2024 Writing Contests

It’s writing contest time!

You spoke, we listened. This year there will be two categories for short stories: novice and general entry. Anyone who has been published (yes, even self-published) goes in the general entry category. The novice category is limited to those writers who have never been published in any capacity.

Information for both contests is below. Submission guidelines are the same for both contests. Multiple submissions are allowed and can be mailed in the same envelope.

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First Chapter Contest

Awards

1st Prize, $100
2nd Prize, $50 Book People Gift Card
3rd Prize, $25 Book People Gift Card
Outstanding Young Writer, $50 (Must be under 18 as of February 15, 2024.)

First Chapter Contest Rules

1. Send only the first chapter of your novel. Novels may be on any theme or genre.
2. 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.
3. All manuscripts must be double spaced and use Times New Roman font in 12-point size.
4. Include the following information in the header: First Chapter Contest / Chapter or Book Title / Page #
5. DO NOT place your name anywhere on the manuscript.
6. Manuscripts may be printed on one or both sides of the paper. (We prefer both sides because it saves paper.)
7. Chapters from previously published works will not be accepted.
8. Judges’ decisions are final.

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Short Story Contest

Awards for each category:

1st Prize, $50
2nd Prize, $25 BookPeople Gift Card

Short Story Contest Rules

1. Writers who have never been published (traditional or self-published) may enter the novice category. All others fall under the general entry category.
2. Stories must be limited to 3,000 words and may be on any theme or genre except erotica.
3. All manuscripts must be printed on 8 ½” X 11” white paper, with 1” margins, ragged right margin, and story must begin 1/3 of the way down the first page.
4. All manuscripts must be double spaced and use Times New Roman font in 12-point size.
5. Include the following information in the header: Short Story Contest / Category / Story Title / Page #
6. DO NOT place your name anywhere on the manuscript.
7. Manuscripts may be printed on one or both sides of the paper. (We prefer both sides because it saves paper.)
8. Judges’ decisions are final.

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To Submit

1. Mail two copies of each entry to: Palouse Writers Guild, PO Box 52, Viola, ID 83872.
2. Include a cover sheet with your name, contact information, and the title(s) of your submission(s).
3. Short story submissions must include category: novice or general entry.
4. If you are under 18, include your age on the cover sheet.
5. All entries must be post marked no later than February 15th.
6. 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 15th. To pay online use the following links:
   First Chapter Contest, Pay HERE.
   Short Story Contest, Pay HERE.

Winners will be announced at 5:30 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024 during the Palouse Writers Festival 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.