Regular and Special Writing Competition Rules
Download the Application form
- Eligibility:
- The contest is open to all writers, editors, publishers, photographers, artists and others whose work falls into the designated competition categories (Regular or Special).
- The work must be original and must be published during the competition period from September 1st, 2009 through August 31st, 2010.
- All entries must be published work. Manuscripts and print-outs will not be accepted. Self-published work offered for sale through professional outlets is acceptable; however, vanity publications are not.
- Revisions and up-dates of previously published work are not eligible.
- There is no limit as to the number of times an individual or entity may enter; however, the same material may be entered only once in a regular category.
- Magazines and newsletters must be published at least quarterly.
- Submissions may be made starting June 1st, 2010. The contest closes August 31st, 2010. All entries must be postmarked by September 1st, 2010.
- Submission Format:
- Submit regular categories in triplicate with one entry form for each entry. (One entry form, three copies of material.)
- Submit one additional copy for each special award entry, accompanied by an additional entry form.
- Material must be entered first in Regular category at specified fee to be eligible for Special Award
- For series, submit three sets of copies.
- For columns, submit three columns in triplicate. Only one three-column entry by the same author per publication is eligible.
- Work may be photocopied, or tear sheets may be submitted, with publication date verified.
- For magazines, newsletters and club publications, submit three sets of three issues.
- Neatness and clarity are prerequisites for submission.
- Entry Fees:
- Each regular category entry must be accompanied by a $10 entry fee for current DWAA members and $15 for non-members.
- Each special award entry must be accompanied by a $7 entry fee.
- All entries should be combined in a single check or money order, payable in U.S. funds to DWAA.
- Mailing INSTRUCTIONS:
- Entries must be postmarked by September 1st, 2010. No late entries will be accepted.
- Mail entries to Sue Jeffries, DWAA Contest Chair, 1918 Milburt Drive, Louisville, KY 40223.
- Entries cannot be returned, and all material becomes the property of DWAA for the purposes of administering the contest only.
- DWAA is not responsible for entries lost in transit.
- Entrant Responsibilities:
- It is the responsibility of the entrant to comply with all rules and guidelines. Deviation may result in rejection of the entry and forfeiture of the entry fee.
- The maximum liability of DWAA is limited to refund of the entry fee.
- If the work is entered in the wrong category, DWAA reserves the right to make the correction, at the discretion of the Contest Chair, upon notification to entrant.
- Entries may be made on behalf of someone else, but the name of the person creating the work must be listed as the "entrant," and the person submitting the work must be listed as the "submitter." The submitter is responsible for receiving permission, in writing, from entrant to submit the work prior to making an entry.
- Judging and Awards Information:
- Each entry will be judged by a panel of three judges not affiliated with DWAA. A composite of the judges' scores will determine the nominees and winners.
- The decisions of the judges are final.
- Nominees will be notified by mail between December 1st and December 10th, 2010.
- Names of nominees will be published on DWAA's website starting December 15th, 2010, and in the January 2011 DWAA newsletter.
- Winners will be announced at the Awards Banquet held in New York City Sunday evening, February 13th, 2011.
- Nominees in the regular categories will receive certificates; winners will also receive the DWAA Maxwell Medallion, named in honor of the late Maxwell Riddle.
- Special Awards:
- Special Awards are made possible through the generosity of individuals and organizations, and consist of cash grants as noted in the Special Awards list.
- An entry must be entered in a regular category to be considered for a Special Award.
See Submission Format above for specifics. - Winners will be announced at the February 13, 2011 Awards Banquet.
Please feel free to contact the Contest Chair by email, or by telephone at (502) 245-1070 (day or night, Eastern time zone). QUESTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED! A quick call or e-mail before entering could save everybody a lot of time.