. Open Bellingham Review, Mail Stop 9053, 516 High St., to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only.” Western Washington University, Bellingham WA DEADLINE: November 5. 98225. (360)650-4863. E-MAIL: [email protected]. edu. CONTACT: Brenda Miller. PRIZE: First place: CARR P. COLLINS AWARD FOR NONFICTION $1,000, plus publication and copies. ENTRY FEE: $18/ Th e Texas Institute of Letters, 6335 W. Northwest fi rst entry, $10/additional entry. All fi nalists consid- Hwy., #618, Dallas TX 75225. (214)363-7253. E-MAIL: ered for publication. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually [email protected]. WEBSITE: texasinstituteoﬂ etters.org/. for unpublished essays on any subject and in any style. CONTACT: Darwin Payne. PRIZE: $5,000. ENTRY FEE: Guidelines for SASE or online. All entrants receive sub- None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for work pub- scription. Th e Bellingham Review seeks literature of lished January 1–December 31 of the previous year to palpable quality: poems, stories and essays so beguil- recognize the best nonfi ction book by a writer who was ing they invite us to come closer, look deeper, touch, born in Texas, who has lived in the state for at least 2 sniff and taste their essence. We hunger for a kind of consecutive years at 1 point or a writer whose work has writing that nudges the limits of form or executes some notable connection with Texas. See website for traditional forms exquisitely. DEADLINE: December 1– guidelines. DEADLINE: January 3. March 15.

COMPETITION FOR WRITERS GORDON W. DILLON/RICHARD C. OF BC HISTORY PETERSON MEMORIAL ESSAY PRIZE British Columbia Historical Federation, P.O. Box 5254, American Orchid Society, Inc., 16700 AOS Ln., Delray

Station B, Victoria BC V8R 6N4 Canada. E-MAIL: info@ Beach FL 33446-4351. (561)404-2040. FAX: (561)404- NONFICTION CONTESTS bchistory.ca. WEBSITE: www.bchistory.ca. PRIZE: Cash, a 2045. E-MAIL: [email protected];[email protected]. certifi cate and an invitation to the BCHF annual confer- WEBSITE: www.aos.org. CONTACT: Lindsay Stewart. ence. Winner receives the Lieutenant-Governor’s Medal PRIZE: Cash award and a certifi cate. Winning entry for Historical Writing. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: usually published in the May issue of Orchids magazine. “Off ered annually to nonfi ction books containing a facet of ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: nonfi ction books about BC history and published dur- “Annual contest open to all writers. Th e theme is ing contest year. Books become the property of BC announced each May in Orchids magazine. All themes Historical Federation.” DEADLINE: December 31. deal with an aspect of orchids, such as repotting, grow-

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ing, hybridizing, etc. Unpublished submissions only. (512)478-3961. WEBSITE: www.deltakappagamma.net. Th emes in past years have included Orchid Culture, CONTACT: Educator’s award committee. PRIZE: $2,500. Orchids in Nature and Orchids in Use. Acquires 1-time ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: rights.” DEADLINE: November 30. “Off ered annually for quality research and nonfi ction published January–December of previous year. Th is THE DONNER PRIZE award recognizes educational research and writings of Th e Award for Best Book on Canadian Public Policy, female authors whose work may infl uence the direc- Th e Donner Canadian Foundation, 349 Carlaw Ave., tion of thought and action necessary to meet the needs Toronto ON M4M 2T1 Canada. (416)368-8253 or of today’s complex society. Th e book must be written by (416)368-3763. E-MAIL: [email protected]. 1 or 2 women who are citizens of any country in which WEBSITE: www.donnerbookprize.com. CONTACT: Th e Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is orga- Sherry Naylor. PRIZE: $30,000; fi ve shortlist authors get nized: Canada, Costa Rica, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, $5,000 each. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Off ered Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, annually for nonfi ction published January 1–December Th e Netherlands, Norway, Puerto Rico, Sweden, U.S. 31 that highlights the importance of public policy and to Guidelines (required) for SASE. DEADLINE: February 1. reward excellent work in this fi eld. Entries must be published in either English or French. Open to Canadian EVERETT E. EDWARDS MEMORIAL AWARD citizens.” DEADLINE: November 30. Agricultural History, P.O. Box 5075, Minard Hall 203, NDSU, Fargo ND 58105-5075. (701)231-5831. FAX: EDUCATOR’S AWARD (701)231-5832. E-MAIL: ndsu.agricultural.history@ndsu. Th e Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, P.O. nodak.edu. CONTACT: Claire Strom. GUIDELINES: Box 1589, Austin TX 78767-1589. (888)762-4685. FAX: Off ered annually for best graduate paper written dur-

USE EMOTIONAL BEATS IN YOUR MEMOIR A memoir is an emotional journey. The events in the in a negligee for her husband to fi nish putting Max story are there not because they happened, but to show to bed, only to fi nd the two of them fast asleep. She the shifts in emotion the narrator (you) goes through, realizes there is an intruder in her marriage. (BEAT) event by event, over the course of the book. These shifts She scolds herself for resenting and disliking the son. are called “beats.” (BEAT) She vows to be a good sport. That very morn- A beat is an event keyed to an emotion. ing, as a fi rst step, she transforms Max’s bedroom into Being a good Here’s an event: “And then my mother told me she’d a page out of Pottery Barn Kids. (BEAT) sport doesn’t work. (BEAT) She avoids the boy by fi rst had an affair.” But how does that event affect the story? staying away from the house as much as possible, and Here’s the beat: “It was the fi rst time that she made her- then by taking a job in India. (BEAT) She is lonely. self vulnerable to me, and for the fi rst time in months, I (BEAT) She decides the answer is to quit her job and really looked at her.” throw herself wholeheartedly into the role of stepmother. Take a look at these beats (with the emotional keys (BEAT) She is frustrated when the boy’s mother italicized, and of course simplifi ed) in my student Erika excludes her from school events. … (And so on.) Johnson’s memoir-in-progress, Wicked Stepmother: Can you see how these beats link together to form the (BEAT) Erika is excited to be marrying the man she arc? These are the events—linked with emotion—that but that’s no prob- loves. He has a 5-year-old, Max, must be dramatized in scene in your memoir. lem: After all, the boy is with his mother half the time. (BEAT) On her wedding night, she waits downstairs —Adair Lara

