2008 Contest Rules

Categories

You may enter as many manuscripts as you wish in any of the following categories. Each entry must be mailed separately with an entry form and proper entry fee.

1. Mainstream or Literary Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

2. Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Adventure Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

3. Romance Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

4. Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

5. Historical/American Frontier/Western Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

6. Middle Grade or Young Adult Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

7. Christian Novel: 1st 20 pages double-spaced + single-spaced synopsis, 2 pages maximum.

8. Memoir Book: 1st 20 pages double-spaced, no synopsis.

9. Memoir Article: 1,500 words maximum, double-spaced, with word count.

10. Mainstream or Literary Short Story: 5,000 words maximum, double-spaced, with word count.

11. Middle Grade or Young Adult Short Story: 5,000 words maximum, double-spaced, with word count.

12. Nonfiction/Essay Article: 1,500 words maximum, double-spaced, with word count.

13. Nonfiction Book: 1st 10 pages double-spaced + double-spaced 10-page book proposal + 1 page single-spaced query letter.

14. Children's Picture Book Fiction/Nonfiction: Entire manuscript, 10 double-spaced pages maximum.

15. Screenplay: 1st 20 pages + 1 page synopsis (using industry-standard formatting, Courier font, brad-bound).

16. Poetry: Any form, format, spacing or number of poems, 5 pages maximum.

Rules/Deadlines/Judging

1. Each entry must be in a separate envelope accompanied by an entry form and entry fee. No certified mail. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped postcard if you want notification of receipt.

2. Mark entry category number on envelope below return address.

3. Your entry must be written in English, original, and unpublished or un-optioned at time of submittal.

4. If your manuscript previously won 1st prize in a particular category, it is ineligible for that category.

5. Using standard manuscript formatting, your 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. Synopses and query letters are single-spaced; poems and scripts are any spacing; all other categories and book proposals are double-spaced.

6. Your name may not appear anywhere on the manuscript, synopsis, query or book proposal.

7. Entries must be postmarked by May 1, 2008. Late entries must be postmarked by May 15, 2008 and accompanied by an additional $5.

8. Entries without critiques will not be returned. Submit 2 copies of entry, following specified rules. No return envelope is needed.

9. Entries with optional, purchased critiques will be returned. Submit 3 copies of entry + a large, self-addressed envelope with enough postage stamps affixed to return materials. NO METERED POSTAGE.

10. Entries with an optional, purchased critique will be critiqued by a well-qualified contest critiquer in the category entered. Critiques will be returned in August, 2008.

11. All manuscripts will be screened by a panel and the top 10 in each category will be sent to appropriate editors or literary agents to determine the final top 3 places. The top 3 winners will also receive a critique from the judging editor or literary agent. Contacting any judge about an entry is an automatic disqualification.

12. Entrants retain all rights to their entries. By entering this contest, you agree to abide by the rules, agree that decisions by the judges are final, and agree that no refunds will be awarded.

13. Winners in each category are notified in August, 2008. 1st Prize, $150; 2nd Prize, $100, 3rd Prize, $50. 1st place winners are eligible for the $1,000 Storyteller Award. A contest banquet in September, 2008 (tba) will be held to announce and honor the top 3 winners in each category. Winners will be posted on the SWW website following the awards banquet.

SouthWest Writers Contest 2008

The 2008 SouthWest Writers Writing Contest encourages and honors excellence in writing. In addition to competing for cash prizes and the coveted Storyteller Award, contest entrants may receive an optional written critique of their entry from a qualified contest critiquer.

The 2008 SouthWest Writers Writing Contest is open to all sentient beings in the entire universe, without exception.

SouthWest Writers also has a critique service staffed by professional critiquers for any writers wishing an optional critique to help polish their manuscripts before entering this or any other contest. The SWW Critique Service is completely independent from the contest, has different staff, and its use has no effect whatsoever on contest eligibility or judging. See www.southwestwriters.com for details and prices.

To print a copy of these rules click here for this information in .pdf format