SWW Storyteller

The SouthWest Writers
International Writing Contest 2012
Call for Entries

First through third place winners will be awarded in twelve categories. All first place winners will automatically compete for the grand prize, the Storyteller Award. The entries must be original, unpublished (see definition below) and in English. You do not have to be a member of SouthWest Writers (SWW) to enter.

Click here for a copy of the 2012 Contest Rules in .pdf format.
Click here for a copy of the 2012 Contest Entry Form.pdf format.

Deadline: Postmarked May 1, 2012
Postmarked May 2-15, 2012, late fee applies.

Mail your completed entry forms to:
SouthWest Writers
3721 Morris St. NE, Ste. A
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111

Categories

FICTION

1. 1. Mainstream/Literary Novel:
Submit the first 20 double-spaced pages of the manuscript and a single-spaced (two-page maximum) synopsis.

2. Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Adventure Novel:
Submit the first 20 double-spaced pages of the manuscript and a single-spaced (two-page maximum) synopsis.

3. Juvenile or Young Adult Novel:
Submit the first, 20 double-spaced pages of the manuscript and a single-spaced (two-page maximum) synopsis.

4. Historical/Western Novel:
Submit the first 20 double-spaced pages of the manuscript and a single-spaced (two-page maximum) synopsis.

5. Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror Short Story:
Submit a double-spaced manuscript of 4000-6000 words with the word count in the upper right corner of the first page.

6. Mainstream/Literary Short Story:
Submit a double-spaced manuscript of 4000-6000 words with the word count in the upper right corner of the first page.

NONFICITION

7. Nonfiction Book Proposal:
Submit the first three chapters or the first 50 pages, whichever is less, a chapter outline of no more than three pages and a query letter of no more than two pages.

8. Memoir:
Submit the first 20 double-spaced pages of the manuscript and a single-spaced (two-page maximum) synopsis.

9. Nonfiction Essay:
Submit a double-spaced manuscript of no more than 2500 words with the word count in the upper right corner of the first page.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK (FICTION OR NONFICTION)

10. Children’s Fiction or Nonfiction Picture Book:
Submit the entire double-spaced manuscript (maximum of 500 words) without illustrations.

SCREENPLAY

11. Screenplay:
Submit the first 20 pages in industry-standard format plus a one-page, single-spaced synopsis. The screenplay must be unoptioned at the time of submission.

POETRY

12. Poetry:
Submit one poem of up to three pages or three Haiku on one page.

Definition of Unpublished

The submitted work must not be available to the public for sale. This includes, but is not limited to, the following venues: eBooks (Nook, Kindle, iBooks), Traditional Publishing (HarperCollins, etc.), or Print-on-Demand (Amazon or other distributors with an ISBN assigned).

Entry Fees

SOUTHWEST WRITERS MEMBERS

Postmarked no later than May 1, 2012
Contest Only $20
Contest and Critique $45
Poetry Only $10
Poetry and Critique $30

Postmarked May 2-15, 2012
Contest Only $30
Contest and Critique $55
Poetry Only $15
Poetry and Critique $35

NON-MEMBERS

Postmarked no later than May 1, 2012
Contest Only $35
Contest and Critique $60
Poetry Only $20
Poetry and Critique $40

Postmarked May 2-15, 2012
Contest Only $45
Contest and Critique $70
Poetry Only $25
Poetry and Critique $45

Submission Requirements

1. Each entry must be in a separate envelope accompanied by a completed Entry Form and Entry Fee. No certified mail. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you want notification of receipt. Contestants must provide an email address.

2. The Category Number must appear on the outside of the envelope below the return address.

3. The Category Name and Number must be circled on the entry form.

4. First place manuscripts from previous SWW Contests are ineligible.

5. The manuscript must be printed on one side of 8-1/2 x 11 or A4 white paper in 12-point Courier or Times New Roman font. All manuscripts must be double-spaced. Screenplays should follow industry-specific standards. Brads should not be included.

6. Do NOT type your name anywhere on the manuscript or synopsis.

7. Submit one copy of the manuscript and synopsis (if required). Manuscripts will not be returned.

8. If you request a written critique: Submit TWO (2) copies of your manuscript plus a 9 x 12 self-addressed envelope with enough postage affixed for return mail (i.e. a large SASE). NO METERED POSTAGE AND NO SIGNATURE-REQUIRED DELIVERY. The critiqued manuscript will be returned by August 31, 2012. Poetry critiques may use a smaller number 9 or 10 return envelope.

Mail your completed entry forms to:

SouthWest Writers
3721 Morris St. NE, Ste. A
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87111

Prizes and Notifications

Winners will be notified in August 2012 by email. Winners’ names will be posted on the SWW website at or about the same time.

Prizes are as follows: 1st Place $200; 2nd Place $150; 3rd Place $100. All First Place Winners automatically compete for the $1,500 Storyteller Award.

Judging

Contest judging takes place in two rounds. A committee of writers and editors selects the top twenty entries and sends them to the round two judges who are genre specific. From these top twenty, the three winning entries are identified.

The top three winners in each category receive a critique from the commissioned judge.

Contacting any judge about an entry during the contest period will result in automatic disqualification.

The professional editors, agents and/or publishers who serve as judges are not employees of SouthWest Writers (SWW). Their opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SouthWest Writers.

SouthWest Writers reserves the right to disqualify any entry if contest rules are not followed, in which case the entry fee will not be refunded. Common mistakes include:
a. Writer’s name appears on the manuscript.
b. Incorrect fee is enclosed.
c. Incorrect number of manuscripts is submitted for critique.
d. No return address appears on the SASE.
e. Failure to fill out the Entry Form correctly (i.e. omitted or illegible address, email address or phone number).

By entering the contest, you agree that matters relating to the contest, which are not specifically covered by these rules, will be decided solely at the discretion of contest officials. You will accept as final and be bound by all judges’ decisions. You understand and agree that your manuscript will be evaluated subjectively, and SWW cannot accept liability for consequences arising from any opinion expressed. You agree to hold harmless and indemnify SWW, its agents, employees, and volunteers for any and all losses, costs, or expenses incurred from any dispute arising from your participation in the contest.

Critique Service

All entrants may request a critique by a professional writer, agent or editor by enclosing the appropriate fee with the Entry Form. Please submit two copies of your manuscript instead of one, and enclose a 9 x12 SASE with the correct return postage (not metered mail). Poetry critiques may use a smaller number 10 or 9 envelope.

See critique service pricing above under Entry Fees.

Click here for a copy of the 2012 Contest Rules in .pdf format.

Click here for a copy of the 2012 Contest Entry Form.pdf format.

If you need a .pdf reader, click here for the latest free version of Adobe Reader .