100 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in1007-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in100 100100 88/10/10/10/10 1:10:141:10:14 PMPM ing the calendar year on any aspect of agricultural and International Reading Association’s annual convention. rural studies (broadly interpreted). Open to submission ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: by any graduate student. PRIZE: $200 as well as publica- “Th is is an award for an exemplary work published in tion of the paper in the scholarly journal, Agricultural English in a refereed journal that reports on an empiri- History. ENTRY FEE: None. DEADLINE: December 31. cal study investigating aspects of literacy acquisition, such as phonemic awareness, the alphabetic princi- EVANS BIOGRAPHY & HANDCART AWARDS ple, bilingualism or cross-cultural studies of beginning Mountain West Center for Regional Studies, Utah State reading. Articles may be submitted for consideration University, 0700 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-0700. by researchers, authors, et al. Copies of the applications (435)797-3630. FAX: (435)797-3899. E-MAIL: mwc@ and guidelines can be downloaded in PDF format from cc.usu.edu. PRIZE: $10,000 and $1,000. ENTRY FEE: the website.” DEADLINE: September 1. None. GUIDELINES: Off ered to encourage the writing of biography about people who have played a role in WALLACE K. FERGUSON PRIZE Mormon country (not the religion, the region—inter- Canadian Historical Association, 395 Wellington mountain west with parts of southwestern Canada and St., Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada. (613)233-7885. northwestern Mexico). Publishers or authors may nom- FAX: (613)567-3110. E-MAIL: [email protected]. inate books. Criteria for consideration: Work must be a CONTACT: Michel Duquet, executive coordina- biography or autobiography on someone who lived in tor. PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: our signifi cantly contributed to the history of the inte- Off ered to a Canadian who has published the out- rior west; must be submitted for consideration for publi- standing scholarly book in a fi eld of history other than cation year’s award; new editions or reprints are not eli- Canadian history. Open to Canadian citizens and gible; mss are not accepted. Submit 5 copies. DEADLINE: landed immigrants. DEADLINE: Dec. 2. January 1. GEORGE FREEDLEY MEMORIAL AWARD EVENT NONFICTION CONTEST Th eatre Library Assoc., Benjamin Rosenthal Library, Event, Th e Douglas College Review, P.O. Box 2503, New Queens College, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing Westminster BC V3L 5B2 Canada. (604)527-5293. FAX: NY 11367. (718)997-3672. FAX: (718)997-3753. E- (604)527-5095. E-MAIL: [email protected]. PRIZE: 3 MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Stephen M. winners will each recieve $500, plus payment for publi- Vallillo, book awards committee chair. PRIZE: $500 and cation. ENTRY FEE: $29.95, which includes 1-year sub- a certifi cate to the winner; $200 and certifi cate for scription; American and overseas residents pay in U.S. honorable mention. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: funds. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for unpublished Off ered for a book published in the U.S. within the pre- creative nonfi ction. Maximum length: 5,000 words. vious calendar year on a subject related to live theatri- Acquires fi rst North American serial print rights and cal performance (including cabaret, circus, pantomime, limited non-exclusive digital rights for the 3 winning puppetry, vaudeville, etc.). Eligible books may include

entries. Open to any writer, except Douglas College biography, history, theory, criticism, reference or related NONFICTION CONTESTS employees. DEADLINE: April 15. fi elds. DEADLINE: March 15 of year following eligibility.

DINA FEITELSON RESEARCH AWARD LIONEL GELBER PRIZE International Reading Association, Division of Research Munk Center for International Studies, University of & Policy, 800 Barksdale Rd., Newark DE 19714- Toronto, 1 Devonshire Place, Toronto ON M5S 3K7 8139. (302)731-1600, ext. 423. FAX: (302)731-1057. Canada. (416)946-8901. FAX: (416)946-8915. E-MAIL: E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Marcella [email protected]. CONTACT: Prize man- Moore. PRIZE: Monetary award and recognition at the ager. PRIZE: $15,000 (Canadian funds). ENTRY FEE:

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None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for the year’s most Off ered for work published from January 1–December 31 outstanding work of nonfi ction in the fi eld of interna- of the current prize year to promote books that will con- tional relations. Books must be published in English or tribute to greater mutual understanding and increased English translation January 1–December 31 of the cur- cooperation throughout the Pacifi c Rim and South Asia. rent year and submitted by the publisher. Publishers Guidelines and entry form on request, or may be down- should submit 6 copies of each title (up to 3 titles can be loaded from the website. Books must be submitted for submitted). DEADLINE: October 31. entry by the publisher. Proper entry forms must be submitted. DEADLINE: late fall each year. GOVERNOR GENERAL’S LITERARY AWARD FOR LITERARY NON-FICTION KATHERINE SINGER KOVACS PRIZE Canada Council for the Arts, 350 Albert St., P.O. Box Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, 1047, Ottawa ON K1P 5V8 Canada. (613)566-4414, ext. 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- 5573. FAX: (613)566-4410. WEBSITE: www.canadacoun 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. cil.ca/prizes/ggla. CONTACT: Lori Knoll. PRIZE: Each CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: A cash laureate receives $25,000; non-winning fi nalists award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern receive $1,000. ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. Language Association’s annual convention in January. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for the best English- ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for language and the best French-language work of liter- a book published during the previous year in English ary nonfi ction by a Canadian. DEADLINE: Depends on or Spanish in the fi eld of Latin American and Spanish the book’s publication date: Books in English: March literatures and cultures. Books should be broadly inter- 15, June 1 or August 7. Books in French: March 15 or pretive works that enhance understanding of the inter- July 15. relations among literature, the other arts and society. Author must be a current member of the MLA. JOHN GUYON LITERARY NONFICTION PRIZE DEADLINE: May 1. Crab Orchard Review, English Department, Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale, Carbondale IL 62901-4503. LINCOLN PRIZE AT GETTYSBURG COLLEGE E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Jon C. Tribble, Gettysburg College and Lincoln & Soldiers Institute, managing editor. PRIZE: $1,500 and publication. ENTRY 300 N. Washington St., Campus Box 435, Gettysburg PA FEE: $10/essay (limit of 3 essays of up to 6,500 words 17325. (717)337-6590. FAX: (717)337-6596. E-MAIL: lin each), which includes 1 copy of Crab Orchard Review [email protected]. PRIZE: $50,000. ENTRY FEE: featuring the winners. GUIDELINES: “Off ered annually None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for the “fi nest for unpublished work. Th is competition seeks to reward scholarly work in English on the era of the American excellence in the fi eld of creative nonfi ction. Th is is Civil War. Th e award will usually go to a book published not a prize for academic essays. Crab Orchard Review in the previous year; however articles, essays and works acquires fi rst North American serial rights to submitted of fi ction may be submitted.” Guidelines for SASE or works. Open to U.S. citizens only.” DEADLINE: March online. DEADLINE: November 1. 1–April 30. TONY LOTHIAN PRIZE THE KIRIYAMA PRIZE 119a Fordwych Rd., London NW2 3NJ United Kingdom. Pacifi c Rim Voices, 300 Th ird St., Suite 822, San Francisco (44)(20)8452 4993. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CA 94107. (415)777-1628. FAX: (415)777-1646. E-MAIL: CONTACT: Anna Swan. PRIZE: £2,000. ENTRY FEE: £10. [email protected]. CONTACT: Jeannine Stronach, GUIDELINES: Further details at www.biographersclub. prize manager. PRIZE: $30,000, to be divided equally co.uk.“Entries should consist of a 10-page synopsis and between the author of 1 fi ction and 1 nonfi ction book. 10 pages of a sample chapter for a proposed biography. ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: Open to any biographer who has not previously been

