2013 Wyoming Writers, Inc., Writing Contest
The 2013 Wyoming Writers, Inc., writing contest is now closed - deadline was March 15, 2013. We thank those who entered and wish them "good luck" on their submissions!
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In addition to our usual categories—children’s, adult short stories, nonfiction, traditional poetry, and free verse—we’re combining two short, fun categories for our 2013 writing contest. Our combo category “Short and Sweet” will challenge your writing skills, really make you make those words count! Tell us a story in flash fiction (500 words or fewer—genre is your choice, but keep it clean!), or if you’ve missed the story, song, and fun of limericks (rhymed quintets), entice our judges … but again, keep ‘em clean. The length and style of this new category fits well into our way-too-busy lives and may be just the answer for Open Mic aficionados who need to stay within allotted podium time.
What we’re looking for; the entry fees for each category; and what you can win:
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Adult fiction—3000 words maximum—$15 for one member-submitted entry, $10 for one additional entry; $20 for one non-member entry, $15 for each additional entry
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Children’s/Juvenile Fiction—3000 words maximum—$15 for one member-submitted entry, $7.50 for one additional entry; $20 for one non-member entry, $10 for one additional entry
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Nonfiction—Personal experience and memoirs; journalism articles—3000 words maximum—$15 for one member-submitted entry, $7.50 for one additional entry; $20 for one non-member entry, $10 for one additional entry
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Traditional poetry—40 lines maximum (up to three poems per entry, one page per poem)—$10 for one poem, $3 each for up to two additional member-submitted poems; $15 for one non-member entry and $3 each for no more than two additional poems.
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Free Verse—40 lines maximum (up to three poems per entry, one page per poem)—$10 for one poem, $3 each for up to two additional member-submitted poems; $15 for one non-member entry and $3 each for no more than two additional poems.
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“Short and Sweet”—500 words or fewer for Flash Fiction; standard rhymed quintet for Limericks—$10 for one member-submitted piece of flash fiction or one limerick, $5 each for up to two additional entries in this category; $15 for one non-member piece, $7.50 each for up to two additional entries.
If your entry is the favorite in its category, you walk away with $50 and a nice certificate. Second place winners take home $30 and a certificate; third place gets you $20 and a certificate; and honorable mentions, if awarded, receive certificates. Winners will also have an opportunity to be published on our website or in the Wyo-Writer.
Manuscript Preparation:
Each entry must be accompanied by a typed cover sheet (on 8 ½” X 11” white paper) that includes the following information: category entered; title of work; number of lines for poetry, word count for fiction and nonfiction; author’s name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
Use standard manuscript format: one-inch margins around, with only title and page number included in the header/footer. Author’s name must not appear anywhere on submitted copies of the manuscripts. Begin title and double-spaced copy for flash fiction, short stories, or articles halfway down the page, preferably using 12-point, Times New Roman or Courier font (no fancy fonts or colors, only standard white typing paper, please!). Secure pages with paper clips; do not use staples. Do not use any kind of folder or binder. Poems may be single-spaced, should be kept to one page, and must not exceed the 40-line maximum.
Submit two copies of each typed entry and keep copies of all you submit as entries will not be returned. Include a self-addressed, stamped postcard for acknowledgment of receipt, listing the names of submissions for your convenience. All entries must be previously unpublished, not submitted or under contract elsewhere at the time of submission, and original to the author submitting the work. Do follow these guidelines or your work will be disqualified.
Entries must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2013 and mailed with appropriate entry fees – make checks to Wyoming Writers, Inc., noting “contest entry fee”. Mail entries to: A. M. Hummel, 89 Strawberry Hill Road, Hulett, WY 82720.