This contest has been around longer than most of us have been alive (which is no guarantee of anything, but still…). It offers six cash awards in each of ten categories, and one grand prize of $3000. Deadline is May 2, but the rules indicate a “late entry date” of May 20 that will cost a $5 fee added to the $25 entry cost. Enter online or by snail mail. Categories are:
- Inspirational Writing (spiritual/religious)
- Memoir/Personal Essay
- Magazine Feature Article
- Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
- Mainstream/Literary Short Story
- Rhyming Poetry
- Non-rhyming Poetry
- Stage Play
- Television/Movie Script
- Children’s/Young Adult Fiction
In addition to cash prizes in each category, there are other nice perks. Subscriptions to writer’s digest and discounts for online seminars. A local friend got one of the certificates given to the 11th – 100th place winners in each group, and it was a truly nice recognition that his submission had merit and an encouragement to keep at it.
So, nothing ventured…
The First Gates 
Thanks for sharing about this contest. I’ve been thinking about entering it. What categories will you be submitting to?
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I’m not sure. I have the opening of a YA novel on hand, so that is a no-brainer, but for the future, I am really drawn to the category of spiritual reflection. I’m just wrapping my head around the idea that some kind of certified expertise is not required to share one’s experience.
Beyond that, I just finished the first draft of a second short-short story for the contest hosted by the Sacramento branch of the CWC. Details are here in the Jan. 13 post. Have fun!
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WHERE DO i SEND MS FOR 80TH ANNUAL CONTEST?
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The 80th annual contest ended last spring year. Here is the link for the 81st: http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions/writers-digest-annual-competition
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