102 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in1027-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in102 102102 88/10/10/10/10 1:11:071:11:07 PMPM published or commissioned or written a book.” Judges the Adirondacks in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. have included Michael Holroyd, Victoria Glendinning, ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Sponsored by the Blue Selina Hastings, Frances Spalding, Lyndall Gordon, Mountain Center, this annual award is given to a prom- Anne de Courcy, Nigel Hamilton, Anthony Sampson ising new journalist or essayist whose work combines and Mary Lovell. DEADLINE: August 1. warmth, humor, wisdom and concern with social justice. Submit 3 copies of 2 examples of your published WALTER D. LOVE PRIZE or unpublished work (maximum 30 pages) and a short North American Conference on British Studies, History biographical note. DEADLINE: July 1. Department, 0119 Sutherland Bldg., Penn State University, Abington PA 19001. E-MAIL: dmhirst@wustl. HOWARD R. MARRARO PRIZE edu. CONTACT: Derek Hirst. PRIZE: $150. ENTRY FEE: Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for best article 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- in any fi eld of British studies. Open to American or 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Canadian writers. DEADLINE: April 1. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL PRIZE Language Association’s annual convention in January. Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in even-num- 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- bered years for a scholarly book or essay on any phase 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. of Italian literature or comparative literature involving CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash Italian, published in previous year. Authors must be award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern members of the MLA. DEADLINE: May 1. Language Association’s annual convention in January. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for KENNETH W. MILDENBERGER PRIZE literary or linguistic study, or critical edition or biogra- Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, phy published in previous year. Open to MLA members 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- only. DEADLINE: March 1. 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash SIR JOHN A. MACDONALD PRIZE award and a certifi cate, to be presented at the Modern Canadian Historical Association, 395 Wellington Language Association’s annual convention in January St., Ottawa ON K1A 0N4 Canada. (613)233-7885. and a year’s membership in the MLA. ENTRY FEE: None. FAX: (613)567-3110. E-MAIL: [email protected]. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for a publication from CONTACT: Michel Duquet, executive coordinator. the previous year in the fi eld of language culture, liter- PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Open acy or literature with a strong application to the teach- to Canadian citizens only. Off ered annually to award ing of languages other than English. Author need not be a previously published nonfi ction work of Canadian a member. DEADLINE: May 1. history judged to have made the most signifi cant con-

tribution to an understanding of the Canadian past. MLA PRIZE FOR A NONFICTION CONTESTS DEADLINE: December 2. DISTINGUISHED BIBLIOGRAPHY Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, RICHARD J. MARGOLIS AWARD 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- c/o Margolis & Bloom, LLP, 535 Boylston St., 8th fl oor, 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Boston MA 02116. (617)267-9700, ext. 517. E-MAIL: CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash [email protected]. CONTACT: Harry S. Margolis. prize and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern PRIZE: $5,000 and a 1-month residency at the Blue Language Association’s annual convention in January. Mountain Center—a writers’ and artists’ colony in ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in even-num-

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bered years for enumerative and descriptive bibliogra- that are primarily translations will not be considered. phies published in monographic, book or electronic for- DEADLINE:April 1. mat in the 2 years prior to the competition. Open to any writer or publisher. DEADLINE: May 1. MLA PRIZE FOR INDEPENDENT SCHOLARS Modern Language Association of America, 26 MLA PRIZE FOR A DISTINGUISHED Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646) SCHOLARLY EDITION 576-5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: awards@mla. Modern Language Association of America, 26 org. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. Cash award, a certifi cate and a year’s membership in the (646)576-5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: awards@ MLA. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annu- mla.org. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: ally for a book in the fi eld of English or another modern Cash award and a certifi cate to be presented at the language, or literature published in the previous year. Modern Language Association’s annual convention in Authors who are enrolled in a program leading to an January. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in academic degree or who hold tenured or tenure-track odd-numbered years. To qualify for the award, an edi- positions in higher education are not eligible. Authors tion should be based on an examination of all avail- need not be members of MLA. Guidelines and applica- able relevant textual sources; the source texts and the tion for SASE. DEADLINE: May 1. edited text’s deviations from them should be fully described; the edition should employ editorial prin- LINDA JOY MYERS MEMOIR PRIZE ciples appropriate to the materials edited and those National League of American Pen Women, Nob Hill, San principles should be clearly articulated in the volume; Francisco Branch, Webhallow House, 1544 Sweetwood the text should be accompanied by appropriate textual Dr., Broadmoor Village CA 94015-1717. E-MAIL: pen and other historical contextual information; the edi- [email protected]. CONTACT: Eileen Malone. PRIZE: First tion should exhibit the highest standards of accuracy place: $100; second place $50; third place: $25. ENTRY in the presentation of its text and apparatus; and the FEE:$5/entry (make checks payable to NLAPW, Nob Hill text and apparatus should be presented as accessibly Branch). GUIDELINES: “1 memoir/entry, up to 3,000 words, and elegantly as possible. Editor need not be a member double-spaced. Previously published material is acceptable. of the MLA. DEADLINE: May 1. Indicate category on fi rst page. Identify only with 3×5 card. Open annually to any writer.” DEADLINE: November 30. MLA PRIZE FOR A FIRST BOOK Modern Language Association of America, 26 GEORGE JEAN NATHAN AWARD FOR Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. DRAMATIC CRITICISM (646)576-5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: awards@ Cornell University, Department of English, Goldwin mla.org. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Smith Hall, Ithaca NY 14853. (607)255-6801. FAX: Cash award and a certifi cate to be presented at the (607)255-6661. CONTACT: Chair, Department of English. Modern Language Association’s annual convention PRIZE: Th e annual award now amounts to $10,000. In in January. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered addition, the winner receives a trophy symbolic of, and annually for the fi rst book-length scholarly publica- attesting to, the award. ENTRY FEE: Contact for infor- tion by a current member of the association. To qualify, mation. GUIDELINES: See guidelines and entry form a book must be a literary or linguistic study, a critical online at website. Off ered annually to the American edition of an important work or a critical biography. who has written the best piece of drama criticism dur- Studies dealing with literary theory, media, cultural ing the theatrical year (July 1–June 30), whether it is history and interdisciplinary topics are eligible; books an article, essay, treatise or book. Only published work

104 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in1047-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in104 104104 88/10/10/10/10 1:11:271:11:27 PMPM may be submitted; author must be an American citizen. which contribute to the understanding and improve- DEADLINE: Contact for information. ment of liberal education. Guidelines for SASE or online. “Writers may nominate their own work; how- NATIONAL WRITERS ASSOCIATION ever, we send letters of invitation to publishers to nomi- NONFICTION CONTEST nate qualifi ed books.” DEADLINE: May 1. Th e National Writers Association, 10940 S. Parker Rd., #508, Parker CO 80134. (303)841-0246. FAX: (303)841- OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION 2607. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: OF THE YEAR AWARD Sandy Whelchel, director. PRIZE: First place: $200; sec- International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Rd., ond place: $100; third place: $50. ENTRY FEE: $18 fee. P.O. Box 8139, Newark DE 19714-8139. (302)731-1600, GUIDELINES: “Annual contest to encourage writers in ext. 423; (800)336-7323. FAX: (302)731-1057. E-MAIL: this creative form and to recognize those who excel in [email protected]. CONTACT: Marcella Moore. nonfi ction writing.” DEADLINE: December 31. PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: “Copies of the applications and guidelines THE FREDERIC W. NESS BOOK AWARD can be downloaded in PDF format from the website. Association of American Colleges and Universities, Th is award is off ered annually to recognize dissertations 1818 R St. NW, Washington DC 20009. (202)387-3760. in the fi eld of reading and literacy. Applicants must FAX: (202)265-9532. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: be members of the International Reading Association. Bethany Sutton. PRIZE: $2,000 and a presentation at DEADLINE: October 1. the association’s annual meeting—transportation and 1 night hotel for meeting are also provided. ENTRY FEE: FRANK LAWRENCE AND None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for work pub- HARRIET CHAPPELL OWSLEY AWARD lished in the previous year. Each year the Frederic W. Southern Historical Association, Dept. of History, Ness Book Award Committee of the Association of University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602-1602. American Colleges and Universities recognizes books (706)542-8848. FAX: (706)542-2455. CONTACT:

