2020 Writing Contest Rules
The Palouse Writers Guild 2020 writing contest is open to all people regardless of whether they are members of the Palouse Writers Guild.
Awards
1st Prize, $100
2nd Prize, $50 Book People Gift Card
3rd Prize, $25 Book People Gift Card
PWG Writing Contest Rules
- Send only the first chapter of your novel. Novels may be on any theme or genre.
- All manuscripts must be printed on 8 ½” X 11” white paper, with 1” margins, ragged right margin, and chapter must begin 1/3 of the way down the first page.
- All manuscripts must be double spaced and use Times New Roman font in 12 point size.
- Include the following information in the header: PWG 2020 Contest / Chapter or Book Title / Page #
- DO NOT place your name anywhere on the manuscript.
- Manuscripts may be printed on one or both sides of the paper. (We prefer both sides because it saves paper.)
- Multiple submissions are allowed and can be mailed in the same envelope.
- You must submit two hard copies of each entry.
- All entries must be post marked no later than February 15, 2020.
- Judges decisions are final.
To Submit
- Mail two copies of your entry to: Palouse Writers Guild, PO Box 52, Viola, ID 83872.
- Include a cover sheet with your name, contact information, and the title(s) of your submission(s).
- Submission fee is $10 per entry. Submission fee can be paid either by check or online. Checks should be made out to the Palouse Writers Guild and included with your entry. If you pay online, print a copy of your receipt and include it with your submission. Online payments will not be accepted after February 15, 2020. To pay online use the Palouse Writers Guild website.
Winners will be announced at 6:30 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2020 during the Palouse Writers Guild Books & Brews event. Manuscripts and judges’ rubrics will be available for pick-up after the winners are announced. Any manuscripts not collected the night of the event will be destroyed. Judges will be librarians from the Latah County Library District and Neill Public Library.
Please let me know the word count for submission
Thank you,
Hemlata Vasavada
We did not set a min/max word count. Just send the first chapter of your novel.
I’ve great interest in getting my manuscript and rubric back after the contest concludes, but should pandemic conditions persist it may be necessary to forego the event meeting. Can other arrangements be made if it is looking like a problem come June?
Right now we are hoping the festival is far enough in the future that it will not be impacted. If the universe conspires against us, the choice is to postpone rather than cancel. No decision will be made until after June 1st. In the meantime, enjoy “Camp Covid-19” and keep writing!
Will you be having a Children’s Book contest any time soon? I have written a couple of them (would be published) as picture books.
Hi Rita–
Since this is our first time ever holding a contest, we want to make sure we can run one successfully before branching out into other contest. That said, I would like to let you know about an upcoming children’s workshop, “So You Want to Write a Book for Kids: The Ins and Outs of Traditional Children’s Book Publishing.” This workshop is scheduled to run as part of the Palouse Writers Festival, set for June 27, 2020. I hope you will be able to attend. More information about that workshop will be posted as we get closer to the date. Cheers.
Hello!
I apologize if I overlooked this. Are self-published novels that have been on the market eligible or is this for unpublished works only?
Thanks for your time,
Robert
Hi Robert–
Good Question! Our intent was for this be to unpublished manuscripts. However, that is not stated in the rules, so published works are allowed. (This year, anyway. Next year, I’ll be sure the rules more clearly state our intent.)
Ah, got it. Thank you very much! And please forgive the second inquiry. I looked at the website and thought the original had disappeared and figured I’d better send another one.
Thanks again Khaliela,
Robert
Hi,
Are self-published works eligible or is the contest for unpublished manuscripts?
Thanks for your time,
Robert
Apologies for the repeat question. I erroneously thought the first one had disappeared. Thanks for the answer. Much appreciated!
I did something stupid. I mailed my submission on Saturday and forgot to drop in my check. Can I send a check to catch up to my submission? I read that the 15th was the deadline, as well, to pay online. What can I do? Please help.
Hi!
Is this an annual contest? Is the deadline for 2021 February 15 still?
Have not received any emails about this, and the website does not appear to updated.
Thank you!
Diane Rich
Yes, this is an annual contest.
You can find all the updated information here: https://palousewritersguild.org/2020/11/pwg-2021-writing-contests/