HONOR THY READER Trust your reader. Your reader wants the writer to respect to be challenged, put on his mettle, encouraged to use his his intelligence, to make him feel included, not to show wits. Most of all, your reader does not want to be bored. off your erudition at his expense. Don’t talk down to Your reader wants to learn things he never knew before, your reader, but don’t make him feel stupid, either, by to feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment and slinging around jargon or technical knowledge that the enlightenment for having read your book. average educated person is unlikely to know. When in Writing well may just be a matter of life and death— doubt, explain technical matters as precisely and read- your reader may be desperate for the truth of your ably as you can. Use a glossary, a map, an appendix, if book. Great books—like all great art—are great precisely NONFICTION CONTESTS you have to—anything in service of clarity. because they change lives. They have an indelible effect Your reader wants to be clear on the literal action of the on the imagination, the conscience, the intellect of those story—who is actually doing what to whom, where, when, who experience them. and in what real-world context. Your reader hates to be con- This is thrilling—and terrifying. fused, insulted, deliberately offended for no good reason. Your reader craves a sense that the story is leading —Excerpted from Writing Creative somewhere interesting and important. Your reader wants Nonﬁ ction by Philip Gerard

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Southern Historical Association. PRIZE: $1,000 and a CONTACT: Cathryn McCue, writing award coordina- certifi cate. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered tor. PRIZE: $1,000 for winner in each category. See www. in odd-numbered years for recognition of a distin- southernenvironment.org/about/reed_award/. ENTRY guished book in Southern history published in even- FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for non- numbered years. Publishers usually submit the books. fi ction pieces that most eff ectively tell stories about DEADLINE: March 1. the South’s environment. Categories include journalism and books. Entries must have been published dur- PRESERVATION FOUNDATION CONTESTS ing the previous calendar year and have a minimum of Th e Preservation Foundation, Inc., 2213 Pennington 3,000 words. Guidelines online or for SASE. DEADLINE: Bend, Nashville TN 37214. E-MAIL: preserve@story early January. house.org. WEBSITE: www.storyhouse.org. CONTACT: Richard Loller. PRIZE: First place: $100 in each cate- EVELYN RICHARDSON NONFICTION AWARD gory; certifi cates for fi nalists. ENTRY FEE: First entry Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia, 1113 Marginal Rd., in each category is free; $10/additional entry (limit Halifax NS B3H 4P7 Canada. (902)423-8116. FAX: 3 entries/category). GUIDELINES: “Open to any pre- (902)422-0881. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: viously unpublished writer. Defi ned as having made Nate Crawford, executive director. PRIZE: $2,000. no more than $750 by creative writing in any previ- ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Th is annual award ous year. Contest off ered annually for unpublished is named for Nova Scotia writer Evelyn Richardson, nonfi ction. General nonfi ction category (1,500–5,000 whose book We Keep a Light won the Governor words)—any appropriate nonfi ction topic. Travel non- General’s Literary Award for nonfi ction in 1945. Th ere fi ction category (1,500–5,000 words)—must be a true is no entry fee or form. Full-length books of nonfi ction story of a trip by the author or someone known per- written by Nova Scotians, and published as a whole sonally by the author. E-mail entries only (no mss).” for the fi rst time in the previous calendar year, are DEADLINE: August 31. eligible. Publishers: Send 4 copies and a letter attesting to the author’s status as a Nova Scotian and the JAMES A. RAWLEY PRIZE author’s current mailing address and telephone num- Organization of American Historians, P.O. Box 5457, ber.” DEADLINE: First Friday in December. 112 N. Bryan Ave., Bloomington IN 47408-5457. (812)855-7311. FAX: (812)855-0696. CONTACT: Award SASKATCHEWAN NONFICTION AWARD and prize committee coordinator. PRIZE: $1,000. ENTRY Saskatchewan Book Awards, Inc., 205B-2314 11th FEE: None. GUIDELINES: “Off ered annually for a book Ave., Regina SK S4P 0K1 Canada. (306)569-1585. FAX: dealing with the history of race relations in the United (306)569-4187. E-MAIL: [email protected]. States. Books must have been published in the current CONTACT: Jackie Lay, executive director. PRIZE: $2,000 calendar year. Guidelines available online.” DEADLINE: CAD. ENTRY FEE: $25 CAD. GUIDELINES: Off ered October 1; books to be published aft er October 1 of annually for work published September 15–September the calendar year may be submitted as page proofs. 14. Th is award is presented to a Saskatchewan author for the best book of nonfi ction, judged on the quality of PHILLIP D. REED MEMORIAL AWARD writing. DEADLINE: fi rst: July 31; fi nal: September 14. FOR OUTSTANDING WRITING ON THE SOUTHERN ENVIRONMENT SASKATCHEWAN SCHOLARLY Southern Environmental Law Center, 201 W. Main WRITING AWARD St., Suite 14, Charlottesville VA 22902-5065. (434)977- Saskatchewan Book Awards, Inc., 205B-2314 11th 4090. FAX: (434)977-1483. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Ave., Regina SK S4P 0K1 Canada. (306)569-1585. WEBSITE: www.SouthernEnvironment.org/phil_reed. FAX: (306)569-4187. E-MAIL: director@bookawards.

106 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in1067-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in106 106106 88/10/10/10/10 1:11:441:11:44 PMPM sk.ca. CONTACT: Jackie Lay, executive director. PRIZE: ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE $2,000. ENTRY FEE: $25 (Canadian). GUIDELINES: PRIZE FOR ITALIAN STUDIES Offered annually for work published September Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, 15–September 14 annually. This award is presented 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576-5141. FAX: to a Saskatchewan author for the best contribution (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: to scholarship. The work must recognize or draw Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash award and on specific theoretical work within a community of a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern Language scholars and participate in the creation and trans- Association’s annual convention in January. ENTRY mission of knowledge. DEADLINE: first: July 31; final: FEE: Contact for information. GUIDELINES: Off ered in September 14. odd-numbered years for a scholarly book on any phase of Italian literature or culture, or comparative literature ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE PRIZE FOR involving Italian, including works on literary or cultural COMPARATIVE LITERARY STUDIES theory, science, history, art, music, society, politics, cin- Modern Language Association of America, 26 ema and linguistics, preferably but not necessarily relat- Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. ing other disciplines to literature. Books must have been (646)576-5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: awards@ published in year prior to competition. Authors must be mla.org. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: members of the MLA. DEADLINE: May 1. Cash award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern Language Association’s annual convention ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE in January. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered PRIZE FOR STUDIES IN GERMANIC annually for outstanding scholarly work published in LANGUAGES & LITERATURE the preceding year in the fi eld of comparative literary Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, studies involving at least 2 literatures. Author must be 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576-5141. FAX: a member of the MLA. Works of scholarship, literary (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: history, literary criticism and literary theory are eli- Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash award and gible; books that are primarily translations are not eli- a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern Language gible. DEADLINE: May 1. Association’s annual convention in January. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in even-numbered years for ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE PRIZE FOR outstanding scholarly work appearing in print in the pre- FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES vious 2 years and written by a member of the MLA on Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, the linguistics or literatures of the Germanic languages. 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- Works of literary history, literary criticism and literary 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. theory are eligible; books that are primarily translations CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash are not eligible. DEADLINE: May 1. award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern

Language Association’s annual convention in January. ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE NONFICTION CONTESTS ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for PRIZE FOR STUDIES IN SLAVIC LANGUAGES work published in the preceding year that is an out- AND LITERATURES standing scholarly work in the fi eld of French or fran- Modern Language Association of America, 26 Broadway, cophone linguistic or literary studies. Author must be 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576- a member of the MLA. Works of scholarship, literary 5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. history, literary criticism and literary theory are eligi- CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: Cash ble; books that are primarily translations are not eligible. award and a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern DEADLINE: May 1. Language Association’s annual convention in January.

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ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in odd-num- FRANCIS B. SIMKINS AWARD bered years for books published in the previous 2 years. Southern Historical Association, Dept. of History, Membership in the MLA is not required. Works of liter- University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602-1602. (706)542- ary history, literary criticism, philology and literary the- 8848. FAX: (706)542-2455. CONTACT: John B. Boles, ory are eligible; books that are primarily translations are editor. PRIZE: $1,000 and a certifi cate. ENTRY FEE: not eligible. DEADLINE: May 1. None. GUIDELINES: “Th e award is sponsored jointly with Longwood College. Off ered in odd-numbered ALDO AND JEANNE SCAGLIONE years for recognition of the best fi rst book by an author PUBLICATION AWARD FOR A MANUSCRIPT in the fi eld of Southern history over a 2-year period.” IN ITALIAN LITERARY STUDIES DEADLINE: March 1. Modern Language Association, 26 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. (646)576-5141. FAX: CHARLES S. SYDNOR AWARD (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Southern Historical Association, Dept. of History, Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: A cash award and University of Georgia, Athens GA 30602. (706)542-8848. a certifi cate. ENTRY FEE: None. GUIDELINES: Awarded FAX: (706)542-2455. CONTACT: Southern Historical annually to an author of a ms dealing with any aspect of Association. PRIZE: $1,000 and a certifi cate. ENTRY FEE: the languages and literatures of Italy, including medi- None. GUIDELINES: Off ered in even-numbered years for eval Latin and comparative studies, or intellectual his- recognition of a distinguished book in Southern history tory if main thrust is clearly related to the humanities. published in odd-numbered years. Publishers usually Materials from ancient Rome are eligible if related to submit books. DEADLINE: March 1. postclassical developments. Also translations of classi- cal works of prose and poetry produced in Italy prior to WESTERN WRITERS OF AMERICA 1900 in any language (i.e., neo-Latin, Greek) or in a dia- MSC06 3770, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque lect of Italian (i.e., Neapolitan, Roman, Sicilian). Work NM 87131-0001. (505)277-5234. FAX: (505)277-5275. can be in English or Italian. Authors must be members E-MAIL: [email protected]. CONTACT: Paul Hutton, exec. of the MLA and currently reside in the U.S. or Canada. director. PRIZE: Contact for information. ENTRY FEE: DEADLINE: August 1. None. GUIDELINES: “17 Spur Award categories in various aspects of the American West.” Send entry form with MINA P. SHAUGHNESSY PRIZE your published work. “Th e nonprofi t Western Writers of Modern Language Association of America, 26 America has promoted and honored the best in Western Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York NY 10004-1789. literature with the annual Spur Awards, selected by pan- (646)576-5141. FAX: (646)458-0030. E-MAIL: awards@ els of judges. Awards, for material published last year, mla.org. CONTACT: Coordinator of book prizes. PRIZE: are given for works whose inspirations, image and liter- Cash prize, a certifi cate to be presented at the Modern ary excellence best represent the reality and spirit of the Language Association’s annual convention in January American West.” Today, Spurs are off ered for the best and a 1-year membership in the MLA. ENTRY FEE: Western novel (short novel), best novel of the West (long None. GUIDELINES: Off ered annually for a scholarly novel), best original paperback novel, best short story, book in the fi elds of language, culture, literacy or litera- best short nonfi ction. Also, best contemporary nonfi c- ture with strong application to the teaching of English tion, best biography, best history, best juvenile fi ction published during preceding year. Authors need not be and nonfi ction, and best fi rst novel. “Accepts multiple members of the MLA. DEADLINE: May 1. submissions, each with its own entry form.”

JENNIFER BENNER is the assistant editor of Writing Contests.

108 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

997-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in1087-108CONT_NonfictionListings.in108 108108 88/10/10/10/10 1:52:561:52:56 PMPM SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WRITING COMPETITIONS

riter’s Digest is proud to sponsor fi ve writing competitions each year. Since the fi rst WD contest back in 1933, our winners have Wbeen going on to realize incredible writing success, including: • Nancy Tupper Ling, whose non-rhyming poem won our Annual Writing Competition in 2005. Ling met with agents in New York as part of her prize and saw her fi rst children’s book published a few years later. • Dom Testa, who won our International Self-Published Book Awards in 2005 and then sold his winning young adult book, Galahad 1: Th e Comet’s Curse, and fi ve others to Tor Teen Books. • Tim Slover, whose play, “March Tale,” won its category in our Annual Writing Competition in 1996. He then sold the movie rights for $200,000. • Judith Guest, who won an honorable mention in our Annual Writ- ing Competition in 1972, and went on to write the novel Ordinary People, which was adapted into an Oscar-winning fi lm. Guest later told WD that the honorable mention bolstered her confi dence along her writing journey. It’s true—with entry numbers ranging from the thousands to the tens of thousands, winning a WD contest is not easy. It’s tough competition, for sure—but the prizes are worth it. Th ose who do garner our top prize have an amazing thing to include on their résumé and query letter. Turn the page to learn more about how to enter this year.

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FIRST PLACE: A trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City, $500 cash, publication in Writer’s Digest, and a copy of the 2011 Poet’s Market

Enter the only Writer’s Digest competition exclusively for poets. Whatever your style—rhyming, free verse, haiku or something else—as long as your poems are 32 lines or fewer, we want them all!

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2010

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ENTER ONLINE, VISIT WritersDigest.com/poetryawards

1109-113CONT_WDContests.indd09-113CONT_WDContests.indd 110110 88/10/10/10/10 1:46:551:46:55 PMPM CALL FOR ENTRIES

6TH ANNUAL POPULAR FICTION AWARDS A Short-Story Competition by WRITER’S DIGEST

CALLING ALL FANS OF ROMANCE, MYSTERY AND MORE: Enter the competition that celebrates short stories in today’s most popular genres! GRAND PRIZE: A trip to the Writer’s Digest Conference in New York City, $2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer’s Digest Books, and the 2011 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market

ENTER IN THESE CATEGORIES:

MYSTERY/ SCIENCE FICTION/ THRILLER/ ROMANCE HORROR CRIME FICTION FANTASY SUSPENSE

Just make sure your stories are 4,000 words or fewer, and send in your entries by November 1, 2010.

For more information or to enter online, visit WritersDigest.com/popularfictionawards

1109-113CONT_WDContests.indd09-113CONT_WDContests.indd 111111 88/10/10/10/10 1:47:101:47:10 PMPM SHOW US YOUR SHORTS.

11th Annual WRITER’S DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION WE’RE LOOKING FOR FICTION THAT’S BOLD AND BRILLIANT... BUT BRIEF. Send us your best in 1,500 words or fewer. But don’t be too long about it — deadline is Dec. 1, 2010. PRIZES: FIRST PLACE: $3,000 AND A TRIP TO THE WRITER’S DIGEST CONFERENCE SECOND PLACE: $1,500 • THIRD PLACE: $500 FOURTH THROUGH 10TH PLACE: $100 11th through 25th Place: $50 Gift Certificate for WRITER’S DIGEST BOOKS The names and story titles of the First- through 10th-place winners will be printed in the May/June 2011 Writer’s Digest, and winners will receive the 2011 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market and 2011 Guide to Literary Agents. Plus, all First- through 25th-place winners will receive a free copy of the 11th Annual Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Collection. ENTER ONLINE AT .com/short

11th Annual WRITER’S DIGEST 11th Annual WRITER’S DIGEST SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION SHORT SHORT STORY COMPETITION ENTRY FORM • Deadline: Dec. 1, 2010 The first- through 25th-place manuscripts will be printed in a special competition collection. Use the entry form to order your copy at the I am entering _____ Manuscript(s) at $20 per entry. pre-publication special price! (Publication date: May 2011. You are not required to I am ordering _____ Competition Collection(s) at $11.95 each (includes $1.95 S&H) purchase the collection to enter the contest.) (You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the contest.) Total ______Method of Payment THE RULES Check or money order enclosed (U.S. funds only) 1. The competition is open to manuscripts of 1,500 words or fewer. Entries outside the word limitation will be disregarded. Type the word count on the first page of your entry, Charge my VISA MC Exp.___ along with your name, street address, daytime phone number and e-mail address. Card No. ______2. The entry fee is $20 per manuscript. You may enter as many manuscripts as you wish. You may send one check (in U.S. funds) and one entry form for all entries. Signature ______3. All entries must be in English, original, unpublished and not submitted elsewhere *The charge will appear as “F+W Contests.” at the time of submission. Writer’s Digest retains one-time publication rights to the 1st through 25th-place winning entries to be published in a Writer’s Digest publication. Name ______No refunds will be issued for disqualified entries. Address ______4. All entries must be typewritten and double-spaced on one side of 8½ x 11 or A4 white paper. Manuscripts will not be returned. Entries must be stapled. City ______5. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1, 2010. State/Prov.______ZIP/PC ______6. Winners will be notified by Feb. 14, 2011. If you have not been contacted by this date, you Country______Phone ( )______may assume that your entry is not a finalist and may be marketed elsewhere. E-mail ______7. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard with your entry if you want to be notified of its receipt. We cannot notify you personally of your story’s status before the winners are Please send me information via e-mail about future announced. Writer’s Digest competitions. 8. Winners’ names will appear in the May/June 2011 issue of Writer’s Digest magazine. Their names and story titles will be posted at writersdigest.com after that time. Please make check or money order payable to Writer’s Digest 9. The following are not permitted to enter the competition: employees of F+W Media, Inc. and their immediate families, and Writer’s Digest contributing editors and correspondents in U.S. funds, drawn on a U.S. bank. as listed on the masthead. Mail manuscript(s) and entry fee(s) to: PRIVACY PROMISE The Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition Occasionally we make portions of our customer list available to other companies so they may contact you about products and services that may be of interest to you. If you prefer we 4700 East Galbraith Road • Cincinnati, Ohio 45236 withhold your name, simply send a note with your name, address and the competition name to: List Manager, F+W Media, 4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236. YB1010

1109-113CONT_WDContests.indd09-113CONT_WDContests.indd 112112 88/10/10/10/10 1:47:291:47:29 PMPM 80TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST ANNUAL WRITING COMPETITION MORE THAN $30,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES!

COMPETE AND WIN IN 10 CATEGORIES: Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious) • Memoir/Personal Essay • Magazine Feature Article • Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, Etc.) • Television/Movie Script • Mainstream/Literary Short Story • Rhyming Poetry • Non-Rhyming Poetry • Stage Play • Children’s/Young Adult Fiction

THE COMPETITION OPENS TO ENTRIES SOON! Visit WritersDigest.com/competitions for complete rules, guidelines and to enter.

19TH ANNUAL WRITER’S DIGEST INTERNATIONAL SELF-PUBLISHED BOOK AWARDS MORE THAN $17,000 IN CASH AND PRIZES!

Each year, Writer’s Digest honors self-published authors with the Annual Self-Published Book Awards. And this year is no exception! Here’s your chance to enter our only competition exclusively for self-published books.

THE COMPETITION OPENS TO ENTRIES SOON! Visit WritersDigest.com/competitions for complete rules, guidelines and to enter.

1109-113CONT_WDContests.indd09-113CONT_WDContests.indd 113113 88/10/10/10/10 1:47:401:47:40 PMPM RESOURCES

BY CHUCK SAMBUCHINO AND THE EDITORS OF WRITER’S DIGEST BOOKS

GLOSSARY OF TERMS If you’re going to walk the walk, you’ll need to talk the talk. Here’s your guide to industry terms that savvy writers should know.

#10 ENVELOPE. A standard, business-size envelope. BACKSTORY. Th e history of what has happened before the action in your story takes place, aff ecting a ACQUISITIONS EDITOR. Th e person responsible for character’s current behavior. originating and/or acquiring new publishing projects. BIO. A sentence or brief paragraph about the writer; ADAPTATION. Th e process of rewriting a composition includes work and educational experience. (novel, story, fi lm, article, play) into a form suitable for some other medium, such as TV or the stage. BIOGRAPHY. An account of a person’s life (or the lives of a family or close-knit group) written by someone ADVANCE. Money a publisher pays a writer prior to book publication, usually paid in installments, such other than the subject(s). Th e work is set within the his- as one-half upon signing the contract and one-half torical framework (i.e., the unique economic, social and upon delivery of the complete, satisfactory manu- political conditions) existing during the subject’s life. script. An advance is paid against the royalty money BLURB. Th e copy on paperback book covers or hard- to be earned by the book. Agents take their percent- cover book dust jackets, either promoting the book and age off the top of the advance as well as from the the author or featuring testimonials from book review- royalties earned. ers or well-known people in the book’s fi eld. Also called ADVENTURE. A genre of fi ction in which action is the key fl ap copy or jacket copy. element, overshadowing characters, theme and setting. BOILERPLATE. A standardized publishing contract. AUTHOR’S COPIES. An author usually receives about Most authors and agents make many changes on the 10 free copies of his hardcover book from the publisher; boilerplate before accepting the contract. more from a paperback fi rm. He can obtain additional BOUND GALLEYS. A prepublication, oft en paperbound, copies at a price that has been reduced by an author’s edition of a book, usually prepared from photocopies discount (usually 50 percent of the retail price). of the fi nal galley proofs. Designed for promotional AUTOBIOGRAPHY. A book-length account of a person’s purposes, bound galleys serve as the fi rst set of review entire life written by the subject himself. copies to be mailed out. Also called bound proofs.

BACKLIST. A publisher’s list of books that were not CATEGORY FICTION. A term used to include all types published during the current season, but are still in print. of fi ction. See genre.

114 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

1114-119CONT_Glossary.indd14-119CONT_Glossary.indd 114114 88/10/10/10/10 1:48:181:48:18 PMPM CLIMAX. Th e most intense point in the story line of a DIALOGUE. An essential element of fi ction and, to some fi ctional work. degree, memoir. Dialogue consists of conversations between two or more people, and canbe used heavily CLIPS. Samples, usually from newspapers or magazines, or sparsely. of your published work. Also called tearsheets. DIVISION. An unincorporated branch of a publishing COMMERCIAL FICTION. Novels designed to appeal to house/company. a broad audience. These are often broken down into categories such as western, mystery and romance. ELECTRONIC RIGHTS. Secondary or subsidiary rights See genre. dealing with electronic/multimedia formats (the Internet, CD-ROMs, electronic magazines). CONFLICT. A prime ingredient of fi ction that usually represents some obstacle to the main character’s (i.e., EROTICA. A form of literature or fi lm dealing with the the protagonist’s) goals. sexual aspects of love. Erotic content ranges from subtle sexual innuendo to explicit descriptions of sexual acts. CONTRIBUTOR’S COPIES. Copies of the book sent to the author. Th e number of contributor’s copies is oft en ETHNIC. Stories and novels whose central characters are negotiated in the publishing contract. African American, Native American, Italian American, Jewish, Appalachian or members of some other specifi c COPYEDITING. Editing of a manuscript for writing style, cultural group. Ethnic fi ction usually deals with a pro- grammar, punctuation and factual accuracy. tagonist caught between two confl icting ways of life: COPYRIGHT. A means to protect an author’s work. A mainstream American culture and his ethnic heritage. copyright is a proprietary right designed to give the cre- EXCLUSIVE. Off ering a manuscript, usually for a set ator of a work the power to control that work’s repro- period of time such as one month, to just one agent duction, distribution and public display or performance, and guaranteeing that agent is the only one looking at as well as its adaptation to other forms. the manuscript.

COVER LETTER. A brief letter that accompanies the EXPERIMENTAL. Type of fi ction that focuses on style, manuscript being sent to an agent or publisher. structure, narrative technique, setting and strong CREATIVE NONFICTION. Type of writing where true characterization rather than plot. Th is form depends stories are told by employing the techniques usually largely on the revelation of a character’s inner being, reserved for novelists and poets, such as scenes, char- which elicits an emotional response from the reader. acter arc, a three-act structure and detailed descrip- FAMILY SAGA. A story that chronicles the lives of a fam- tions. Th is category is also called narrative nonfi ction or ily or a number of related or interconnected families literary journalism. over a period of time.

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV). Short account of one’s career FANTASY. Stories set in fanciful, invented worlds or in or qualifi cations. a legendary, mythic past that rely on outright invention or magic for confl ict and setting. DEADLINE. A specifi ed date and/or time that a project or draft must be turned into the editor. A deadline FILM RIGHTS. May be sold or optioned by the agent/ factors into a preproduction schedule, which involves author to a person in the fi lm industry, enabling the copyediting, typesetting, and production. book to be made into a movie.

DEUS EX MACHINA. A term meaning “God from the GENRE. Refers to either a general classifi cation of machine” that refers to any unlikely, contrived or trick writing, such as a novel, poem or short story, or to the resolution of a plot in any type of fi ction. categories within those classifi cations, such as problem

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novels or sonnets. Genre fi ction is a term that covers IRC. International Reply Coupon. Buy at a post offi ce to various types of commercial novels, such as mystery, enclose with material sent outside the country to cover romance, Western, science fi ction and horror. the cost of return postage. Th e recipient turns them in for stamps in their own country. GHOSTWRITING. A writer puts into literary form the words, ideas or knowledge of another person under that ISBN. Th is acronym stands for International Standard person’s name. Some agents off er this service; others Book Number. ISBN is a tool used for both ordering pair ghostwriters with celebrities or experts. and cataloging purposes.

GOTHIC. Novels characterized by historical settings and JOINT CONTRACT. A legal agreement between a pub- featuring young, beautiful women who win the favor of lisher and two or more authors that establishes provi- handsome, brooding heroes while simultaneously deal- sions for the division of royalties their co-written book ing with some life-threatening menace—either natural generates. or supernatural. JUVENILE. Category of children’s writing that can be GRAPHIC NOVEL. Contains comic-like drawings and broken down into easy-to-read books (ages 7–9), which captions, but deals more with everyday events and run 2,000–10,000 words, and middle-grade books (ages issues than with superheroes. 9–12), which run 20,000–40,000 words.

HIGH CONCEPT. A story idea easily expressed in a quick, LIBEL. A form of defamation, or injury to a person’s one-line description. name or reputation. Written or published defamation HI-LO. A type of fi ction that off ers a high level of interest is called libel, whereas spoken defamation is known for readers at a low reading level. as slander.

HISTORICAL. A story set in a recognizable period of LITERARY. A book where style and technique are oft en history. In addition to telling the stories of ordinary as important as subject matter. In literary fi ction, charac- people’s lives, historical fi ction may involve political ter is typically more important than plot, and the writer’s or social events of the time. voice and skill with words are both very essential. Also called serious fi ction. HOOK. Aspect of the work that sets it apart from others and draws in the reader/viewer. LOGLINE. A one-sentence description of a plot.

HORROR. A story that aims to evoke some combination MAINSTREAM FICTION. Fiction on subjects or trends of fear, fascination and revulsion in its readers—either that transcend popular novel categories like mystery through supernatural or psychological circumstances. or romance. Using conventional methods, this kind of fi ction tells stories about people and their confl icts. HOW-TO. A book that off ers the reader a description of how something can be accomplished. It includes both MASS MARKET PAPERBACKS. Soft cover books, information and advice. usually 4×7 inches, on a popular subject directed at a general audience and sold in groceries, drugstores IMPRINT. Th e name applied to a publisher’s specifi c line and bookstores. of books. MEMOIR. An author’s commentary on the personalities IN MEDIAS RES. A Latin term, meaning “into the midst and events that have signifi cantly infl uenced one phase of things,” that refers to the literary device of beginning of his life. a narrative at a dramatic point in a story well along in the sequence of events to immediately convey action MIDLIST. Th ose titles on a publisher’s list expected to and capture reader interest. have limited sales. Midlist books are mainstream, not

116 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

1114-119CONT_Glossary.indd14-119CONT_Glossary.indd 116116 88/10/10/10/10 1:48:341:48:34 PMPM literary, scholarly or genre, and are usually written by PROPOSAL. An off er to an editor or publisher to write a new or relatively unknown writers. specifi c work, usually a package consisting of an outline and sample chapters. MYSTERY. A form of narration in which one or more elements remain unknown or unexplained until the end PSYCHIC/SUPERNATURAL. Fiction exploiting—or requir- of the story. Subgenres include: amateur sleuth, caper, ing as plot devices or themes—some contradictions of the commonplace natural world and materialist assumptions cozy, heist, malice domestic, police procedural, etc. about it (including the traditional ghost story). NET RECEIPTS. One method of royalty payment based QUERY. A letter written to an agent or a potential on the amount of money a book publisher receives on market to elicit interest in a writer’s work. the sale of the book aft er the booksellers’ discounts, special sales discounts and returned copies. READER. A person employed by an agent or buyer to go through the slush pile of manuscripts and scripts and NOVELLA. A short novel or long short story, usually select those worth considering. 20,000–50,000 words. Also called a novelette. REGIONAL. A book faithful to a particular geographic ONE-TIME RIGHTS. Th is right allows a short story or region and its people, including behavior, customs, portions of a fi ction or nonfi ction book to be published speech and history. again without violating the contract. RELEASE. A statement that your idea is original, has OPTION. Th e act of a producer buying fi lm rights to a never been sold to anyone else, and that you are sell- book for a limited period of time (usually six months ing negotiated rights to the idea upon payment. Some or one year) rather than purchasing said rights in full. agents may ask that you sign a release before they request pages and review your work. A book can be optioned multiple times by diff erent production companies. REMAINDERS. Left over copies of an out-of-print or slow- selling book purchased from the publisher at a reduced OPTION CLAUSE. A contract clause giving a publisher rate. Depending on the contract, a reduced royalty or the right to publish an author’s next book. no royalty is paid to the author on remaindered books.

OUTLINE. A summary of a book’s content (up to 15 dou- REPRINT RIGHTS. Th e right to republish a book aft er its ble-spaced pages); oft en in the form of chapter headings initial printing. with a descriptive sentence or two under each one to ROMANCE. A type of category fi ction in which the love show the scope of the book. relationship between a man and a woman pervades the PICTURE BOOK. A type of book aimed at ages 2-6 that plot. Th e story is told from the viewpoint of the hero- tells the story partially or entirely with artwork, with up ine, who meets a man (the hero), falls in love with him, to 1,000 words. Agents interested in selling these books encounters a confl ict that hinders their relationship, and oft en handle both artists and writers. then resolves the confl ict with a happy ending. ROYALTIES. A percentage of the retail price paid to the PLATFORM. A writer’s speaking experience, interview author for each copy of the book that is sold. Agents skills, website, general visibility and other abilities that take their percentage from the royalties earned and help form a following of potential buyers for his book. from the advance.

PROOFREADING. Close reading and correction of a SASE. Self-addressed, stamped envelope. It should be manuscript’s typographical errors. included with all mailed correspondence.

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SCHOLARLY BOOKS. Books written for an academic or TERMS. Financial provisions agreed upon in a contract, research audience. Th ese are usually heavily researched, whether between writer and agent, or writer and editor. technical, and oft en contain terms used only within a TEXTBOOK. Book used in school classrooms at the specifi c fi eld. elementary, high school or college level. SCIENCE FICTION. Literature involving elements of THEME. Th e point a writer wishes to make. It poses a science and technology as a basis for confl ict, or as the question—a human problem. setting for a story. THRILLER. A story intended to arouse feelings of SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSION. Sending the same query excitement or suspense. Works in this genre are highly or manuscript to several contests or publishers at the sensational, usually focusing on illegal activities, same time. international espionage, sex and violence.

SLICE OF LIFE. A type of short story, novel, play or fi lm TOC. Table of Contents. A listing at the beginning of a that takes a strong thematic approach, depending less book indicating chapter titles and their corresponding on plot than on vivid detail in describing the setting page numbers. It can also include chapter descriptions. and/or environment, and the environment’s eff ect on TRADE BOOK. Either a hardcover or soft cover book characters involved in it. sold mainly in bookstores. Th e subject matter frequently SLUSH PILE. A stack of unsolicited submissions in the concerns a special interest for a more general audience. offi ce of an editor, agent or publisher. TRADE PAPERBACK. A soft -bound volume, usually 5×8 SUBSIDIARY. An incorporated branch of a company inches, published and designed for the general public; or conglomerate (e.g., Crown Publishing Group is a available mainly in bookstores. subsidiary of Random House, Inc.). TRANSLATION RIGHTS. Sold to a foreign agent or SUBSIDIARY RIGHTS. All rights other than book pub- foreign publisher. lishing rights included in a book publishing contract, UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPT. An unrequested full such as paperback rights, book club rights and movie manuscript sent to an editor, agent or publisher. rights. Part of an agent’s or entertainment lawyer’s job is to negotiate those rights and advise you on which to sell VET. A term used by editors when referring to the pro- and which to keep. cedure of submitting a book manuscript to an outside expert (such as a lawyer) for review before publica- SUSPENSE. Th e element of both fi ction and some tion. Memoirs are frequently vetted to confi rm factually nonfi ction that makes the reader uncertain about the accuracy before the book is published. outcome. Suspense can be created through almost any element of a story, including the title, characters, plot, WESTERNS/FRONTIER. Stories set in the American West, time restrictions and word choice. almost always in the 19th century, generally between the antebellum period and the turn of the century. SYNOPSIS. A brief summary of a story, novel or play. As a part of a book proposal, it is a comprehensive sum- YOUNG ADULT (YA). Th e general classifi cation of mary condensed in a page or page and a half, single- books written for ages 12–15. Th ey run 40,000–80,000 spaced. Unlike a query letter or logline, a synopsis is words and include category novels—adventure, sports, a front-to-back explanation of the work—and will give paranormal, science fi ction, fantasy, multicultural, away the story’s ending. See outline. mysteries, romance, etc.

118 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

1114-119CONT_Glossary.indd14-119CONT_Glossary.indd 118118 88/10/10/10/10 1:48:501:48:50 PMPM ADVERTISING RESOURCE DIRECTORY

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BY KATE MONAHAN

PERMISSION TO WRITE A TERRIBLE FIRST DRAFT Get the words down on paper before you worry about revision.

hy is it that when I have a huge chunk of time, Th is summer I wrote in a notebook. I wrote longhand. when I have hours spread in front of me to And for some reason, this helped me immensely. Th ere Wdo nothing but write, I can’t write a thing? was less pressure; the act seemed more casual, freer. I A whole day. Hours and hours and hours. Th at is what would scribble whatever thoughts I had onto the page, I had yesterday when the plan had been to write. What never censoring myself. For two weeks, I took to that did I do instead? Th ree loads of laundry. Ate left over notebook, writing for an hour or two fi rst thing in the morning. Surprisingly, some of what I thought was chicken parmesan. Watched repeat episodes of “Th e “shitty” wasn’t that bad when I read it over the follow- Real Housewives of Atlanta.” ing morning. Th ere were some sentences, some images, Th ere is something about the expectation of writ- some whole paragraphs worth saving. And at the end of ing that freezes me up. I had terrible writer’s block this the those two weeks, I had a story. summer (I know, I know, there is really no such thing. Yesterday, I had forgotten all this. Or I had forgot- Truck drivers don’t get driving block.) and I solved it by ten how it really felt to sit, pen in hand, and feel the lowering my standards. I solved it, or worked through freedom to write badly. It really does unlock you, giving it, by allowing myself to write badly. I’m sure most of yourself that permission. But instead of allowing myself you are familiar with Anne Lamott’s book on writing, that freedom yesterday, I procrastinated, even com- Bird by Bird. I’m thinking of it now, how she encourages ing once or twice to the computer to stare at the blank writers to write “shitty fi rst draft s.” She says: screen. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be brilliant right out of the gate, to get it down right the fi rst “I know some great writers, writers you love who write time. At my thesis meeting last week one of the profes- beautifully and have made a great deal of money, and sors said: “Write every day. Just one sentence. Just get it not one of them sits down routinely feeling wildly enthu- down. And by the end of the year you will have a book.” siastic and confi dent. Not one of them writes elegant fi rst It seems impossible, but I look back at those two weeks draft s. All right, one of them does, but we do not like her from this summer and see how I did just that: I got it very much ... Very few writers know what they’re doing down. Th is is my declaration today: Just write. However until they’ve done it.” bad it may be. However shitty the fi rst draft .

KATE MONAHAN is a writer and a former blogger for WD’s MFA Conﬁ dential blog.

128 I COMPLETE GUIDE TO WRITING CONTESTS

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